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Has anyone improved bone density without meds?
I have a very problematic dental history and will continue to need additional root canals and implants. I also have Sjogren's Syndrome and want to avoid any drugs that cause rheumatic symptoms. Other issues in my health history make all of the meds risky for me. That said, I work out almost daily, lift weights, maintain a healthy diet, take all the recommended supplements, and get most of my calcium nutritionally. My endocrinologist wants me to take an infusion/injectable drug. I dread the side-effects, yet I'm afraid of fracturing, which hasn't happened over the many years I have had osteoporosis. That said, my numbers are getting worse (-3.2 spine, -3.1 hip). I need to do something more than I've been doing, and am at a loss. I need hope and solutions I can be at peace with. Thanks for any comments or suggestions!
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Hi again, timely,
One thing I forgot to mention is the importance of posture. With scoliosis, we have a distorted grasp of correct posture, and the scoliosis exercises are actually a way of retraining the brain to adjust the posture appropriately. Since starting PT over half a year ago, I have greatly improved my awareness of how to stand, hold in my abdominal muscles, and adjust my hips. (My curvature also resulted in a shortened leg, for which I wear a raised orthotic in my shoe.)
You must carry this awareness with you whenever you do any form of exercise, and that includes OP strength training. As my PT says, it is better to do an exercise slowly or with the aid of a chair for support than to try and perform at speed with incorrect posture.
Anyway, so glad to have heard from someone dealing with this added problem--we seem to be something of a minority, I suspect! 😉
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3 Reactions@naomid just want to clarify that after Tymlos or Forteo, the Reclast infusions can be temporary. Meaning we can, with monitoring, take a break from meds when monitoring shows we have locked in gains and are stable. This is not true for Prolia which cannot be stopped without a very careful, well-timed transition to Reclast.
If you just do one or two Reclast infusions, so you think your dental issues would be okay? I have been told those issues arise only after some time on the med, but I don't know if there are exceptions. Another option might be to do half dose of Reclast: both my docs suggested that to me.
I will certainly look into this further. Thank you so much for the information. Stay well and healthy
What does TBS measure. Is it more prescribed than Dexa?
Good evening @judy58 . I am glad to hear from you. However, I don't know if I have an answer for you. Alendronate is a drug that protects the bone you have built and strengthed after two years of Tymlos. For me, it is about the effects of medications that you take to retain your strengthed and newly created bone. I am not able to take large dosages of infused drugs. They have long half-lives and my body reacts with pain and discomfort.
To avoid those side effects, I simply take one bill every Monday morning before I do anything else. I sit quietly for 30 minutes without eating or drinking anything to give the tablet time to dissolve effectively. Since starting this routine I have read about others who have found it workable for them without side effects.
You mentioned that you have an endocrinologist at Mayo. Is that person in Rochester? Would it happen to be Dr. Wermers? If so perhaps you can connect with him for more information.
May you have happiness and the causes of happiness.
Chris
Is anyone taking vitamin k as part of your osteoporosis treatment? If so, is it k2 or k3? What dose?
@artscaping I cannot tolerate oral bisphosphonates like alendronate. I have severe GERD but was also sensitive to fillers. My endo doc is going to do a 1mg infusion of Reclast (20%dose) with a slow infusion and lots of hydration. I will post on here about how I tolerate it.
@ymv I take K2, 45 mcg, in a gummy with 1,000 units of D3 in it as well. I also take one or two plain D3 gummies.
@windyshores , thanks for the reply. Is there a particular brand gummy that was recommended? I have always taken OTC products off the Walgreens shelf but my friend who sees a functional medicine practitioner for care has several companies that she feels offer a superior product of supplements. Any thoughts?
I use Nordic Naturals- available online at the company web site or at Whole Foods. It is MK-7. I need to research another type of Vitamin K that I might add but the D3 + K2 gummies are easy and effective (from my blood tests).
I have no idea at what age I went through Menopause. One there were no monthlys... no problems just stopped. Think I was lucky.