1. < Osteoporosis & Bone Health
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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.

Profile picture for scottsdalenana
scottsdalenana | @scottsdalenana | Jul 4, 2017
In reply to @angelas "Has anyone received their 1st BMD scan with a low t-score, like -3.1 in the spine,..." + (show)
Profile picture for angelas @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>

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I have high urine calcium levels, so my endocrinologist also recommended I not take calcium supplements, but do take Vitamin D 1000 IU daily and hydrochorothyazide to prevent kidney stones from forming. I also get Prolia shots semiannually and have actually seen a significant increase in bone mass. Actonel did nothing for me and Forteo did not fit my life style. Hope that helps!

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Profile picture for Caress
Caress | @caress | Jul 5, 2017
In reply to @angelas "Has anyone received their 1st BMD scan with a low t-score, like -3.1 in the spine,..." + (show)
Profile picture for angelas @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>

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Hi Scottsdalenana: Is Hydrochorothyazide a water pill? the reason I ask is I take Dyazide which is a water pill. Any side effects from
Prolia? Does it bother your stomach at all? I have so many questions because of my stomach problems. Thanks again

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Caress | @caress | Jul 5, 2017
In reply to @mohavegal "Hello, I'm new to this group. My osteoporosis is not improving and after a dexa scan..." + (show)
Profile picture for mohavegal @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.

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That Vit. D. should read 2000mg instead of 200

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jul 6, 2017
In reply to @angelas "Has anyone received their 1st BMD scan with a low t-score, like -3.1 in the spine,..." + (show)
Profile picture for angelas @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>

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@caress Regarding your question about Hydrochorothyazide. Here is a link that will provide you with some information about it, https://www.drugs.com/hydrochlorothiazide.html. Teresa

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Caress | @caress | Jul 6, 2017
In reply to @angelas "Has anyone received their 1st BMD scan with a low t-score, like -3.1 in the spine,..." + (show)
Profile picture for angelas @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>

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thank you Teresa for the valuable information on hydrochorothyazide.

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Gail Benson Ledesma , Alumni Mentor | @gailb | Jul 6, 2017
In reply to @angelas "Has anyone received their 1st BMD scan with a low t-score, like -3.1 in the spine,..." + (show)
Profile picture for angelas @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>

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I found that I cannot take hydroclorothyazide any more. I took it when I was younger, but tried it 5 yrs ago with Valsartin for blood pressure and it made me very sick. I don't know why, perhaps age related. So, if you take it be sure to let your doctor know about all side effects you may have. Good luck.

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Caress | @caress | Jul 6, 2017
In reply to @angelas "Has anyone received their 1st BMD scan with a low t-score, like -3.1 in the spine,..." + (show)
Profile picture for angelas @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>

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thank you gailb for letting me know, I take a water pill diazide so when I saw hydroclorothyazide I was curious to see what it was

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Dee | @rnwholovedtowork | Jul 10, 2017
In reply to @mohavegal "Hello, I'm new to this group. My osteoporosis is not improving and after a dexa scan..." + (show)
Profile picture for mohavegal @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.

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I have Osteoporosis with Kyphosis. I have had a vertebral plasty for VCF's. My DexaScan not very good. My Rheumatologist has suggested Forteo. Most of her patients turned down the Forteo because you have to inject yourself each day. I don't want to be on any medication however, I also don't want to end up in a wheelchair. I am probably going to go ahead with the Forteo. I know it is the only medication that is supposed to actually Build bone. I tried the pills in the past but developed swelling of my feet and ankles. I need to see a dentist before I start the medication. I will let post how things are going with it once I start.

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Anniefrances | @annierances | Jul 10, 2017
In reply to @mohavegal "Hello, I'm new to this group. My osteoporosis is not improving and after a dexa scan..." + (show)
Profile picture for mohavegal @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.

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I just want to offer my sympathy. You have had to make a difficult decision. So far my Dex scores are OK,
but there are never any guarantees.
If I may ask, how old are you?

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Profile picture for dolan
dolan | @dolan | Jul 11, 2017
In reply to @mohavegal "Hello, I'm new to this group. My osteoporosis is not improving and after a dexa scan..." + (show)
Profile picture for mohavegal @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

I was on Forteo for the 2 recommended years (after having been on Fosamax and the numbers began to drop). I had excellent results with Forteo and would be on it today if it were allowed. After the 2 years I was back on Fosamax to keep what Forteo had built up and because of starting osteoporosis meds young (35)...my dr gave me a drug holiday of 3 years until I fractured my pelvis in 5 areas. I am now on Prolia. I just began my 3rd year of Prolia and will have a DEXA scan in Dec to see the results. My dr has mentioned a possible return to Forteo. I didn't realize a person could go back on after a period of time. I am fine with it. After extreme osteoporosis I am now osteopenia at 61. (fractures in order: toe, T9, clavicle, rib, pelvis)

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