Anyone Have Exp w/T-6 Fracture & Weighted Vest?

Hi @ilovetrees, As @windyshores pointed out, a weighted vest may cause fractures. My rheumatologist told me not to use one and I heard Sara Meeks, a Physical Therapist who specializes in osteoporosis, mention that as well. Dr. Loren Fishman (Columbia University School of Medicine) has an ongoing study of specially selected yoga poses that build bone density. There are modifications of the classic poses for those with osteoporosis and osteopenia. You can Google 12 Poses vs Osteoporosis and also check out his work at http://www.sciataca.org . It is also possible to get a consult with him. There have been no injuries to participants in his study. Take care,

Thank you! Thymos sounds like it might be the best way to go, since l could start with a low dose. I’m across the country in Oregon. There’s a clinic in Portland that specializes in osteoporosis. I feel like I need another endo opinion and hopefully can get an appointment soon. Waiting a year doesn’t feel right at all. I’m seeing my cardio in a few days for her input. Fingers crossed. I’m so grateful this group exists. Many thanks to everyone who replied! Take care.

Hello, and welcome.
My last DEXA was at -4.3. I have a history of all five lumbar vertebrae fractured, as well as other fractures at T-10,11 & 12. My endocrinologist told me that I am, most definitely, not a candidate for a weighted vest. She explained that they may be beneficial for people with osteopenia and mild osteoporosis, but with moderate to severe osteoporosis and fracture history, the added burden could produce more fractures. Instead, she recommended walking as much as I can and going up and down the stairs (I live in a 2-story townhouse), stomping my feet. Apparently, the low impact of stomping stimulates bone building. If the stairs are not an option, you can sit down and stomp your feet, as if you were trying to crush a can of soda, alternating three or four stomps, per foot.

I am one of the many for whom Windyshores saved the treatment with Tymlos. I would have never tolerated starting on the full 8 clicks (at 12 weeks, I am still at 6), and would have had to discontinue treatment altogether.
I started out at 3 clicks and moved up a click every week. Seven was too harsh, and I had to skip a day, go back to five for a couple of days, and then up to six. I am comfortable at six: Only nausea for a couple of hours after the shot (used to be all day), and occasional leg cramps that, fortunately, go away laying my foot flat on the floor for a minute and walking around a little.

I am going to try 7 clicks at some point, because I do want to get the most out of this treatment, and I'd rather endure some side effects than go through another fracture. The key has been keeping track of my doses and side effects to observe what works. Also, the time of day for taking the shot. I started out in the morning. Moved to evenings, because some people in this group commented that they felt less effects, maybe because they were during their sleep. Didn't work very well for me. I am now doing it at 3:00 p. m. and trying to be active after the shot. For some reason, side effects last less when I'm active. Not what my body would want. I used to lie down, trying to ease the nausea, but it didn't work for me. I now eat oranges and walk around, and it goes away faster. I guess each person has to look for what works for them since we are all different. My motto in this is: "Whatever works!".

@mmodesti omigosh are we the same person?! Nice to "talk" to someone with a lot of fractures like me (sorry it's you). And I have written that I have found that eating with the shot (especially something salty), hydrating and getting up and going out- all help.

For the first months I stayed in bed and was miserable for those first hours after the shot. Maybe it kept my blood pressure down? Maybe we metabolize it more quickly if active? In any case I am glad you are able to be active after the shot and have found, as I have, that it actually helps!

I now before shot eat Ezekiel toast with Good brand cottage cheese on it, glass of orange juice with himilayan salt in it
And I don’t get the racey heartbeat as much and less headache and less lightheadedness

Hello! What is Windyshores?

That’s so funny you mention stomping. A few months ago on the treadmill I decided to stomp, figuring it might be a bit of a vibration and I was too cheap to buy the good vibration machine (Altho may change mind now). I didn’t keep it up because I was a little worried it could cause a fracture but seeing your post I may start again. I also read somewhere - maybe that stupid Women’s World magazine but maybe it was in a Margaret Martin post, that there was some study, women who did 7 heel drops 3X a day - I would do before each meal - increased bone density. A heel drop is like half a stomp.

I'm from Oregon too (and I LOVE and miss my trees!). You may already be familiar with these osteoporosis doctors but just in case you are not, Dr Chaim Vanek and Dr Patricia Burford are both endocrinologists and specialize in osteoporosis. They are located in Portland. Very difficult to get an appointment and you may have to wait a year as a new patient but you can get on a wait list and may get an earlier appt once you are in the system. They both know their stuff.
Since I had always exercised, I was really confused about how to move forward safely and effectively. Burford referred me to a PT that was well versed in osteoporosis. The PT was terrific, knowledgeable and really taught me how to move safely. She was located outside of Portland. I wish I could remember her name but if I find it, I'll post here. If not, perhaps you could call Burford's office and maybe they will give you that info.

Hello @teb - I just went back through the Mayo posts I sav d last August to find yours. I wanted you to know I did get on a wait list for Dr Burford, and I saw her this week. She’s wonderful. Thank you again so very much!