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I reversed osteoporosis without drugs
I had my bone quality test yesterday along with another bone density test. This was my third bone density test in 14 months.
My first bone density test was Nov 2021.
I started consulting with different doctors. If I must take meds I would. But I had to get to the truth.
The physician who appeared to know the most is Keith McCormick DC the chiropractor who got osteoporosis at a very young age and really understands it.
That first DEXA scan showed I had mild osteoperosis of the spine, within the margin of error.
So no McCormick said to take the CTX (blood) test and a few others.
CTX was good.
My CTX shows that the osteoclasts are not breaking down too much bone. therefore, my next bone density test shouldn’t show that that I am much worse.
I decided not to wait until 2 years for another scan and took
I took another bone density (aka DEXA) scan 10/2022 to see if that was true about the CTX.
My spine was actually better in that scan and it was now osteopenia.
My hip was a little worse bringing it outside the margin of error. McCormick said this was a tough call so I said to him why don’t I get a bone quality test (that he told me about) and I figured that will buy me a little time anyway lol.
Unfortunately, the bone quality test only measures the spine.
Since it’s unusual for your spine to get better and your hip to get worse, it made me think - what have I done differently since the last test? Why would my spine improve but not my hip? What is my spine doing that my hip is not?
I decided it had to be the Supernatural virtual reality exercise app that I exercise to (on the oculus quest VR helmet). Even though I am striking the air, there actually is resistance, and I push hard to hit it as powerfully as I can.
I decided to put weights on my ankles. Everything I read says weight training should be once or twice a week, and I certainly only did it once.
Back to yesterday and the bone quality (TBS) test and yet another bone density (DEXA) test.
My hip was back to where it was on the first test. This put me back inside the margin of error where I would not have to take medication
This demonstrated to me that the CTX score did in fact mean I'm not losing density quickly.
Yesterday's test shows that my spine continued to improve and my bone density score was no longerosteopenia. It was normal. My bone quality test was great. The tech really loved it and called me over to show me how I was completely in the green meaning It was normal which is a little unusual at my age, 74, altogether.
I may be wrong about supernatural helping.
I’ll probably take the DEXA again in six months because I am anxious to see how the hip does, and if it improves even more.
And if so, I’ll turn myself into a study. 😂
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@rjd The TBS test is the only way I am aware of that gives that extra information. Though have to say I’m not familiar with the Echo test ,that has been mentioned on this forum. So on the TBS you get a color coded picture of each lumbar vertebrae with areas shaded in as such . Green for normal, yellow for partially degraded, red for degraded. There are actual scores that go along with this and provides scores of each vertebrae and combinations of them leading you also to an overall score.
I’m flattered , but my knowledge only touches the surface of what Dr. McCormack understands!!!!
Good luck to you as you navigate your situation!
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3 ReactionsDr. McCormick told me not to do TBS, that the results would no doubt be depressing!!
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1 ReactionWell, I was vigilant to get that test before I saw him. I was curious and really wanted that piece of the puzzle put in place. And… having it made my overall picture look WORSE than my DEXA by itself!!!! … so there’s that!! 😢😬 I’m still glad I did it, cause I would have been wondering!! Though I had to switch machines, and the facility, plus the extra distance to travel there, I’m glad to have made the change as going forward I can compare to that one .
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4 ReactionsHello, I am new to the Mayo Connect Clinic and wish to express my deep appreciation to all of you for sharing your experiences, which I have been reading voraciously . Your information and wealth of personal experience is invaluably helpful to me. I was diagnosed with mild osteoporosis 3 years ago. Unfortunately, my doctor never explained how serious this was, reassuring me this was a very slow progressing condition not requiring another DEXA for 3 more years! I was devastated to learn last month that my T score has increased to -3.5 from -2.8. This was devastating shocking news I'm still reeling from. I had been taking a good bone supplement -- AOR Bone Basics -- for 3 year with a full range of minerals which evidently didn't stop the BMD loss. More medication is horrifying to me after a year of high dose Prednisone and another immunosuppressant, which I have no doubt were the greatest contributors to this. I have been researching around the clock, following Keith McCormick -- ordered both his books -- and just watched the 5 day OsteoBoston Summit. I am on wait list for local endocrinologist and consulted an integrative medicine physician I will continue to see. Thank you again to everyone. Your stories are read by many and really make a difference.
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17 Reactions@kirstenlheld Did he specify what kind of K2, MK-4 or MK-7?
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3 ReactionsHe is specific about it in the book. I think it's both, but I don't have the book in front of me at the moment.
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4 ReactionsI’ve read MK-7 is what you need to get better absorption of D3 & calcium
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2 ReactionsDid insurance cover the dexascan? I was told that I could only have one ever two years because of insurance.
What it comes down to is you may have to pay for the DEXA, usually under $200.
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4 ReactionsThank you for this. I used your link, found a clinic not too far away, and tried to schedule but they say I need a referral. I am hopeful I will get it. Where do you get the CTX from? My doctor said he can only order it if I’m on the drugs (which I’m not).