Good evening, @ahmeyers. Thank you so much for presenting Connect with a good introduction to your current medical issues and concerns. I totally understand how someone .... you, in this case, can feel devastated by the results of the first DEXA scan, especially a young, active, and healthy 54-year-old.

Then I read your first post again and realized that I felt the same way. The only difference is that I was not 54 when I was diagnosed...but 75. I am not a fan of what I call M&M..., medical maintenance. My mother never mentioned osteoporosis to me so I don't know if she had to deal with it. She lived to be 87.

What a shock to be thrown into this complicated and as you say confusing world. To top it off you have also walked into the complex and challenging world of medical insurance.

It just happens that I have a very good friend who probably could have written your post. She is a yoga teacher and is in her third year of Reclast infusions which means that she is not building bone. It does appear that you have three choices for building bone, Forteo, Tymlos, and Evenity. I am beginning to see more Connect members talking about making sure you explore the bone building first before you move into a maintenance option.

My choice was Tymlos and I had no side effects for the entire two years. I found it easy to do the daily injections myself.....particularly because it kept my body from having to deal with large amounts of medication over time.

One of the things you might try is to call the manufacturers. They all have medical staff to help you learn about the product. At Tymlos they are right there to support your efforts after you begin the program.

And one more suggestion for this evening.......the bone builder options can be spendy. However, all three of the manufacturers have financial assistance programs that might help you make your decision.

So....hang tight.....take your time.....and ask questions. I am here for you as well as an interesting collection of ladies seeking similar assistance.

May you be safe, protected and free from inner and outer harm.
Chris

Deciding which path to take for osteoporosis treatment is so hard. I’ve had 3 doctors tell me not to take the drugs (one was an orthopedic surgeon) and 2 to tell me to take them. My plan of action is to do everything humanely possible to stop or reverse osteoporosis with diet, supplementation and exercise for 2 years, then see how my Dexa scores have changed. In order to do that I have researched extensively what to do. I highly suggest reading Keith McCormicks books and The Calcium Paradox by Kate Rheaume-Bleue. Also, watch Dr Doug Lucas YouTube and read his book. I also am working with a functional medicine doctor for my diet and supplementation. Margaret Martin is a wonderful source of what exercises are best. Best of luck on your journey.
Let me add that part of my decision to not take the drugs right away is based on my mothers life. She was a petite, frail woman who didn’t eat dairy so her calcium consumption was low. She also didn’t eat highly processed food, everything she ate was “from scratch”. She fell on a regular basis due to a neurological issue( she would black out). She NEVER broke a bone or had a fracture. She lived to be 90!

Amy, I also live in South Florida, it is hard to find a MD who will truly listen to concerns regarding OP. I would encourage you to get a second opinion from an Endocrinologist. Reclast is a very strong medication and there are other medications that you might want to consider first, Take your time and do your research. The books that others on this site have recommended are excellent ( I wish I had them when I was first diagnosed 12 years ago). We are all here on this site to support each other and knowledge is power. At this time just be mindful of the exercises you are doing and keep safety in mind.
Lisa

ahmeyers,
sorry for your news, and welcome.
I agree with your rheumatologist that you are at risk of fracture. Reclast would not be my choice. An anabolic drug will give you more protection from fracture faster.
Many osteoporosis patients are sveldt with high activity levels. Our muscles are stronger than our bones and allow us activities that bones won't tolerate.
Additionally, we don't like to take medications and it sometimes takes a fracture to convince us
At 54 your protective estrogen levels are dwindling. You are on the cusp of a dangerous time for your bones.
Reclast is a bisphosphonate. Bisphosphonates work by preventing the bone from renewing itself. You body will retain the older bone and that bone ( with all its cracks and fissures) will eventually add up to greater density. The mechansim is called antiresorptive.
There are several drugs that are called anabolic because they build bone. Forteo, Tymlos and Evenity. A lot to consider.
Best wishes