Any non fracture members?

I have not fractured. I have been on a variety of osteoporosis drugs over the course of about 12 years. What are your dexa scores and how long ago? Is your endocrinologist recommending medication? What else are you doing to help your bones? Is the cause of your osteoporosis/osteopenia loss of hormones during and post menopause (as most cases) or is the cause something else? Glad you are here . There is so much great information.

@gravity3
February this year I was diagnosed. Spine is -2.7 and hips -2.0. Yes I’ve been to 2 Endocrinologists and the one I liked has recommended Evenity. My BCBS denied it and Dr office has resubmitted it. I work out 6 days a week with a mix of walking and Dr Lisa Moore videos. Also track my calcium and protein on Cronometer app. My cause is menopause, small boned, hyperthyroidism and genetics. My mom’s hip broke when she was 84 and she passed a couple months after that. She also had other health issues it was just the last straw. Actually I don’t think she was treated for it. Dr said her bones were like Swiss cheese.

I think part of my problem is what happened to my mom and the realization that I’m aging. But keep reminding myself I’d rather be aging than the alternative.

I was diagnosed in the '90s . no medications until this year (HRT) haven't broken anything and I am pretty active. I was a flight attendant up until 2008. you get bumped around a bit. I will be doing a dexa later this month to see if HRT makes it better.
I have to admit, I never really worried about it until last year. Actually, not really worried about it. More worried about the medications.

I had a bad fall in my backyard with my dog in my hands and I fractured my humorous bone in my arm very painful. I was home by myself took him to the ER then I saw a a terrific orthopedic surgeon. Just be careful. God bless.

Osteopenia is not like having cancer. My guess is that almost everyone over 60 has some level of it, and many have osteoporosis and don't even know it.

Let me give you my story. I am 67, male. Three years ago, I came back from one of my usual jogs. Felt fine. Bent over to pick something up, felt a sharp pain in my back. I thought I pulled a muscle or slipped a disc or whatever else can happen to your back. I actually had a compression fracture. It took eight weeks to fully heal. Meantime, I had a DEXA scan. It showed -3.4 in my spine. I... had... no... idea. Me? Osteoporosis? Isn't that an old woman's disease? (yes, that went through my uneducated head at the time.)

Let's fast-forward to today. I spent two years on Tymlos, and am currently on alendronate. I go to the gym regularly, and I run every other day (including 5K races.) My spine is now -1.7. I have no fear of fractures.

Being 60 and having osteoporosis or osteopenia is not the end of your life! You can fix it. Yeah, when we hit 60, things can go wrong, but we deal with them and fix them if we can. Honestly, I'd rather have dealt with OP than with some of the many other things that can happen as we age. I don't go down without a fight. 🙂

@rudysmom

You are doing a great job caring for yourself. At 78 I can relate to finding ways to accept and live with the aging body/brain. Have you read any of Pema Chodrun's writings? She is a Buddhist nun. Her wisdom has helped me navigate a conscious approach to aging. "Welcoming the Unwelcome." is one of many good ones

@gravity3 Pema Chodron's wit and wisdom really saved me when I was going through my divorce. Her words continue to echo in my head as I navigate every big or little thing that life throws my way, including osteoporosis. Don't Bite the Hook was my personal favorite.

@rudysmom I can completely relate to how you feel about your new diagnosis - it was really hard for me, too, to realize that my body wouldn't be able to continue doing the things I loved: golfing, skiing, etc. After being unaware that I had hyperparathyroidism for probably 5 or 10 years before a doctor actually looked at my blood test results, my spine was at -3.8. My endocrinologist called it "scary." A year after having three of the parathyroids removed (along with my entire thyroid, when they discovered it was cancerous), my spine was at -3.4. After fighting the idea of taking drugs to resolve it, I gave in and took oral alendronate, which I didn't tolerate. A year or two later, I gave in to the recommendation for Evenity. A full year of monthly infusions later, my spine was at -2.6. I couldn't have been happier! Yes, still in the osteoporosis range, but maybe not quite as scary anymore. Ironically, a month after I finished the treatment, I stubbed my fourth toe on the end of the bed and suffered a spiral fracture - the first fracture of my entire life at the age of 67! Jeesh!

I would strongly encourage you to get the book Great Bones by R. Keith McCormick. One of the most important takeaways from the book (for me) is that just because we have osteoporosis doesn't mean we don't have strong bones, per se. Exercise, eating lots of nuts and seeds, getting out into the sunshine as much as you can, and paying attention to our bone health can go a long way to keeping your bones strong. If you aren't already taking Vitamin K2, Vitamins C and D, and a safe level of calcium, I would encourage you to start. Also consider adding canned fish (with the bones) to your diet. I prefer Trader Joe's unsalted sardines prepared with lemon juice, olive oil and celery on crackers - delicious, as canned fish goes... lol!

Don't let yourself stay stuck in grief. Choose to be proactive, learn as much as you can about the disease, and then take good care of yourself and your bones. Good luck!

Hi I am 82 going on 83 in August and I appreciate all the sharing. I was diagnosed OP twenty plus years ago. I took actonel for five years and tried other meds with some reactions. I too walk every day for 40 minutes, have a healthy diet and try to eat everything listed for people with OP. My Endo doc wants me to start Evenity since my OP is at the point of needing something stronger. I want to build strong bones. I have read everyone’s comments and am taking them into consideration. I can be depressing since they are about all the side effects, but I have to keep in mind all the comments out there that have not been shared about how the meds have worked and they are doing great. I have not had any fractures to date . I just have to my part based on all the research and doc recommends, then trust God for the rest,

@frog100

Evenity gave me the best gains with no noticeable side effects.