Depression and Tymlos

A thought. From time to time I will send a message through patient Portal telling her what I want to discuss at our visit. Time for her to prep/consult with colleague. Have you considered getting an osteoporosis specialist on board for treatment of Osteoporosis?

That's who prescribes the Tymlos and who I'm going to be seeing. I know he's been prescribing Tymlos for a while; whenever I asked about specific side effects (as I was starting on it) he'd say "I haven't had anyone report that..." Kind of the same that I'd expect from the Tymlos rep, who would, I fear, quote the research literature and refer me to my doc. So I'm not optimistic about learning anything useful from him; I get more good info from this group than from the professionals 🙏

Depression is a kind of suffering that is also physical. I want to mention that when I have been through depressive times in my life, both times I lost 30 lbs. without changing the way I ate. The medication may affect your mood health, and could be the reason for weight loss. I'm glad you shared what you're going through. I'm just making decisions about a new diagnosis of osteoporosis. I'm grateful to everyone that shares their experience!

I have experienced some of what you are describing but for me I feel it’s bc of the fractures I’ve had, how they have changed my body and my self image. Unlike you though I have experienced some weight gain, not loss, especially in my abdominal area which has always been one of my smaller areas previously. I know that is partially due to how vertebral fractures compress towards the front and your spine now wants to go that way, but I have read other’s comments about weight gain with Tymlos. Just dealing with all the levels of osteoporosis and having to inject oneself everyday is depressing. Your feelings are understandable and you are not alone!

I read your post early this morning and have been thinking of you all day.
Do you feel like the Tymlos causes depression itself or the consequences of osteoporosis?
I do totally understand depression, but not obsessing over it.
I have always taken care of my clothes, hair, appearance and loathe people who wear pajamas and slippers to the store like they just rolled out of bed. Im by no means a fashionista, but try to be presentable.
So, with a hunched back, a short neck, a muffin top and all body parts about hitting the floor, yes, it is depressing. I dont want to shop for clothes now because nothing fits right. I wouldnt get caught in a bathing suit, shorts or a crop top. When i get out of the shower and look in the mirror, I sometimes cry and do say Id rather be dead. But those thoughts are short lived. Im very thankful. My six fractures could have been much worse.
My husband still loves me and says I look nice. Our boys come home often. We do things together, they help with things I cant do anymore. We have the most wonderful nieces and nephews, good friends an neighbors. Life is good.
Yeah....my body isnt 20 anymore, but it still works. I still walk 5 miles in the park everyday, I play with the dog, cook, clean, etc. Im the same person, just 3 inches shorter and readjusted here and there.
We all have our moments of feeling down. I could be wrong....but I dont think its the Tymlos itself but what osteoporosis does to us and how frustrating it is. Focus on all the good things in your life, and there are so many. Spend time doing what you enjoy and surround yourself with people you love. Do something kind for someone. Dont let osteoporosis get you down. Stay on this forum. We all understand. Together, we can help each other.
You take care. You are a beautiful person!

I'm only on my 4th month but haven't had any side effects as I know of. Have gained a few pounds but it says not a side effect of tymlos. I've no depression to speak of. Good luck.

Beautifully said!!! Thank you from all of us..

Yeah, @gowalking, agree with jennirdh. I'm embarrassed to consider my woes worthy of complaining when I read what you've gone thru.
Many of you have offered me support and I'm grateful for your thoughtfulness.
So I saw my orthopod today and he said "stop the Tymlos for a month and let's see if things improve". If not we'll look for other causes for the depressive symptoms - tho we're not going to wait a month to do that! - and restart the Tymlos; if the symptoms all resolve, we'll assume the Tymlos is behind them, and he would recommend switching me to some other med, Forteo being the one he mentioned first. Now I'm going to have to go back thru all these posts and learn about Forteo. I had a million things on my mnd and forgot to take my list of discussion items with me, so I didn't remember to ask about trying reduced dosages or doing a DEXA to see where I'm at after 9 mos, but I think he's got my best interests, so I'm just crossing my 🤞and hoping for better days.

Wow......
Can you call your doctors office in the morning and just tell them you forgot to ask for a DEXA SCAN, can they order it? You would like to see the results of TYMLOS before you go off it?
If you have to pay out of pocket, its around $100. Most insurance only pays every two years, but if your doctor orders it, they usualy will cover it.
Id hate to see you stop, switch to something else and maybe forteo not be your answer either.
Can you get a second opinion? Is your doctor specialized in womens health and osteoporosis?
How would you feel about Tymlos, if your DEXA SCAN showed significant improvement in nine months?

What do you think about when you are depressed?

One thing I discovered when I was on envenity - which I had severe side effects. My doctor told me that those are not reported. Low and behold my last visit she said she’s hearing more and more of these side effects do insist. Don’t ever think that your reaction to these drugs are just in our heads. They are real to us. I just start tylmos and I’m getting some reaction about 30 minutes after - I’m hoping those will pass, but I will never second guess myself with how my body is reacting. Sometimes when this happens anyone can get depressed. Always talk to someone about that but don’t be so hard on ourselves when we don’t feel well. My thoughts and my reactions.