Has anyone improved bone density without meds?

Posted by naomid @naomid, Mar 21, 2023

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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I had declined statins when my PCP, without referring to my lipid levels, asked if I wanted to take a statin. My liver may have been compromised by some of the chemicals I had worked with and I do not want to play games with it. Now you have given me an additional reason to avoid them.

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@ripley

I've used a Multi Collagen Protein supplement by Horbaach that has 5 types of collagin. From 2019 to 2021, my DEXA scores remained unchanged. I stopped using it for a while this year and have my next scan in two months. Through all these years, I also take calcium supplements.

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Many doctors and scientists suggest there is little point taking collagen as the body simply breaks it down through digestive processes. Recommendation is to take foods that support your body in building collagen.

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@pennykj

Below is a link to a YouTube video by Margaret Martin discussing rebounders and stomping.

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Oh wow I would of never thought stomping was great for the spine the jolts . I am no expert I am just thinking that way. I do have a rebounder in my shed use to use it back in the 70's I loved it was fun. So jumping is good for the bone rebuilding I would of never guessed that I will have to try this and hope for the best. Thank you for sharing your video loved it. I find it easier to listen to a video then reading. I am a visual person in many ways. Have a great day.

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@joyceelaine

I never heard of collagen peptides. I will have to look into that. One thing I found out recently was that anti-seizure medicines, like Lyrica, which I was on for peripheral neuropathy, and statins, which I’ve been on for 20+ years for high cholesterol, are very hard on bones and can cause osteoporosis. I went to see a holistic chiropractor, and with his help I have been off Lyrica for seven months and my PN symptoms have not returned.

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Thanks for the info. My doc just prescribed Lyrica for RLS…. So, I’ll be revisiting that Rx.

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@lashu

Chris, thank you, first of all, for your kind wishes and for your medical experiences. Did you find any of the medical prescriptions satisfactory? Or was jaw pain necessary as a part of any medicine? The preventative to prohibit "too much medication" in your body at any given time. Too much medication: what is included in this?
My scheduled beginning for Evenity is October 4, so I still have time to decide.

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I was just prescribed Prolia after a severe T8 fracture in my spine with a disc reduction of 75%. I was on Fosamax. Obviously, Fosamax did not work for me. I would be interested in knowing how you do on the Evenity.

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@windyshores

I would never jump up and down. My spine gets jarred just stepping off a curb! If your osteoporosis is not severe and you don't yet have fractures, it might be safe but I would be cautious!

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I do not jump up and down but I do pus.h my heels up and down forty times three times a day and when on the treadmill I put it on an incline and 'stomp' with my heels hitting the floor of the treadmill frequently--it's kind of a compromise. When in the exercise class the instructor will have us push on our heels ten times as one of the exercises. The exercises he gives are stretching in various ways and some tai chi.

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@meganstpaulmn

I was just prescribed Prolia after a severe T8 fracture in my spine with a disc reduction of 75%. I was on Fosamax. Obviously, Fosamax did not work for me. I would be interested in knowing how you do on the Evenity.

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My sympathy for your pain, your fracture. T8: that is your score? I have a minus 3.8 on some lower spine discs that I hope to strengthen with diet and exercise. I have postponed Evenity for six months during which time I will try to strengthen bone mass.

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@jennifer28

Many doctors and scientists suggest there is little point taking collagen as the body simply breaks it down through digestive processes. Recommendation is to take foods that support your body in building collagen.

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Do you have a link to a study or article(s) supporting this? If it doesn't work, I certainly don't want to be spending $40/month. Thanks!

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Can’t remember exactly where - try Food Revolution.org, Dr Jockers.com, Dr David Perlmutter drperlmutter.com just a few I read or try a search engine.

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@lashu

My sympathy for your pain, your fracture. T8: that is your score? I have a minus 3.8 on some lower spine discs that I hope to strengthen with diet and exercise. I have postponed Evenity for six months during which time I will try to strengthen bone mass.

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Right now I am holding off on Evenity that my doctor recommended.
Please let me know how it goes. I am considering doing the same thing regarding exercise and diet

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