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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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Was the uv drop for Covid or osteoporosis?
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1 ReactionWhat was in the IV drip?
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1 ReactionInterested in what was in the IV also, thank you!
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1 ReactionDr. Brown's overall statement re: The Better Bones Program is: "Knowledge has organizing power. I am here to help you understand the real state of your bone health and guide you in organizing a step-by-step program to build bone strength naturally, the way nature intended." When you take the seminar, you receive a binder detailing all the information that is presented in the seminar. The seminar costs $350. Dr. Brown is not a mediacal doctor, but rather a PhD in medical anthropology, so your bone tests are done with your doctors. She runs many courses that are free to help interpret test results, etc. If you desire one-on-one consultations, she has "office hours".
I cannot stop taking estrogen suppressants for the rest of my life or my breast cancer may recur. It was moderately aggressive and traveled to a lymph node. I give all the credit for my improved bone density to my working the Better Bones Program (not perfectly), but to the best of my ability. I eagerly anticipate my 2024 scan as I anticipate even better scores, the longer I work the Program. I will also try to get an Echolight scan in the meantime, when they become available. Echolight scans are ultrasounds that measure overall bone quality: its strength and its density. Being a part of Dr. Brown's community will ensure that I stay up to date on when Echolight becomes available.
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2 ReactionsDexa bone density scans are as good as it gets in the U.S. at present. Europe has begun to switch to Echolight ultrasound technology that measures overall bone quality by combining both bone density measurements and by assessing the microarchitecture of the bone to determine its strength. I have heard of a clinic in NC called Central Carolina Orthopaedic Associates that has an Echolight machine. They advertise scans for $75 plus $100 per review of your medical records. Insurance is not on board for covering these fees yet.
It is frustrating that the U.S. is using mediocre technology, but if you get your scans done at the same clinic each time, there is more reliability. Dr. Brown goes into detail that your osteoporosis scores are not reliable predictors of fracture risk. Many factors play into fracture risk. In my case, when I fractured my knee and wrist, the docs who read the x-rays said, "Lady, you really need to do something about your bones!" They could tell that the microarchitecture of my bones was poor from the way my bones broke. (I also had low impact trauma that caused a great big and cooplex fracture!) There was no healing my knee. I had to have the whole thing replaced. Keep in mind that I do not have Osteoporosis...just Osteopenia. However, my fractures made it clear to me that I had to do something as the Arimidex is doing a number on my bone strength. I look forward to getting yearly Echolight scans when they become available, to get a better idea of my bone quality as I continue to work the Better Bones Program.
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3 Reactionsckramer57, Thanks for the info.
Some of the newer DEXA machines are able to provide a trabecular bone score which is supposed to provide information regarding the microarchitecture of the bones. I was able to get that information from my last bone density test, and although my bone density is not good, at least the quality of my bones appears to be in the normal range.
Mary
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2 ReactionsGood evening @cloud80. (like that name).
I'll get right to it. I don't know how to answer your question about my preference for Tymlos over Forteo. Since I never did use Foreteo, I wouldn't be able to know how it would be different. I am pleased with my body's response to Tymlos.
And then....I am currently taking a tablet of Alendronate every Monday morning. I have had no side effects. I use precautions like sitting up for 30 minutes afterward and not taking any other meds or food for a while. This is a way to protect the new and old bone without having a twice-a-year injection that was way too much for my body.
Thanks for your response. And.....welcome to Connect. I see that you just joined. This is a
great forum to learn about your condition and your treatment options by sharing experiences with other members.
It's now bedtime I think. Good night.
Chris
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3 ReactionsChris, are you saying we could connect with a doctor/doctors at Mayo and have them manage our heath care virtually and by using the portal?