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Did I make the right decisions for Osteoporosis & Bone Health?

Posted by Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor @artscaping, Jul 19 10:57pm

Today was the scheduled video conference with my endocrinologist after two years of commitment to Alendronate. The bells are finally ringing.
Four years ago, after a recommended need for help with my aging bones, I chose Tymlos, which is one of the bone development medications. It worked well for me without any side effects. Then came the day when I was told it was time to begin a journey with Prolia. Unfortunately, I had severe and painful side effects right away and was drawing a blank when it came to understanding what decision would be my best choice.

All of a sudden I thought that it just might be possible for me to have a medical professional right at the Mayo Clinic. With my PCP's support, I was accepted by Dr. Wermers. He started by curtailing the Prolia and initiating Alendronate. After reviewing the Dexa scan of my hip and spine, he made my dosage one 70 mg pill on Monday mornings with a full glass of water on an empty stomach while I relaxed in bed for one hour before breakfast.

He also told me that scores from the wrist area were not as reliable as hip scores when it was time to make clinical judgments due to body location and different bone composition. And today, my hip showed a statistically significant density score gain of 5.3%.

And now.... I will continue for two more years and include some additional recommendations for appropriate exercises.

I will also begin monitoring my calcium intake. My target is 1200 grams daily. (1 cup of yogurt is 300 grams.) Dr. Wermers will send me a list of calcium sources to help me
reach my daily challenge.

Having a medical professional assisting me with my osteoporosis journey ensures that my bone health will be the best it can be.

Chris

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

worley725 | @worley725 | Sep 8 8:44am

This was a good conversation regarding osteoporosis. I am a retired nurse - and feel the more information the better. It was particularly getting more professional advice. I got another opinion from a doctor at Mayo Clinic, as I was questioning my two other doctors' opinions. I spent about an hour with her on the Zoom visit - she said she thought I was going in the right direction. She also asked if I needed her to get back. She also gave me her office nurse and phone number if needed. I thanked her for her assistance.

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irene | @irenekw | Sep 8 10:59am
In reply to @babbsjoy "@zooie , I am so sorry you have had this surprise diagnosis! If the Mayo virtual..." + (show)
@babbsjoy

@zooie ,
I am so sorry you have had this surprise diagnosis! If the Mayo virtual doesn’t work out, and you are near Orlando, Orlando Health has a women’s health pavilion in Winter Park with a doctor who specializes in bone health….Blessings to you and prayers for your good health.

Jump to this post

Hello, my 84 year old Mother lives close to Winter Park. Can you share the doctors name who specializes in bone health?
Thank you,
Irene

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Working Artist | @treaveler | Sep 11 1:59pm
In reply to @artscaping "Good evening, @gently, and thanks for your response. I am sure that my endocrinologist knows why..." + (show)
@artscaping

Good evening, @gently, and thanks for your response. I am sure that my endocrinologist knows why he chose alendronate two years ago. And with my positive response after two years, it is probably wise to continue with a medication with which I have had no issues in addition to ending the first two years with positive results.

However, I am also interested in how medical professionals choose the medication that will yield the best results. Let's remember that he did have the following information:

First attempt: Boniva.
Age: 80
Family history: I know of no response from female family members, including my mother and two grandmothers. My mother never mentioned any relationship with osteoporosis.

Results: Jay and I were staying at Hope Lodge for 30 days while he was receiving daily proton treatments after prostate surgery. I had painful symptoms and bothersome reactions to my first doses of Boniva. My PCP stopped the Boniva and sent me to an endocrinologist. She showed me two choices ......Forteo or Tymlos. I chose Tymlos partly because it was less expensive.

At the end of the two years on Tymlos and after updated scans, she recommended Prolia. By that time, I knew a little more about osteoporosis. Immediately, Prolia began to cause annoying and painful side effects, which resulted in another visit with my PCP. She suggested a consultation with
Dr. Wermers at the Mayo Clinic. ......and the rest is history.

During my rather short relationship with Prolia, I made a daily chart with symbols that described my negative reactions. That seemed like a sufficient exploratory experience for him, and that is how alendronate was chosen—based on real evidence.

I hope this is what you wanted to know about how the decision was made. It is still working as I start on year three.

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

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Thank you for your insight!

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