Drugs or exercise and vitamins?

Just curious how you made out with Dr McCormick. Did you meet him in person or on line? I have his book, it's very technical, but still some great info. Hope you had a positive experience.

I met him in person. I saw him in 2020 before treatment as well. Dr. McCormick has suffered several fractures in the past so he is very understanding, as well as knowledgeable. I read his new book "Great Bones" cover to cover but can't say I retained most of it! It is great for reference. He asked me to get a P1NP blood test to see if my Tymlos is still working. My spine is pretty good now after 18 months of Tymlos but femur neck is still -3.6 (up from -4.1). So Dr. McC. thinks that I could do more Tymlos if it is still effective. My endo doesn't do blood markers so I met with my PCP and requested it.

I'm glad he's been able to help you. I have learned a lot from his videos and book. I see my endo in July.
I will be going in with a LONG list of questions and he's probably not going to like it! But I'm hoping he'll be willing to work with me. Best of luck to you!

Really appreciate your input! I’m sorry you have had to deal with the fractures and that is exactly why I am scared to not take it. However, I have heard the same came happen later in life from taking the meds. My head is just spinning. I definitely don’t want to deal with fractures! My last DEXA scan was -2.5 in my left hip. I have increased my exercise and have been doing the calcium and vitamin D just not sure that is enough. Thank you again and God bless.

I think this is his website…
https://sciatica.org/
I’ve just ordered his DVD…also, calcium and Vit D are not the only supplements you need to be taking. Dr R Keith McCormick has an excellent book that tells you what you need. My functional medicine doctor was tremendously helpful getting me going on the right path to try to handle my osteoporosis with diet and exercise.

@cmiller59 only bisphosphonates (Fosamax, Reclast etc.) and Prolia increase the risk of atypical femur fractures, and with those, it is only over a long period of time for most. Evenity poses this risk to a much lesser extent and is only used for a year. Forteo and Tymlos do not have this effect. I am very pro-meds for those with serious osteoporosis but you are actually borderline in the hip and scans vary. What is your score for spine? You might benefit from natural approaches for now, depending on what providers tell you. Check out the "Whole Body Approach to Osteoporosis" or the 700 page "Great Bones," both by Keith McCormick.

My spinal score is -1.4. That actually started out at -1.9 and has gotten a little better. It was just my hip that got worse. I really appreciate your reply. It was very helpful and I will look into the two topics you mentioned!!! Hugs

@cmiller in my experience DEXA scores jump around a little (I keep a chart since 2001) but apart from that, why do you think your spinal score improved?

So you have -1.4 spine and -2.5 hip. I would get a second opinion from an endocrinologist. They may have a protocol to prescribe something with the -2.5 but I would hesitate to take anything at this point- that's me, maybe you maybe not. Again, ask a doc.

It also depends on your age. Once you go on Fosamax or whatever, you don't want to be on too long and then what do you do? If you go on Prolia, you have to follow with Reclast. You are not severe enough for Evenity, Forteo or Tymlos and probably won't be.

Do you have a fracture risk? It sounds like you are doing relatively well and with those scores I would think about more holistic approaches first, but again, that is me and I am not advising you on what to do! You know I am a big fan of meds for significant osteoporosis!

Coming back to say a few more things..."senile osteoporosis" menas, I was told, osteoporosis caused by aging.

Reclast stays in the system a long time. It may be that you can do an infusion and take a break, or do it for a few times and take a break. I don't know if this is true with Fosamax. These are things to discuss with the docs.

I wish everyone could have a target of -2.0 and take a bone-builder like Tymlos, Forteo or Evenity until they reach that but I also understand saving those big guns for when things are more dire.

If you cannot take Fosamax and/or have a fracture, insurance may cover those stronger meds.

I have decided to not take meds due to side effects. Doctored play down side effects due to the percent of people who experience them. But I’ve been in that small percentage twice so no thank you.
There is a book out by Margaret Martin - Exercise for Better Bones- and Dr. Fishman’s 12 Yoga Exercises for Osteoporosis on you tube.
Exercises need to be weight bearing. I also use ankle weights for specific exercises for my legs.
I take Algaecal, Bone and Marrow, Ultra K2, Vitamin D3, eat foods high in calcium. You can find lists of those foods via Google.
I’m several months away from another dexascan, so will see if mine is better.
Best to everyone on this journey!