Treating Osteoporosis: What works for you?

@faith123 Thanks for updating us on your treatment. I also hope that the infusion is helpful to you. Teresa

Hi @heritage1955, I too was just diagnosed with Osteoporosis in April. I'm at -3.7 and I'm only 52. I was pretty shocked at how bad it is. My doctor put me on Forteo, which is the only medication that builds bone. I give myself a shot every day. It's really not as bad as it sounds, the needle is so small I barely feel it. And, of course, I have upped my calcium intake. I try to take 500 mg three times a day. I read at the Mayo Clinic website that your body can only absorb 500 mg at a time, so anything above that is just a waste. But if you take Protonix or anything to help acid, you need to take the calcium at least three hours a part. The medication keeps you from absorbing the calcium. It's hard to do when you take Protonix twice a day as I do, but I get up early to take my meds so I can get my daily calcium. I also take 2000 IU of Vitamin D every day.

My bone density has progressively worsened. I have a family history of osteoporosis and I am only 65. My number last year was -2.9. Last year I was prescribed fosomax, but could not tolerate it with my digestive issues. So I was given a Reclast infusion. I hydrated well prior to and took one advil; I had no negative side effects. I have been on Vitamin D, 1200mg of cLcium, and weight bearing exercise for a year. This year my scan was -2.9.
I had a physician mention that due to my complete lack of sun exposure (pre skin cancer issues) that the vitamin D and calcium could not be utilized. He recommended a UV light with full spectrum UV To help activate the vitamin D. I just purchased it and will use it a few minutes when I am nude after showering. We shall see if this helps.

I have had three Prolia shots to date. I can't really identify any side effects that I attribute to the Prolia. I am also taking Arimidex (fifteen months now) as follow up treatment for breast cancer, so it's hard to always know where to place the "blame" when something goes out of wack. The Arimidex has the possible side effect of causing or aggravating osteoporosis, which I was diagnosed with right after my breast cancer surgery, when they put me on the follow up drugs. I am doing everything I can to rise victorious over all of this. I'm 60 years old, but in my mind I'm still 35. I am not giving in easily to age or illness.

Good for you; keep up that attitude. God bless.

I started treatment with Reclast; an infusion that takes about 20 minutes. You get the infusion once a year. I've never had any side effects. Best thing is my bone density is improving.

Hi @leannz, I am 81 and also not giving in easily to age or illness. I am in weekly PT for a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy for 3.5+ years. My therapist writes for me how far to walk each day as I have measured about 95 routes around the retirement campus here. He usually states it as 0,5 miles and I pick what I want to walk that day within the 0.5000 - 5.9999 mile range. One day I wrote down about 10 distances within a range he wanted me to walk and asked him which route did he think I'd chose. Without looking at my paper, he said, "I KNOW you. You'd pick 0.5999999999999." Since August, 2016, I now have walked 100 MILES! I bought a cake at 50 and 100 miles for him and his staff.to celebrate. We have fun together but I work hard to see his smile! @gailfaith.

@bonnieh218 I appreciate your sharing the good results with Reclast. Teresa

@gailfaith You sound like a delightful 81 year old! I'm sure your doctor and his staff must enjoy working with you. You mentioned having a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy. If you are comfortable sharing more about that diagnosis, it might be helpful to our other members. For example, is there a name for the MD diagnosis. What type of symptoms do you have and how long did you have them before you were diagnosed? Teresa

I had a dexa scan 2 years ago that showed me at -2.5% osteopenic. My new doctor did a new scan this spring, without telling me the % number. He wants me to start taking Fosamax and I keep putting it off. He says I'm at high risk for broken bones. In truth, in the last 9 years I have had a broken elbow and compression fracture of my C7 from falls. I've never before broken any bones, so I suppose these could be from osteo problems. My grandmother went from 5'6" to 4'11" from 65 to 80 years old, so it runs in my family. If I've had no change in the % between the 2 scans, I don't want to start any medications.

To complicate matters, I had gastric bypass weight loss surgery 3 years ago. Some people have experienced problems with losing teeth and calcium after this surgery, but I suspect it's because they weren't taking their vitamins. I have faithfully taken my vitamins since my RnY surgery, including 500 mg of calcium 3 times a day. I take the recommended calcium citrate because it is more easily absorbed. Because of my surgery, my digestive system is compromised. I don't think taking osteoporosis medication by mouth is a good way for me. I am also insulin dependant, so I am used to daily shots.

I have read a lot about the different types of medications to treat osteoporosis and none sound good. I told my doctor I would talk with him about this at my next appointment in September. Do any of you have similar challenges to mine and if so, what steps have you taken successfully? In contrast, what problems have you experienced that have led you to stop or change the way you are treating the problem? Thanks for those who have already posted about your experiences. Gail B.