Any non fracture members?

I have known I have OP for five years; diagnosed right before covid...and the ball got dropped for numerous reasons. I have never fractured - and like many people at initial diagnosis, I was like, who me, osteoporosis; you have got to be kidding? I have always been active/athletic, eat well, etc. - but yes, my frame is small and am thin. At my first diagnosis I was told to stop running and begin walking - I did, but I had never been more miserable. I just felt tight -and think my back felt more painful - or stiff and rigid. I got a puppy during covid and needed to run around a bit with the little critter; my saving grace! I did not do ballistic running but short sprints here and there in the backyard - and yes, we walked. My back felt so much better after I started moving again. But no fractures, not even when the pup tipped me over when she hit me hard in the legs (from behind ) and I flew in air and landed flat-on my back. I laid there for a moment...maybe a minute or two but got up and felt fine. Maybe I didn't fracture because I didn't see her coming? - so I was relaxed and didn't brace myself.

My dexa showed lumbars as -4.5/-4.6...and L5 is -5! I didn't see that on my initial view; maybe a bit of dylexia...or was it delusion? Hips are -2.6. So while it is possible to avoid fracture - it is still a risk... I believe being fit, or not knowing for a long time I had OP and keeping fit has probably provided me with some prevention despite the risk of fracture. I am wondering if my previous scores would have been worse if I led a more sedentary life? BTW I was diagnosed with OP because I lost height and had reported diffuse back pain after long drives; I had to make long drives (3 hours plus) on a regular basis for work and following I felt uncomfortable - if not downright tight.

I joined the OP group in Mayo to make a decision about treatment. I have seen an MD bone specialist who recommends Tymlos, an Oncologist (had been diagnosed pre-cancer in breast called LCIS right after latest DEXA) who recommends Fosamax, and a PharmD who works with a specialist orthopedic office attached to spine clinic who recommends Evenity. Seems all specializations have their preference based on their specialties desired outcomes - so I asked my PCP is she could refer me to an endocrinologist. She has, and I spoke with that office, and we will be setting up an appointment soon. I am hopeful there might be consensus with someone but moreover I desire a more tailored, and monitored, approach over take this drug for a year and we will complete a DEXA and go from there. At present, I keep active (walk, garden, swim, and do alot of stairs) - and I also enjoy learning from Dr. Lisa Moore of Brickhouse Bones. I began taking Vitamin D (2000 units) as last bloods were a little low - and at that time I was getting ready for surgery to remove LCIS (prophylactic bilateral mastectomy) and it seemed reasonable to help boost the immune system before a major surgery. I eat a mediterranean diet (always have)- and now ensure I eat a lot of dairy to get my recommended calcium level. I do six prunes a day - three in the morning and three as dinner desert. I was referred to PT by my bone specialist to make certain I did not do, what I was not supposed to do, when gardening or lifting - and to strengthen my core.

I did consider trying to manage OP naturally - but to a certain degree I have done this for the past five years (from first diagnosis to this year) - while my condition has not worsened ...it hasn't improved. The "any non-fracture members" was intriguing to me since those of us who haven't fractured must be doing something right; and there will always be a question in my mind about OP and whether we need to boost our bones; our elders didn't...fractures, and even death following fractures. was just part of growing old and aging. Is risk of fracture mitigated by risk from treatment/medicines? I don't know...still deciding.

But I think I want meds for quick gains so that I don't have to have to think about risk of fracture as much. PLUS I am 64, not retired with good private insurance, and since no one knows what US medicare will look like in the future, it seems financially prudent to begin a pharma treatment path sooner rather than later. So hopefully I will not fracture before I get some gains. I just need to pick a poison... Good luck to all - and may we continue to be fracture free!

I’ve had op for many yrs. I’m 69 now. No fractures. However, I have always been a very active jogger 5 days a week (1 mile), and daily exercises. The last two yrs I’ve added free dumbbells and ankle weights for my exercises. I’m a small boned petite woman -all the more danger. No op drugs. Eat healthy. The last 4 months started on estrogen patch. Last 2 yrs taking great vitamins and calcium with vit K.
Be encouraged…come up with a plan that works for you. Don’t jump into the first thing the first dr tells you to take. Read all side effects. Most importantly now is exercise and strength building to improve your balance and muscle strength so if you do fall your muscles can help protect the bones from taking the full bunt of force.

@frog100 I had no side effects from the Evenity - thank goodness! I'm now on Reclast once each year to maintain the gains I got from the Evenity.

@sandy0257
I've considered the patch; small petite also - 72, had op since about 60, no meds, no fractures. Not as active as you but take good op supplements. Scary at first but prayer and common sense helps. Docs will try to push drugs, be your own advocate, your health.💞 Thanks for your inspiration!

Does anyone know if Actonel is as effective for bones as fosomax ?

Are the results about the same ?