1. < Osteoporosis & Bone Health

Has anyone improved bone density without meds?

Posted by naomid @naomid, Mar 21, 2023

I have a very problematic dental history and will continue to need additional root canals and implants. I also have Sjogren's Syndrome and want to avoid any drugs that cause rheumatic symptoms. Other issues in my health history make all of the meds risky for me. That said, I work out almost daily, lift weights, maintain a healthy diet, take all the recommended supplements, and get most of my calcium nutritionally. My endocrinologist wants me to take an infusion/injectable drug. I dread the side-effects, yet I'm afraid of fracturing, which hasn't happened over the many years I have had osteoporosis. That said, my numbers are getting worse (-3.2 spine, -3.1 hip). I need to do something more than I've been doing, and am at a loss. I need hope and solutions I can be at peace with. Thanks for any comments or suggestions!

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melia7 | @melia7 | Aug 8, 2023
In reply to @sal462 "I think there are some studies that show it occurs more frequently in countries like us..." + (show)
@sal462

I think there are some studies that show it occurs more frequently in countries like us and the Scandinavia that consume a lot of dairy. There's also that whole thing about the acid/alkaline and dairy makes the acid.

On the other hand, I know I read somewhere that plant based dieters have more osteoporosis. (This is depressing to me, because plant based is BETTER for breast cancer).

its definitely confusing.

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to sal462

Here is the study that compares OP statistics in the world. Surprise, the global leader is Japan (26%), then comes the US (21%), and Germany (14%). Interesting, because I only know that Japan has a fish based diet. What else can contribute?
https://josr-online.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13018-021-02772-0#:~:text=The%20prevalence%20of%20osteoporosis%20in%20the%20spine%20or%20hip%20was,%2C%20and%202%25%20in%20Australia.

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melia7 | @melia7 | Aug 8, 2023

Another issue for this thread that I have found occasionally on web is taurin supplement role for improving bone density.
Here is the link:
https://clinicalnutritionespen.com/article/S2405-4577(21)00107-8/fulltext

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kristie2 | @kristie2 | Aug 11, 2023
In reply to @windyshores "@tkdesign just to mention that Tymlos and Forteo don't cause jaw necrosis. You probably know that..." + (show)
@windyshores

@tkdesign just to mention that Tymlos and Forteo don't cause jaw necrosis. You probably know that but for others reading posts. I was told that by my doc but my dentist was not aware. I have had zero dental issues on Tymlos.

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Just curious was Evenity ever mentioned to you ?
My spine T score is -4.6.

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kristie2 | @kristie2 | Aug 11, 2023
In reply to @artscaping "Good evening @judy58. Yes, I see that Dr. Clarke has quite a background at Mayo in..." + (show)
@artscaping

Good evening @judy58. Yes, I see that Dr. Clarke has quite a background at Mayo in Rochester. I only have one question. Somehow the Evenity purpose is a bit mixed up. Evenity is the newest bone-building medication. However, Forteo and Tymlos also build bone. The difference with Evenity is that after building the bone, this medication protects the bone from reabsorption,

With Forteo and Tymlos you have to change to a medication like Prolia or at least start with Reclast to help your body hang on to the new bone. That is why I needed to find a medication that would help me retain my new and strengthened bone.

If you do a search for Evenity in the bar at the top of the screen, you will be taken to a list of all posts about Evenity. Please let me know if you find it.

May you have contentment and ease.
Chris

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My endocrin md is fighting for me to start Evenity . My
spine T score is -4.6. I am healthy and take no prescription drugs at all except for migraines. This whole process is so stressful and then trying to fight the insurance companies. They are saying that I need to start with a bisphosphonates such as Fosamax.
Just doesn’t make sense!

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2 replies
windyshores | @windyshores | Aug 11, 2023
In reply to @kristie2 "My endocrin md is fighting for me to start Evenity . My spine T score is..." + (show)
@kristie2

My endocrin md is fighting for me to start Evenity . My
spine T score is -4.6. I am healthy and take no prescription drugs at all except for migraines. This whole process is so stressful and then trying to fight the insurance companies. They are saying that I need to start with a bisphosphonates such as Fosamax.
Just doesn’t make sense!

