Hi Nancy. Also having the same name. Your situation is very similar to mine. I have been on alendronate for a year and a half and am seriously considering stopping. These forums and other sites have been helpful in researching the drugs and meds as well as provide nutritional info. I was Taking Evista a year and actually my numbers which were osteopenia improved 1%. my gyn dr. Didn’t think that was good enough. She really pushed bisphosphonates. Because I was experiencing so many hot flashes I switched to alendronate. Well a year with that and my numbers dropped over 3%. It was a horrible time where I had been caring for aging parents 1000 miles away. I lost 13 pounds and know I wasn’t eating well or keeping up with vitamins. My numbers weren’t bad to begin with. Even the endocrinologist thought so. My next dexa scan is in December. His NP said if I don’t improve the next step is Prolia. I was reading the brochure waiting in exam room. No way will I start that. So I appreciate input from folks like you on these forums as we navigate the best options for our health.