1. < Osteoporosis & Bone Health

Drugs or exercise and vitamins?

Posted by cmiller59 @cmiller59, May 10, 2023

I recently went to a rheumatologist to get some questions answered regarding my osteoporosis. He said I had Senile osteoporosis and that he felt I definitely should take Alendronate Sodium once a week. I have also heard such horrific stories about osteo meds and am terrified to take them but also terrified not to of I need them. I am taking calcium and Vitamin D and exercise almost daily since the diagnosis. Is this enough to stop it from getting worse or should I start the meds. I want to hold off until my next scan but that isn’t until Oct. 24. Can anyone shed some light on this for me? Thank you.

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windyshores | @windyshores | May 26, 2023
In reply to @cmiller59 "Wendy, how long have you been taking the collagen? I had read about that but I..." + (show)
@cmiller59

Wendy, how long have you been taking the collagen? I had read about that but I only saw it once and have seen it anywhere else.

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I haven't taken collagen @cmiller59. McCormick suggested it but I want to ask a rheumatologist first since scleroderma involves excess collagen in certain locations in the body.

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1 reply
lvsr | @lvsr | May 27, 2023

I have had a terrible side effect from Bonivia, gave me body aches and dizziness. I would like to hear more about your progress with exercise and vitamins since this appeals very much to me. Thanks

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lvsr | @lvsr | May 27, 2023
In reply to @yvie "@cmiller59, I did not realize that I had Osteoporosis. I never had bone pain or any..." + (show)
@yvie

@cmiller59, I did not realize that I had Osteoporosis. I never had bone pain or any symptom that would have led me to believe that I did…until I broke a bone in my upper back when I was simply standing and talking to someone. I wasn’t lifting or bending or stretching. I was simply standing and talking when all of a sudden I was in agonizing pain…enough to have my daughter call the fire department to come and get me and take me in an ambulance to the emergency room. The doctors did their tests and told me that I had a broken bone in my upper chest and to see a neuro-surgeon ASAP to see how he wanted to treat it. Well, he treated my break with 5 months of bed rest and gave me my first shot of Prolia. My Dexa-scan verified that I had Osteoporosis and without even discussing what medicine I wanted to take, he gave me my first shot of Prolia. I trusted him and I simply agreed with everything he suggested. I have not broken any other bones since then (3 years ago) but I do believe if he had not put me on Prolia, my story would have had a different ending. My bones are stronger now but not yet normal…now I have Osteopenia. My best advice to you is DON’t WAIT!! Submit to the treatment your doctor is suggesting or get a second opinion to see if that doctor agrees with the first one. But waiting could lead to breaking some bones and that could be tragic. Good luck in making your decision. Treating Osteoporosis is not an easy path to travel but be strong and, hopefully, all will be fine (or at least tolerable). God bless!

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Thank you so much for sharing your story, I too did not realize I had osteoporosis and have not had a good experience with meds. I am increasing my exercises and hopefully this will help it from getting worse

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windyshores | @windyshores | May 27, 2023
In reply to @cpd54 "I was prescribed 22-45 mg K daily by my functional medicine doctor. My rheumatologist said this..." + (show)
@cpd54

I was prescribed 22-45 mg K daily by my functional medicine doctor. My rheumatologist said this was fine, it was prescribed that way in Japan. It is mg, not mcg. I buy it from NBIhealth as Osteo-K.

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I think it helps to research doses online. My research affirms the advice I was given on taking 45 mcg, not mg, for Mk-7, but others may find studies that affirm their dosing. For MK-4, 5m g may be as helpful as 45mg. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30816822/

Again we may be discussing apples and oranges. Doses for MK-7 is very different from dosing for MK-4.

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tkdesign | @tkdesign | May 27, 2023
In reply to @cmiller59 "My spinal score on the first DEXA was a -1.9. I have an appt with an..." + (show)
@cmiller59

My spinal score on the first DEXA was a -1.9. I have an appt with an endocrinologist coming up the fist part of June. I said I didn’t want to take anything but they are adamant that I should. I have not had any fractures. I want to do it naturally but also don’t want my scores getting worse for fear I’m not doing enough or things aren’t absorbing like they should. I just want to be sure I am doing the right things for myself. Thank you for your input. It eases my mind somewhat.

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That is not too bad a DEXA score...I've had a score worse than that since my 30s. I've stayed active, done weights, and still scores got worse over time. I hate how they give you guilt trips and fear monger. I wish they'd help people seeking non drug options.

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ritanada | @ritanada | Jun 1, 2023
In reply to @susanmariewilliams "An osteoporosis diagnosis can be so scary. I was diagnosed with Osteopenia 15 years ago. Through..." + (show)
@susanmariewilliams

An osteoporosis diagnosis can be so scary. I was diagnosed with Osteopenia 15 years ago. Through diet and nutrition changes that I made, I had been able to keep my T scoer numbers in the Osteopenia range for all these years, but my numbers were not improving; just slowly ticking down with each scan. I joined Dr. Loren Fishman's research study a couple of years ago using his 12 yoga poses for osteoporosis program. I was super excited that with my Dexa scan last November that the my T score had moved from mid-osteopenia to low normal. At 67, I'll take that any day!

Good luck with your bone health wellness journey!
Susan

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Where can one find yoga for osteoporosis that you mentioned
Thx

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2 replies
cmiller59 | @cmiller59 | Jun 1, 2023

On You tube under Dr Fishman’s yoga poses for Osteoporosis

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windyshores | @windyshores | Jun 1, 2023
In reply to @ritanada "Where can one find yoga for osteoporosis that you mentioned Thx" + (show)
@ritanada

Where can one find yoga for osteoporosis that you mentioned
Thx

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I am glad to read there is yoga for osteoporosis. We need to avoid twisting and other issues with a lot of yoga. I do tai chi instead!

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rhubymama | @rhubymama | Jun 2, 2023
In reply to @ritanada "Where can one find yoga for osteoporosis that you mentioned Thx" + (show)
@ritanada

Where can one find yoga for osteoporosis that you mentioned
Thx

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Margaret Martin’s Melio guide has free videos online.

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Mshutch | @mshutch | Aug 30 1:35pm
In reply to @windyshores "I haven't taken collagen @cmiller59. McCormick suggested it but I want to ask a rheumatologist first..." + (show)
@windyshores

I haven't taken collagen @cmiller59. McCormick suggested it but I want to ask a rheumatologist first since scleroderma involves excess collagen in certain locations in the body.

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Hi Windy,
What did you find out as far as taking collagen when you have scleroderma?
I have avoided collagen in any form for the same reason. I am 58 and have friends that have found collagen to be very helpful but I am being cautious because of the scleroderma.
Thanks

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