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.

@colleenyoung

Welcome to Connect @blythe.
Thank you for sharing your experience with Atelvia (risedronate). Please keep us posted on the results on the bone scan.

I thought you and the others sharing on this thread might be interested in this article by Kurt A. Kennel, M.D., a specialist in endocrinology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. In this article, he answers common questions about osteoporosis treatment and describes how osteoporosis medications work. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/in-depth/osteoporosis-treatment/art-20046869?pg=1

Are you concerned about lowering your calcium intake?

Jump to this post

Thank you!<br><br>

REPLY
@colleenyoung

Welcome to Connect @blythe.
Thank you for sharing your experience with Atelvia (risedronate). Please keep us posted on the results on the bone scan.

I thought you and the others sharing on this thread might be interested in this article by Kurt A. Kennel, M.D., a specialist in endocrinology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. In this article, he answers common questions about osteoporosis treatment and describes how osteoporosis medications work. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/in-depth/osteoporosis-treatment/art-20046869?pg=1

Are you concerned about lowering your calcium intake?

Jump to this post

I am a senior and was diagnosed with osteoporosis many years ago - I have broken my both wrists for a total of 6 times.  I take Actonel once a week and I do weight bearing exercise twice a week.  It has never got worse - I think doing weights is very important.<br>

REPLY
@colleenyoung

Welcome to Connect @blythe.
Thank you for sharing your experience with Atelvia (risedronate). Please keep us posted on the results on the bone scan.

I thought you and the others sharing on this thread might be interested in this article by Kurt A. Kennel, M.D., a specialist in endocrinology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. In this article, he answers common questions about osteoporosis treatment and describes how osteoporosis medications work. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/in-depth/osteoporosis-treatment/art-20046869?pg=1

Are you concerned about lowering your calcium intake?

Jump to this post

So happy to hear from you and what you said, made me feel better. I was told I can only be on altevia for 3 years
What do I do then, good article someone sent that it stays in the bone even after stopping it. I like the delayed
release because you take it after breakfast and then stay upright for 30 minutes.

REPLY
@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

So Happy to read your post. I have a Fiend who is on Reclast has been for 2 years. So you did gain bone density
and have a way to keep what you gained. I will pas this on to her. Now I will hope that Altevia does it for me and
then after my 3 years I can do something to keep it. thanks again blythe

REPLY
@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 just pulled out the few records I have, & in 2009-2010 my T-score was<br>-2.6 for my left hip. At that time I was using Miacalcin Nasal Spray as an<br>alternative to Fosamax, etc. I continued using it until 2013 when I<br>started the Reclast infusions. My 2015 bone density was -2.5 in the left<br>hip. My spine bone density was up to -1.4. So, the increase in my left<br>hip was moderate, but headed in the right direction. The increase in my<br>spine BMD was more dramatic. I don't have my previous spinal readings, but<br>my internist was quite pleased with the increase. I will start Prolia in<br>December or January. I hope you & your friend have positive results with<br>your treatments. I have recently increased my vitamin D dose to 4000 I.U.<br>a day. (1000 I.U. in my Calcium Citrate + D tablets plus 3x1000I.U.<br>capsules). If I exercised regularly, I would probably see better results.<br>

REPLY
@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

What great news @arthritichands. Thanks for sharing it.
I bet @lesleighjarrett would appreciate hearing about your experience with the Miacalcin Nasal Spray in particular. She was inquiring about it on this thread https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/calcitoinin-salmon-nasal-spray-for-osteoporosis/

You must be pleased with the results. And remember regular exercise doesn't have to be of olympic quality. Every little bit helps.
I love this YouTube video from Dr. Mike Evans called "Let's Make our Day Harder" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whPuRLil4c0 It talks about the little things we can do in our daily habits to keep us moving. I especially like his reference to the parking spot further from the door reserved for those of us who want to live a little longer. I hope you like it too.

REPLY
@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

Sounds like you are going down the right road, happy for you. I have 2 more years to go on Altevia so looks like I can then use something else. I would like to try the Reclast. Thanks for the info

REPLY

I am new to the group.
An intro: I am almost 71 and have osteoporosis, Parkinson's (presumed Agent Orange - I am in that group), hypoglycemia and a few other conditions but consider myself relatively healthy. PMA. I actually worry more short term about the osteo as that could make a major life change suddenly as opposed to the long-term PD. I have been on Fosamax and calcium for 4 years or so and score 2.5 lumbar, 1.8 necks and 1.1 femurs. I do 2 miles on the treadmill and weight machines 3 days a week. My dad had bad bones too, but never broke one so I am "cautiously optimistic" but concerned about long-term Fosamax use.

.

REPLY

Hi - I have had 6 breaks in my lifetime. I am 76. I am on Actonel once a week and do endurance weight classes. So far, my osteoporosis has never advanced and I am told to continue with what I am doing. I guess whatever works. I also have a lung disease that cannot be cured (IPF) but I am still functioning rather well without all the medication they want to give me.

REPLY

Hi @ggopher, and welcome to the Osteoporosis discussion! I'm glad you joined this conversation. @susandockter, @jmbjar and @mohavegal as well as other members participating, please join me in welcoming @ggopher to the group.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.