Osteoporosis and Frax score?

Posted by lamay @lamay, Jun 9, 2023

Recently diagnosed with osteoporosis (56) in femoral neck (-2.6) and osteopenia in hips (2.5), spine still good, so far. The endocrinologist said to start Reclast asap but didn't give me a Frax score (chance of fracture over next 10 yrs.) so I used the online calculator. It showed a score of 2.0% for hip fracture and 9.2% for major osteoporatic fracture. The Endocrinology Society recommends pharmalogical treatment if scores are at least 3.0% & 20%. I'm trying to get a 2nd opinion but it's hard to know where to turn and hard to get appointments that aren't far far in the future. Meanwhile I'm working on diet and exercise. I'm concerned about starting a medication too early or too late. Any advice or similar experiences?

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@leeosteo

bunky44, sounds like you've done well without meds. May I ask your age? It's usually harder, if not impossible, to regain bone density post menopause.

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Morning leeosteo~
I can only speak for myself and how I feel about the choices I've made..as I would hope you all do as well. What works for one..may not be a good fit for others..we all know that.
Yes..life in general doesn't get easier for any of us that live longer..life itself is a diminishing skill to maintain!
I will be 79 in a few months and honestly..most of the time I feel great and ageless...and yes..I admit to stairs being uncomfortable..because of knee pain from OA...and yes..if I lift anything heavier then 8 lbs..I get mid-back pains..later....so I try and avoid lifting heavy things. But...I just painted my kitchen..up and down my step ladder..reaching high up....not an easy task...I did feel like I had over done myself that evening..so I sat with my hot packs on my back and hips and took 1/4 of a percocet and used my infrared belt as well. I went to bed...next day..no more pains! I feel so very fortunate to not be in persistent pain. I got myself a little pedometer that I wear to be that little reminder to get up and walk..go for a walk..doing something, I tell myself!...just keep moving....and, must say..I feel better for it!
We may not be able to rebuild bone density as we age as easily then when we were young and had dense bone structures..but we also don't have to give up on staying as fit as we can..without stressing over it all...and the inevitability of aging. I'm learning as I go...always looking for more comfort in my life...and peace of mind. I am so very fortunate to have only myself and my kitty to take care of now...that's quite enough for me to deal with...more time for play!
Oh...I do take a lot of supplements and eat a healthy diet..I'm still 5'4" and weigh 126lbs. Feeling great today!
I wish you all the best you can be!

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Just wanted to add the link, which permits to understand better the values of FRAX.
https://www.healthline.com/health/frax-score#fa-qs
The doctor who put the diagnosis of osteoporosis for me did not mention FRAX, but other specialist whom I consulted, evaluated from my DEXA scan the FRAX for major osteoporotic fracture - 4,4.

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@windyshores

@bunky44 of course we all respect each other's decisions. But I would ask that you explain this statement: "and the contra-indications of these powerful drugs are long lasting and can be insidious as well". I have not found this to be true for Tymlos, at least so far. I am honestly afraid a statement like that could encourage people who need meds to avoid them. I care because I was too late taking meds and my life is very much affected by fractures- far more than by any med! We feel strong and invulnerable until it happens to us.

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Morning windyshores~
Thank you for your response.
I'm not saying anything that big pharma isn't also stating in their commercials for their oseo drugs. They mention the possibilities of cause and effect of taking their drugs..like a buyer beware claim...SO....I would advise all that are interested and concerned about what they take for anything..to do their own due diligence and glean the knowledge that's out there....then one can make an educated decision to do what feels right for them to do. I also highly recommend that because of the seriousness of having osteoporosis itself..I would also hope that we can find ones in the medical fields that could also contribute to the personal equation and questions we could pose. We're not educated in these fields..and look to the professionals for advice..not consent, per se....
It's up to us all to do what feels right to do. No judgement here.
I have no knowledge about specific drugs..as I'm not up to date with the new ones. Tymlos might do great things for you..I'm hoping, of course...
I don't feel that I'm encouraging folks not to take the medications offered..I'm only saying that it's quite a personal decision and that we should not take it lightly.
I had severe endometriosis as a young women and had many injections of depro-provera ....had a hysterectomy at 25....then became an athlete for the many years since. I was shocked at my first DEXA scores...at 65...having led such a physical lifestyle. But...the depropervera had done its damage...it is a bone losing drug. I had no idea at the time of course...I was just interested in stopping the debilitating pain and hemorrhaging the endo was causing me.
I admit to being perhaps a bit overly cautious about the 'drugs' I take. For sure that only applies to me and my comfort levels. I'm merely sharing what I'm doing. I may not be getting anywhere in trying to rebuild my bone density without taking the drugs offered for it. But..for me...I feel...what I'm doing is working for me...so far. I wish all of you the very best in whatever decisions you make ...all the best to you all. I want us all to win!
Having three thoracic compression frax's and a bulging disc in L-5..keeps me doing what I can to stay out of pain and up-right. I still feel strong as well and vulnerable..I'm not looking to merely fool myself into thinking that I'm all good to go....but, mentally..I do work on it and do what I can to keep it all going...with peace of mind leading the way. My best to you all.

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@leeosteo

omgirl, T-scores are the bone density scores you receive when going through a DEXA exam.

