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!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

windyshores | @windyshores | Nov 9, 2023
In reply to @susyt "At first he said time for a bone builder. Then he backtracked and said Prolia ,..." + (show)
@susyt

At first he said time for a bone builder. Then he backtracked and said Prolia , but I too am wondering why not an anabolic.

That's great results you have had!!

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@susyt you can choose! Or get another opinion. My docs won't use Prolia due to the risks that occur to bone density when getting off. And once you use Prolia the bone builders are less effective.

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windyshores | @windyshores | Nov 9, 2023
In reply to @timely "I was told by the Osteoporosis Nurse Practioner that I can take none of the 3..." + (show)
@timely

I was told by the Osteoporosis Nurse Practioner that I can take none of the 3 tablets for osteoporosis as I have arrhythmia.

She said that I can take only Prolia.
I said that Prolia has many side effects which she denied...
I refused and walked out of there.

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@timely again what tablets are you referring to? Tymlos and Forteo briefly speed up the heart, but for me that has not aggravated or initiated my atrial fibrillation arrythmia. Reclast has some connection to afib in some past studies but my endo says it is now disproven. He will not use Prolia at all for me due to risks when stopping and also possible aggravation of autoimmune/immune issues.

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lily777 | @lily777 | Nov 9, 2023
In reply to @cstucky "In Oct. 2022, after not having a bone density test in 9 years (I shouldn't have..." + (show)
@cstucky

In Oct. 2022, after not having a bone density test in 9 years (I shouldn't have ignored this) my doc urged me to have the test. I hadn't been taking Vitamin D, but I assumed all would be well because I've always been active. However, four years ago I had a total knee replacement and another one two years ago--bad knees made it painful for me to walk for exercise so I'd taken up biking. I was shocked to get the results from the DEXA scan. I had osteoporosis! The doc prescribed Vitamin D and Fosomax. I was disheartened and worried--knowing the meds had side effects. I talked to my doc and told him I wanted to try and improve my numbers by increasing my walking and taking up weight lifting. I also began following this Mayo support group; I've learned so much and am so grateful for the opportunity. One year later--today--I got the results from my endeavor to increase my bone density without meds. In 2022, my lumbar t-score was -2.9; today it was -2.6; in 2022, my neck was -2.0, today it was -1.9; in 2022, my left hip was -1.3 and today it was -1.4. I'm happy to share this news as a heads-up to all, the knowledge that walking and weight lifting can improve our bone density. I walk almost daily, trying to get in at least 1.5 miles, but often it's more like 3-5 miles. I weight lift at the gym 2-3 times a week for an hour at a time. I also love cycling and often ride 20 miles. I am going to be 76 next week and the improved bone density numbers I received are the best present ever. Thanks for a year's worth of education and support, Mayo group. I'll continue to follow and learn. My best to all of you. We are in this together!

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Thank you for sharing your experience. I have read stories about the side effects from so many different women and I started walking about 3 miles and I bought a vibration plate.

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2 replies
susyt | @susyt | Nov 9, 2023
In reply to @lily777 "Thank you for sharing your experience. I have read stories about the side effects from so..." + (show)
@lily777

Thank you for sharing your experience. I have read stories about the side effects from so many different women and I started walking about 3 miles and I bought a vibration plate.

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I have been curious about the vibration plate. What do the doctors say about them? Had anyone had much experience with them, and results? Thanks.

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kristie2 | @kristie2 | Nov 13, 2023
In reply to @teb "After Forteo, I went on HRT to maintain the gain. After reviewing the options carefully, I..." + (show)
@teb

After Forteo, I went on HRT to maintain the gain. After reviewing the options carefully, I chose HRT as the most "natural" option; something that my body recognizes and knows what to do with. I was 63 at the time and within the 10 year window and chose the very lowest dose of transdermal to be as safe as I possibly could be. Attitudes towards using HRT are beginning to shift and for some individuals, it is a good option to help maintain bone. It's definitely not for everyone but I felt it was best for me. Because I have autoimmune issues, my doctor agreed to prescribe it. I have been mostly holding steady with some decent gain in my hip which I think is also due to my exercise regimen which includes walking 4 miles a day, pressing 20 lb weights, squats with weights, core, pilates, dance, exercise bands and nutrition along with the meds. (just a note...I did all of that exercise and good nutrition without the meds and failed miserably to improve bones so it's the combination that's working) It is darn hard work!! It's a constant in my mind and life but it's just what we have to do to manage this condition.
Thank you for your kind thoughts. Wishing you well. Keep us posted.

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I am 4 months in on taking Evenity and I also started BHRT . I am having pellets inserted in my upper buttock once every 3-4 months depending on my lab work . I basically had no hormones in my body . The company is biote and they use bioidentical hormones.

