Treating Osteoporosis: What works for you?

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Actually he's a.little of both.  I have a Humana plan. He is a young doctor & has.a broader education on some of the alternative options.<br />
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I just joined Mayo Clinic Connect today and am glad to find you! My dexa test indicates I have progressed to Osteoporosis and because I'm not good at swallowing meds, I'm interested in the injection method. Wondering if others have used Prolia which involves just two shots a year.

Welcome @nancyevn. Glad to have you join us on Connect.
I moved your message to this existing thread where you'll meet @mohavegal @heritage1955 @jmbjar @angelas and others. Several have taken Prolia. I'm also tagging @arthritichands @spiritbird2 @allegro to join in the discussion here.

My mom takes Prolia. She luckily has not experienced any of the possible side effects. Nancy, do you have any concerns about Prolia?

Hello. I just took my first injection of Prolia this Monday. I haven't had any side effect yet. I haven't had any previous meds for my Osteoporosis either. My Doctor wanted to start me out with Prolia. <br />
I had a full blood panel done before I had the injection making sure my blood calcium levels were good and I was not anemic as I am prone to that. I also got all my dental work done before the injection also. <br />
Wish you luck in our decision. <br />
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I just heard of Prolia a couple days ago when I talked to the doctor. I've been taking (chewable) Calcium & Vit. D. I have no concerns about Prolia so far but have yet to read all the materials he gave me. Dental work first is a new thought. The side effects are always scary. Injections twice a year appeals to me over oral meds.

I had my first injection about 4 weeks ago. Was scared to death, especially after reading only a small portion of the material that came with the injection. So far I haven't experienced any side effects. Doubt that you are getting enough mg's of calcium from a chewable. I had to greatly increase my intake because I began to experience some pain. Am now taking 2300 mg's daily.
Good luck

I am new to this group and also was diagnosed with osteoporosis (-3.7 spine) recently at 52. My doctor said that I need to go on medication right away- and that lifestyle changes (diet/exercise) will not be enough. However, after reading about the various medications, I am hesitant to take them and am also thinking of waiting a year, improving my diet and exercising to see if this helps. I also have an appointment Friday with an endocrinologist to see what he recommends. My vitamin D level was low (23) so I was prescribed a high dosage for three months. My calcium was 9.7 MG/DL. I am still researching the meds but the more I read the scarier it gets!

I can understand everyone's fear of the side effects, but the very likely side effect of not getting treated quickly is a permanent wheelchair. I am not kidding here! I am 50, had two breaks before I got my bones tested. I have a 2.5 ish score on 2/3 of my bones. Please believe me that getting into this breaking cycle is VERY hard to get out of. I cracked a rib and was immobilized for 8 weeks. I was in good health to begin with but not a common exerciser. I lost so much in balance and strength that another fall was ineviatable. Broke my elbow, now my ankle. Been unable to walk for 8 weeks and counting because my bad bones broke soooooooooooooo much worse than they would have if they are healthy. Even with medication osteoporosis takes 2 - 3 years to fix. Anyone care to guess how many times more over the next few years I am going to fall and break somethIng during that time? What if it's my hip? Sincerely I beg you to consider getting treated as soon as you can!

Hi @susandockter and @emcote63, and welcome to Connect. Thanks for joining this ongoing conversation. It jumps around quite a bit, so I'm posting my response at the end of the thread to bring everyone into the discussion. I’m also tagging @mohavegal, @angelas and @jmbjar who are all active members in this thread.

@susandockter, how do you work to strengthen your bones and muscles beyond your medications? You emphasize the importance of being treated, but I’m sure the group would love to hear if you have any exercises that help.

@emcote63, have you and your doctor had conversations about certain medications? I ask because there may be others on this thread who are already taking them or have in the past. They may be able to provide input on their experiences.

I was just diagnosed in April. I've always been active and busy and watched my diet and tried to get outside most days to get some sunshine. Utter failure in the vitamin D department and consequently osteoporosis at 58.
T-score is -2.9.