Has anyone improved bone density without meds?

Posted by naomid @naomid, Mar 21, 2023

I have a very problematic dental history and will continue to need additional root canals and implants. I also have Sjogren's Syndrome and want to avoid any drugs that cause rheumatic symptoms. Other issues in my health history make all of the meds risky for me. That said, I work out almost daily, lift weights, maintain a healthy diet, take all the recommended supplements, and get most of my calcium nutritionally. My endocrinologist wants me to take an infusion/injectable drug. I dread the side-effects, yet I'm afraid of fracturing, which hasn't happened over the many years I have had osteoporosis. That said, my numbers are getting worse (-3.2 spine, -3.1 hip). I need to do something more than I've been doing, and am at a loss. I need hope and solutions I can be at peace with. Thanks for any comments or suggestions!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

@olderdiva12345

As I recall and this has been over a year ago it was because I had too much of it in my system according to some blood work. Thank you for asking.

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Same thing happened to me . I was taking a really good supplement and was off the charts lol . Can’t win

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I have a -3.8 in my spinal disc. And osteopenia elsewhere. Am 82, have only taken vitamins up until now, and my doctor wants me on Evenity. But he sees it as my only option, due to my health conditions/limitations. So what happens when I complete that treatment, if follow up treatment with other meds that I cannot take is necessary? Tsk

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@lashu

I have a -3.8 in my spinal disc. And osteopenia elsewhere. Am 82, have only taken vitamins up until now, and my doctor wants me on Evenity. But he sees it as my only option, due to my health conditions/limitations. So what happens when I complete that treatment, if follow up treatment with other meds that I cannot take is necessary? Tsk

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Have you checked the side effects of Evenity? I would do so before taking anything. Good Luck lashu.

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@olderdiva12345

Have you checked the side effects of Evenity? I would do so before taking anything. Good Luck lashu.

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I have just looked up the side effects of Evenity and they don't look good. Please, look it up before you begin this treatment. I am terrified of the side effect of 99% of the drugs related to Osteoporosis. Expecially Prolia.

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@olderdiva12345

I have just looked up the side effects of Evenity and they don't look good. Please, look it up before you begin this treatment. I am terrified of the side effect of 99% of the drugs related to Osteoporosis. Expecially Prolia.

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This is why so many of us are searching. Somebody needs to come up with a better drug if that's all the medical profession is pushing. And doctors need to be trained in other ways of treating us so that drugs are not their only line of defense.

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@naomid

This is why so many of us are searching. Somebody needs to come up with a better drug if that's all the medical profession is pushing. And doctors need to be trained in other ways of treating us so that drugs are not their only line of defense.

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I agree. I live in Florida and it is soo over crowded and the doctors are soo overwhelmed that they don't seem to have the time to properly diagnose or study what could help those of us who are in the Winter of their lives. It is sad and it is true. I am concerned.

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I am so grateful for Tymlos. With the adjustable dosing pen I was finally able to tolerate a medication at a dose I was okay with (and am now taking full dose). In 18 months my spine gained 20%. My 2021 fractures were very motivating.

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@thisnthat

Hi barbakp!
I was very disappointed when my P.T. gave the poses a thumbs-down. I had taken a look at the exercises and people’s comments about them, and they seemed like a great way to get in a simple
bone strengthening routine. (But I must confess, the bow tie thing was a bit off-putting!). However, my P.T. had direct knowledge of a class he had taught and she was underwhelmed by his grasp of certain medical principles. I am also dealing with scoliosis on top of the OP, so that may have entered into her assessment. But if it works for you, great! Thanks for commenting.

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Hi thisnthat:

I also have scoliosis, osteoporosis, and knee osteo arthritis, and had a lunpectomy in Nov. 2022.
What safe exercise program have you found to work with scoliosis and osteoporosis????

I do not want to take any injectable meds for osteoporosis......

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@olderdiva12345

I have just looked up the side effects of Evenity and they don't look good. Please, look it up before you begin this treatment. I am terrified of the side effect of 99% of the drugs related to Osteoporosis. Expecially Prolia.

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Yes, I too am afraid of the side effects, especially since I have a complicated, long history of problems with my gums and jaw. I have ordered "Good Bones" and Barnes and Noble is holding a Mayo Clinic book for me on osteoporosis that I will pick up tomorrow. These works address ways to strengthen bones through diet and supplement.
The descriptions I've read of "osteoblast", that process of erosion of bone, and the way these meds strengthen bones makes these pharmaceuticals tempting. But I am looking into how possible it might be to strengthen bones without them. These discussions on this site, they really help.

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@lashu

Yes, I too am afraid of the side effects, especially since I have a complicated, long history of problems with my gums and jaw. I have ordered "Good Bones" and Barnes and Noble is holding a Mayo Clinic book for me on osteoporosis that I will pick up tomorrow. These works address ways to strengthen bones through diet and supplement.
The descriptions I've read of "osteoblast", that process of erosion of bone, and the way these meds strengthen bones makes these pharmaceuticals tempting. But I am looking into how possible it might be to strengthen bones without them. These discussions on this site, they really help.

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McCormick's book "Great Bones" has a lot of info on meds, the combinations and sequencing, how to manage transitions, how to monitor.

McCormick's other book is "The Whole Body Approach to Osteoporosis" and can be used before, during or after meds. McCormick himself used meds.

Osteoblasts build new bone and osteoclasts break bone down (turnover). My understanding is that bisphosphonates and Prolia work by affecting turnover, Forteo and Tymlos increase growth, and Evenity does both.

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