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njhornung | @normahorn | Nov 23, 2023
In reply to @olderdiva12345 "Good Sunday morning. I, as well, as very afraid of the side effects of the injections..." + (show)
@olderdiva12345

Good Sunday morning. I, as well, as very afraid of the side effects of the injections such as Prolia. I refuse to have these. I am taking calcium supplimensts and have seen improvement in my bone densidty. I am currently taking per day: Horbaach Absorbable Calcium softgels 2 with 1200mgs with 125 Mgs f Vitamin D (5,000 IU (don't know what that is. In addition I take 1 tablet per day of Tervisepuramid Calcium which also contains 50 mgs of Zinc. a small amount of Vitamin D3 and 4,000 mgs of calcium carbonate. All together I take 21 suppliments each morning, 3 or 4 Magnesium gummies, 4 Metamucil gummies per day and others for hair and nails, B12 for energy and other misc. Suppliments. I insist on a bone density test every year to see my progress when every two years in recommended. Don't know if this will help. All the Best to you.

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I was wondering what the current supplementation regime is. (It was a challenge to find this old post but it is one that stuck in my mind.)

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olderdiva12345 | @olderdiva12345 | Nov 24, 2023

I have designed my own regimine which consists of 20+- vitamins each morning...many of them calciium or calcium based qt10 (sp?) is one other and magnesium. It is 4:30 a.m. here and we are expecing packers and movers early this morning and I don't have time right now to give you my list. We should be setteled in about 10 days in our new home on Lake Keowee, South Carolina...if you wish and I can locate it and you are willing to wait I shall list/post what I am doing. I have brought myself from Osteoperosis in the hips and lower back to Osteopenia...in two years. My doctor is still pushing Prolia and I still refuse. The neck is still at the worst stage. I consider that a success story. All the best to you. I, too refused to take any injections due to the side effects even though there is a new one on the market - name unknown to me that is one shot per year and I still won't do it. i eat quite a bit of cheese, as well and do not drink milk. Hate the taste even though it is good for us. Ciao for now and good luck.

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4 replies
cpd54 | @cpd54 | Nov 24, 2023
In reply to @olderdiva12345 "I have designed my own regimine which consists of 20+- vitamins each morning...many of them calciium..." + (show)
@olderdiva12345

I have designed my own regimine which consists of 20+- vitamins each morning...many of them calciium or calcium based qt10 (sp?) is one other and magnesium. It is 4:30 a.m. here and we are expecing packers and movers early this morning and I don't have time right now to give you my list. We should be setteled in about 10 days in our new home on Lake Keowee, South Carolina...if you wish and I can locate it and you are willing to wait I shall list/post what I am doing. I have brought myself from Osteoperosis in the hips and lower back to Osteopenia...in two years. My doctor is still pushing Prolia and I still refuse. The neck is still at the worst stage. I consider that a success story. All the best to you. I, too refused to take any injections due to the side effects even though there is a new one on the market - name unknown to me that is one shot per year and I still won't do it. i eat quite a bit of cheese, as well and do not drink milk. Hate the taste even though it is good for us. Ciao for now and good luck.

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Please when you’re settled post your supplement lists. Like you I’m
Not taking meds and am trying to better my scores through diet, supplementation and exercise.

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bruceandruth1970 | @bruceandruth1970 | Nov 24, 2023
In reply to @olderdiva12345 "I have designed my own regimine which consists of 20+- vitamins each morning...many of them calciium..." + (show)
@olderdiva12345

I have designed my own regimine which consists of 20+- vitamins each morning...many of them calciium or calcium based qt10 (sp?) is one other and magnesium. It is 4:30 a.m. here and we are expecing packers and movers early this morning and I don't have time right now to give you my list. We should be setteled in about 10 days in our new home on Lake Keowee, South Carolina...if you wish and I can locate it and you are willing to wait I shall list/post what I am doing. I have brought myself from Osteoperosis in the hips and lower back to Osteopenia...in two years. My doctor is still pushing Prolia and I still refuse. The neck is still at the worst stage. I consider that a success story. All the best to you. I, too refused to take any injections due to the side effects even though there is a new one on the market - name unknown to me that is one shot per year and I still won't do it. i eat quite a bit of cheese, as well and do not drink milk. Hate the taste even though it is good for us. Ciao for now and good luck.

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I would like to see your list also. Hope your move goes well.

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njhornung | @normahorn | Nov 24, 2023
In reply to @olderdiva12345 "I have designed my own regimine which consists of 20+- vitamins each morning...many of them calciium..." + (show)
@olderdiva12345

I have designed my own regimine which consists of 20+- vitamins each morning...many of them calciium or calcium based qt10 (sp?) is one other and magnesium. It is 4:30 a.m. here and we are expecing packers and movers early this morning and I don't have time right now to give you my list. We should be setteled in about 10 days in our new home on Lake Keowee, South Carolina...if you wish and I can locate it and you are willing to wait I shall list/post what I am doing. I have brought myself from Osteoperosis in the hips and lower back to Osteopenia...in two years. My doctor is still pushing Prolia and I still refuse. The neck is still at the worst stage. I consider that a success story. All the best to you. I, too refused to take any injections due to the side effects even though there is a new one on the market - name unknown to me that is one shot per year and I still won't do it. i eat quite a bit of cheese, as well and do not drink milk. Hate the taste even though it is good for us. Ciao for now and good luck.

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I cannot imagine taking 20+ vitamins a day. Are you still taking 5200 mg Calcium each day. Personally, I limit myself to a total of 5 pills per day of which only 3 are supplements. To add another, I would have to drop one.

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