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Every doc I see says it is an outrage that insurance companies require starting with anti-resorptives that affect the effectiveness of the bone-builders. It needs to be the other way around.

One solution might be to bypass insurance and see if you can get patient assistance from Forteo (Lilly) or Tymlos (Radius) and sometimes Evenity (Amgen). Or if you are pre-Medicare there are coupons I believe.

If you try a bisphosphonate and it does not agree with you, your doc can tell insurance that you "failed it" and insurance might cooperate with what you need.

ps Evenity was really new two years ago. I mentioned it to my doc and he gave me the choice between Evenity and Tymlos (I cannot tolerate Forteo). I chose Tymlos because it had been around longer and also because at the time I believed I could do Evenity after Tymlos but not the other way around.

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cloud60 | @cloud60 | Aug 12, 2023
In reply to @artscaping "Good afternoon. My Monday morning tablet is Alendronate. I have not had any side effects and..." + (show)
@artscaping

Good afternoon. My Monday morning tablet is Alendronate. I have not had any side effects and have been taking it for one year. It is a great solution for those of us who cannot handle periodic injections of long half-life medications. I follow the directions from my endocrinologist very reliably. Early morning, sit up for 30 minutes. No food until the tablet has had a chance to be absorbed by my body.

Next June, a Dexascan will tell me the results of choosing this option.

Chris

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I thought bisphosohonates prevent from getting worse but do not improve Numbers significantly.
These work best on people without extreme numbers

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1 reply
debraran | @debraran | Aug 12, 2023
In reply to @kasie "It is K2 that you need." + (show)
@kasie

It is K2 that you need.

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I like that my supplement Thera Cal has it with the calcium, magnesium and Vit D. I hope to see continued improvement or no change next Dexa. I wish I went to the same Dexa machine 2 times ago but I don't know the difference in results that are seen when you change. I went from -2.9 in October to -2.1 June 30th the following year. Can a tech error be that much? I want to think my weightlifting, calcium intake, more protein helped but either way, glad to back in osteopenia and will stick with Yale bone center from now on. I went to Yale satellite time before because of convenience and had no idea it might make results different. What do people do that move?

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1 reply
windyshores | @windyshores | Aug 12, 2023
In reply to @debraran "I like that my supplement Thera Cal has it with the calcium, magnesium and Vit D...." + (show)
@debraran

I like that my supplement Thera Cal has it with the calcium, magnesium and Vit D. I hope to see continued improvement or no change next Dexa. I wish I went to the same Dexa machine 2 times ago but I don't know the difference in results that are seen when you change. I went from -2.9 in October to -2.1 June 30th the following year. Can a tech error be that much? I want to think my weightlifting, calcium intake, more protein helped but either way, glad to back in osteopenia and will stick with Yale bone center from now on. I went to Yale satellite time before because of convenience and had no idea it might make results different. What do people do that move?

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@debraran I have been told any difference greater than .5 up or down, is significant.

I keep a chart of my DEXA's since 2001 and I do see variations like that from one DEXA to the next so I look at trends. I guess you will be able to tell which one was more accurate, the next time you have a scan.

Dr. McCormick describes reasons for variations in scores in his book "Great Bones." A technician may use a foam block under knees one time, and not the other. They may look at different "areas of interest." Arthritis and fractures can make things look better than they are. Etc.

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debraran | @debraran | Aug 12, 2023

Mine was only 7 months apart (but different year) so paid for. My regular tech used straps at feet and block. New tech and place didn't use anything at feet but did use block. The first 2 I had and last seem to follow a pattern with the time before varying greatly. My doctor was concerned at first and ordered a slew of blood tests. Then after improved one, she called doctor there (knew him) to ask why the great variation. He couldn't say but the last one was accurate, they have scans and he couldn't speak for another machine. Sounded like he did'n't want to commit to anything but dismissed it. I will see more as you said next time but really working my back every week and hips to try to challenge them.

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