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.

Dee | @rnwholovedtowork | Aug 9, 2017

I also only took the oral medication for a short time. Probably should have continued. Now I have seen a Rheumatologist and she suggested Prolia or Forteo. I am due to start the Forteo after some dental work, and feel better about it since hearing from those of you who have taken it. I recently hit another snag------I had 4 episodes of rapid heartbeat. Don't know what type. I am now wearing a Holter monitor for 2 weeks and then am scheduled for an Echocardiogram to Rule out any Mitral Valve Issues. I, like some others of you did not follow up the way I should have after I had my first fracture, bu the Rheumatologist did not tell me nothing could be done. In fact she told me that I was past the point for taking the oral meds and suggested the Forteo. My out of pocket cost will be $100 per month for the 2 years (Hopefully, the price will not continue to go up), however I am ok with the cost if the Forteo actually builds bone for me. I will post my activity with the Forteo after I can get it started. Good luck to all of you that are having similar problems. Glad we can discuss these problems on this thread.

REPLY
3 replies
dolan | @dolan | Aug 9, 2017
In reply to @rnwholovedtowork "I also only took the oral medication for a short time. Probably should have continued. Now..." + (show)
@rnwholovedtowork

I also only took the oral medication for a short time. Probably should have continued. Now I have seen a Rheumatologist and she suggested Prolia or Forteo. I am due to start the Forteo after some dental work, and feel better about it since hearing from those of you who have taken it. I recently hit another snag------I had 4 episodes of rapid heartbeat. Don't know what type. I am now wearing a Holter monitor for 2 weeks and then am scheduled for an Echocardiogram to Rule out any Mitral Valve Issues. I, like some others of you did not follow up the way I should have after I had my first fracture, bu the Rheumatologist did not tell me nothing could be done. In fact she told me that I was past the point for taking the oral meds and suggested the Forteo. My out of pocket cost will be $100 per month for the 2 years (Hopefully, the price will not continue to go up), however I am ok with the cost if the Forteo actually builds bone for me. I will post my activity with the Forteo after I can get it started. Good luck to all of you that are having similar problems. Glad we can discuss these problems on this thread.

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Best of luck. I had fabulous results with Forteo and no side effects. Go forth and conquer!

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KathieB | @kathiebass | Aug 9, 2017
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.

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I took it 6 weeks ago and have regretted it ever since. It has given me muscle cramps, tingling in hands and feet, vertigo, nausea, jaw pain, lowered my calcium so much I have needed 4 infusions, and a lowered my magnesium to where I needed an infusion. Now my BUN has gone from 34 to 71 and I am told that because I am urinating less than I was 2 months ago that the prolia has probabaly effected my residual kidney function and I will have to increase my dialiysis to make up for it.

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Dee | @rnwholovedtowork | Aug 9, 2017
In reply to @rnwholovedtowork "I also only took the oral medication for a short time. Probably should have continued. Now..." + (show)
@rnwholovedtowork

I also only took the oral medication for a short time. Probably should have continued. Now I have seen a Rheumatologist and she suggested Prolia or Forteo. I am due to start the Forteo after some dental work, and feel better about it since hearing from those of you who have taken it. I recently hit another snag------I had 4 episodes of rapid heartbeat. Don't know what type. I am now wearing a Holter monitor for 2 weeks and then am scheduled for an Echocardiogram to Rule out any Mitral Valve Issues. I, like some others of you did not follow up the way I should have after I had my first fracture, bu the Rheumatologist did not tell me nothing could be done. In fact she told me that I was past the point for taking the oral meds and suggested the Forteo. My out of pocket cost will be $100 per month for the 2 years (Hopefully, the price will not continue to go up), however I am ok with the cost if the Forteo actually builds bone for me. I will post my activity with the Forteo after I can get it started. Good luck to all of you that are having similar problems. Glad we can discuss these problems on this thread.

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Thank you Dolan. I am going to go forth and conquer the heck out of this. Hope people don't wait as long as I did, but it is never too late. I appreciate your support!!! I don 't anticipate any reactions to the Forteo and I am very used to giving injections so no problem there. I will keep you posted!!!