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Well I certainly feel ‘stupid’ but didn’t realize that’s what they called the measurements.. Thanks for enlightening me as this is a basic term that I should definitely know..🤦‍♀️

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@melia7

to timely:
You are mistaken about vibration platform. It is low frequency vibration and it does not contribute to worsening of knee arthritis. I am using the platform for 2,5 months and I have knee arthritis. I have not noticed worsening of my arthritis pains or more problems when I walk.

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Do you have the vibration mini or a larger one.

I am concerned about falling using this.
Any feedback, comments on that?

Many thanks.

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@timely

Do you have the vibration mini or a larger one.

I am concerned about falling using this.
Any feedback, comments on that?

Many thanks.

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to timely:
The measurements of my platform are 46 / 36 cms. I put it close to the wall and it can support me if I feel misbalanced.

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Very interesting stuff I have Osteoporosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis and I decided not to take medicine because of the side effects and possible health issues they can create for many

I NEED to find a way to up my bone density and chair yoga and swimming in a warm pool can do it and yes vitamin D3 needs Vitamin K with it to process in your body correctly I've read so D3 alone is not enough

What about yogurt and kefir can that help in small doses like 4oz daily for those who can take in dairy and Kale has a lot of vitamin K as well and eggs D3

Walking in nature like going to the Botanical Gardens I have a membership and I've gone like 4 times already this Spring and the Zoo we love the Zoo's we go on road trips and I've been to like 30 different ones in the US there always something different to see

How about walking in the Forest Preserves or Prairies if you can even just walking around the block for 20min with some low hand weights listening to the sounds of nature ALL around you will up lift your spirits and build your bones up too..🌈

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@lovelyday

Very interesting stuff I have Osteoporosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis and I decided not to take medicine because of the side effects and possible health issues they can create for many

I NEED to find a way to up my bone density and chair yoga and swimming in a warm pool can do it and yes vitamin D3 needs Vitamin K with it to process in your body correctly I've read so D3 alone is not enough

What about yogurt and kefir can that help in small doses like 4oz daily for those who can take in dairy and Kale has a lot of vitamin K as well and eggs D3

Walking in nature like going to the Botanical Gardens I have a membership and I've gone like 4 times already this Spring and the Zoo we love the Zoo's we go on road trips and I've been to like 30 different ones in the US there always something different to see

How about walking in the Forest Preserves or Prairies if you can even just walking around the block for 20min with some low hand weights listening to the sounds of nature ALL around you will up lift your spirits and build your bones up too..🌈

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@lovelyday I post here because I was feeling strong and then suffered horrible fractures from one unwise movement. I felt invulnerable because osteoporosis has no symptoms.

If your scores aren't too bad, a more holistic approach can work for awhile. I was not able to get on meds for years, despite trying. Just want you to know that I have found Tymlos to be very tolerable. I started at a low dose and ramped up, and have never taken the full dose. The pen has 8 "clicks" and I do 6 or7. I have gained 20% in my spine. Just something to keep under your hat. Even if it had side effects, they would be a whole lot better than the pain and disability I have from fractures.

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@leeosteo

bunky44, sounds like you've done well without meds. May I ask your age? It's usually harder, if not impossible, to regain bone density post menopause.

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Where did you learn that it is impossible to regain bone density post menopause?

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@bunky44

Morning leeosteo~
I can only speak for myself and how I feel about the choices I've made..as I would hope you all do as well. What works for one..may not be a good fit for others..we all know that.
Yes..life in general doesn't get easier for any of us that live longer..life itself is a diminishing skill to maintain!
I will be 79 in a few months and honestly..most of the time I feel great and ageless...and yes..I admit to stairs being uncomfortable..because of knee pain from OA...and yes..if I lift anything heavier then 8 lbs..I get mid-back pains..later....so I try and avoid lifting heavy things. But...I just painted my kitchen..up and down my step ladder..reaching high up....not an easy task...I did feel like I had over done myself that evening..so I sat with my hot packs on my back and hips and took 1/4 of a percocet and used my infrared belt as well. I went to bed...next day..no more pains! I feel so very fortunate to not be in persistent pain. I got myself a little pedometer that I wear to be that little reminder to get up and walk..go for a walk..doing something, I tell myself!...just keep moving....and, must say..I feel better for it!
We may not be able to rebuild bone density as we age as easily then when we were young and had dense bone structures..but we also don't have to give up on staying as fit as we can..without stressing over it all...and the inevitability of aging. I'm learning as I go...always looking for more comfort in my life...and peace of mind. I am so very fortunate to have only myself and my kitty to take care of now...that's quite enough for me to deal with...more time for play!
Oh...I do take a lot of supplements and eat a healthy diet..I'm still 5'4" and weigh 126lbs. Feeling great today!
I wish you all the best you can be!

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Yes, we're all different when it comes to medical issues. This forum has been good to understand how others have handled the same issue. Of course, we all have to keep in mind our bodies are different and adjust accordingly.

Wow! 79. Your doing great. I'm 65, 5.3", 115 lbs. I feel better now that I've changed my diet and lifestyle (not that it was bad before, just adjusting to get more bone benefits). I use heat also when I may overdue it working in the yard. The pain is gone the next day. So learning my limits also.

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