Lynn, thank you for your post. I am also 65 and on estrogen therapy (Climara Pro patch) after having gone through menopause at 36 due to autoimmune issues. I will ask my doctor to check these--bone cancer and 125 what are these markers?

Can you tell me more about ionized calcium? What is it and what led you to this?

Regarding laxatives and joint swelling, I have eliminated any need for these by going on a diet of vegetables, fish, tofu and meats, but strictly low carb (I eat beans and yams) and no sugar, no dairy and no gluten at all. It may seem like a big ask, but it feels like a pretty indulgent diet ( I can eat animal fats and vegan butter), and it completely resolved my constipation and all joint pain as long as I am strict about sugar and carbs. Also enabled me to get through long Covid and resolve it, albeit after a year. Might work for you and allow you to get off a couple of drugs that could be working at cross-purposes. If I didn't do this, my right hip hurts enough to make me limp and I'd be headed for a joint replacement. When I stick to it, I have no pain at all.