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jo54 | @jo54 | Aug 9, 2017

We are all so different. What works for one will not for another. Tried meds but my stomach couldn't do it so I relied on vitamins and diet and exercise. Have had my share of broken bones and pain. Whose to say. I am 80 but I can drive, shop, and play with great grandchildren. I believe in the power of prayer and faith in God. Decide what's right for you, explore the options and feel confident that you have made the right decision.

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GailBL, Alumni Mentor | @gailb | Aug 9, 2017

I appreciate all those who have written about your experiences both with taking Forteo and Prolia while still osteopenic, and those who waited until they had full blown osteoporosis. I am osteopenic now and I have been resisting my doctor's recommendation that I start taking Prolia. I resisted because of the negative information I have read and heard about the side effects. However, I am now willing to try it out. I don't want to go into osteoporosis, and I have broken 2 bones in the past 5 years; my first ever broken bones. I'm 68 years old now and will turn 69 in December. Thanks to everyone for your willingness to discuss what you have been through as it has helped me make my decision. I will see my PCP in September.

Warm regards, Gail B. Ledesma aka @gailb

REPLY
dolan | @dolan | Aug 10, 2017
In reply to @rnwholovedtowork "I also only took the oral medication for a short time. Probably should have continued. Now..." + (show)
@rnwholovedtowork

I also only took the oral medication for a short time. Probably should have continued. Now I have seen a Rheumatologist and she suggested Prolia or Forteo. I am due to start the Forteo after some dental work, and feel better about it since hearing from those of you who have taken it. I recently hit another snag------I had 4 episodes of rapid heartbeat. Don't know what type. I am now wearing a Holter monitor for 2 weeks and then am scheduled for an Echocardiogram to Rule out any Mitral Valve Issues. I, like some others of you did not follow up the way I should have after I had my first fracture, bu the Rheumatologist did not tell me nothing could be done. In fact she told me that I was past the point for taking the oral meds and suggested the Forteo. My out of pocket cost will be $100 per month for the 2 years (Hopefully, the price will not continue to go up), however I am ok with the cost if the Forteo actually builds bone for me. I will post my activity with the Forteo after I can get it started. Good luck to all of you that are having similar problems. Glad we can discuss these problems on this thread.

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Yes, I'd love to hear the progress!

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Josiek | @josiek | Aug 10, 2017
In reply to @junegreen "You are young to have osteoporosis! I encourage you to pursue why you do. Same with..." + (show)
@junegreen

You are young to have osteoporosis! I encourage you to pursue why you do. Same with me and eventually found out it can be a symptom of other disease. In my case something called CVID or common variable immune deficiency. Good luck!

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How do you get your general practitioner to pursue further testing? Before I begin medication I want to know why I have osteoporosis based on a DXA scan only. She did a thyroid hormone function test ( 1.02), a celiac disease panel (negative) and a 25 Hydroxy Vitamin D (46 ng/mL). I live where there are not specialists for osteoporosis. Any thoughts? Thanks!

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ujeeniack | @ujeeniack | Sep 30, 2017

I am now 83,male,heavy, and getting my first bone density scan in at least eight to ten years. Results show Osteopenia,the state just before Osteoporosis.

I would advise anyone over 65 to get this scan.

REPLY
6 replies
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Sep 30, 2017
In reply to @ujeeniack "I am now 83,male,heavy, and getting my first bone density scan in at least eight to..." + (show)
@ujeeniack

I am now 83,male,heavy, and getting my first bone density scan in at least eight to ten years. Results show Osteopenia,the state just before Osteoporosis.

I would advise anyone over 65 to get this scan.

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Hi @ujeeniack
I moved your message to this existing discussion about treating osteopenia and osteoporosis where you can meet others managing this condition like @gailb @jo54 @dolan @rnwholovedtowork @painwarrior @marield65 and others.

Ujeeniack, what treatment or lifestyle changes did your doctor suggest to help prevent or slow the progress from osteopenia to osteoporosis?

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