1. < Osteoporosis & Bone Health

Treating Osteoporosis: What works for you?

Posted by heritage1955 @heritage1955, Apr 1, 2016

Hi. I'm new to the site and am interested in treating osteoperosis. I'm 39 yo and recently had a bone density that showed I'm at -2.4. So, going through the intial "I can't believe it" stuff. 🙂

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

angelas | @angelas | Apr 3, 2016
In reply to @angelas "Has anyone received their 1st BMD scan with a low t-score, like -3.1 in the spine,..." + (show)
@angelas

<p>Has anyone received their 1st BMD scan with a low t-score, like -3.1 in the spine, and been prescribed Forteo? I'm 50 and a little freaked out as I thought I doing a baseline BMD scan. I have no underlying conditions that can explain the extremely low score. Family history of estrogen-receptive cancer puts HRT out of the question. I would like to wait a year, increase calcium/vit D/exercise, and get another scan. Thoughts?</p>

Jump to this post

I'm guessing my vitamin D level was low because now that I am taking 2 supplements it is currently 35. I am taking 800 IU in am and 1,000 IU with dinner. My calcium level was probably a little low, too, as my multivitamin was only 500 mg and I was probably only obtaining another serving of calcium during the day (milk with dinner). So, with the additional calcium supplement I am at 1100 mg of calcium outside of food. I also had the 24 hour urine collection/analysis and that was normal. My PCP ordered additional testing (TSH, serum, PTH, electrophoresis, protein,etc.) and everything came back normal.

REPLY
irishk | @irishk | Apr 3, 2016

Thanks you Colleen. Inspire has many people asking pertinent questions on all aspects of Osteoporosis and I have learned so much.

K

REPLY
1 reply
citylady | @citylady | Apr 3, 2016
In reply to @angelas "I, too, am interested in treatments for osteoporosis at a younger (50) age; however, postmenopausal. I..." + (show)
@angelas

I, too, am interested in treatments for osteoporosis at a younger (50) age; however, postmenopausal. I found Dr. Lani's Bone Health Guide book helpful. I'm wary of beginning medical treatments (Forteo for 18-24 months and then a bisphosphonate for 5-7 years) based on one BMD scan.

Jump to this post

I have the same problem.I have been on the "bone pill" for about 3 years, and it's (to make a bad pun) a hard pill to swallow! Taking this on an empty stomach once a week, with a large glass of warm water, leaves me nauseous all morning! How do you cope, if you have finally started this treatment? Thanks for any helpful hints, and I hope you have had a good weekend.<br />
<br />

REPLY
1 reply
heritage1955 | @heritage1955 | Apr 5, 2016
In reply to @irishk "Thanks you Colleen. Inspire has many people asking pertinent questions on all aspects of Osteoporosis and..." + (show)
@irishk

Thanks you Colleen. Inspire has many people asking pertinent questions on all aspects of Osteoporosis and I have learned so much.

K

Jump to this post

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll be checking inspire out soon. Sounds good! I'm pre menapause, so I'm not sure how the meds work and researching here and there casually right now. Just called the drs practice today to ask what they want to do because i haven't received any calls regarding a follow up appt. Anyone else hear of patients with osteoporosis in their 30's?

REPLY
mohavegal | @mohavegal | Apr 6, 2016
In reply to @spiritbird2 "The injection itself is not painful as it is sub cutaneous only." + (show)
@spiritbird2

The injection itself is not painful as it is sub cutaneous only.

Jump to this post

<br />
<br />
Yes, its painless. Received my 1st one today. Tried every other solution I could & nothing worked. Hope this helps. mohavegal.<br />
<br />

REPLY
mohavegal | @mohavegal | Apr 6, 2016
In reply to @mohavegal "Hello, I'm new to this group. My osteoporosis is not improving and after a dexa scan..." + (show)
@mohavegal

Hello, I'm new to this group. My osteoporosis is not improving and after a dexa scan my doctor wants me to go on a drug. Tried one before and experienced a REALLY bad reaction. It was Ibandronate Sodium. Don't know what "family" it's in. Having horrible pain when lying down.

Jump to this post

Yes, my doctor very strongly insisted I go on Prolia.Guess I'll see what happens<br />
mohavegal

REPLY
mohavegal | @mohavegal | Apr 6, 2016
In reply to @adamsky "I too have been diagnosed with osteoporosis at 61 recently. I do not have any pain..." + (show)
@adamsky

I too have been diagnosed with osteoporosis at 61 recently. I do not have any pain yet but am worried about the shot the Doctor prescribed for me to get so I am having a second opinion. I normally run on the anemic side but the Doctor would not run a full blood panel so going back to my hometown Doctor who knows my medical history better. It is very scary to read about all the side effects the drugs have. I know how you are feeling and wished there was a more natural way to replenish our bones other then drugs. <br />
<br />
<br />

Jump to this post

Works great for me.  Really does depend upon the severity which would require more frequent applications.  Where were you using it??<br />
mohavegal

REPLY
mohavegal | @mohavegal | Apr 6, 2016

@angelas , I increased my Vitamin D levels to 74. They should be at least 70 and up. Living so long in Chicago area it took a toll on my D levels. I take 5,000 units x 8 or 10 soft gels at least once a week. It will stay in your system for a few days.

REPLY
1 reply
jmbjar | @jmbjar | Apr 7, 2016
In reply to @colleenyoung "@heritage1955 I'd like to connect you with @smcguire who also experienced serious bone density loss at..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

@heritage1955 I'd like to connect you with @smcguire who also experienced serious bone density loss at a young age. You can read more about her here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/i-went-through-early-menopause-at-35-along-with-my-birth-mother/

Jump to this post

Any one experiencing bone loss at a young age should have their serum calcium and parathyroid hormone checked
Find out the reason for bone loss at such a young age. If it happened to be PARA thyroid disease, once pt disease is taken care of the bone loss can be revered.

REPLY
jmbjar | @jmbjar | Apr 7, 2016
In reply to @flygirl8 "I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, the endocrinologist wishes to place me on a yearly injection,..." + (show)
@flygirl8

I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, the endocrinologist wishes to place me on a yearly injection, several years ago my physician wanted to place me on fosamax, I tried it for a few months and was ill the whole time. Thus, myreluctance to start on these meds. I would like my Endo. Doc to do a blood test on my para-thyroid glands as well prior to my starting on any meds-is this an unusual request?

Jump to this post

I agree @flygirl8 , check serum calcium as well as parathyroid hormone at same blood draw. You may need 2 or 3 sets of these labs to get a true picture as when one has parathyroid issues the ca and pth can jump all over . Getting these labs done once a week , for 3 wks may be enough if you do not have a pt problem
Getting your vit d checked as well as a 2ndary form of hyperPARAthyroid disease can be due to low vit d .

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.