Has anyone treated their osteoporosis without drugs?

So many of us, like you, are not into meds, only taking ones very necessary…my docs all agree that exercise that addresses OP issues,in addition to walking, etc. is key…paying attention to calcium and vitamin D in diet does help…my cancer team, PCP and osteopath all agree that taking a combo supplement can also be helpful … I researched, looking for plant-based, organic and 3rd party tested and found a few. Gave the exact lists of ingredients/amounts to docs to review and approve…I will be taking PT for OP at NYPresbyterian to get maximum benefit from the exercises. And I love my walks and simple, self-created dancercise at home. Yes, it’s effort, and each person needs to find their own best path, and then try to put worries off to the side.

@nycmusic Hi, I wish you best with your more natural approach. I am doing the same. I’ve been to PT, as well, and am returning again soon for the “next phase” to increase the weights. I eat a whole-food planted based diet, so I’d also like to know what plant-based supplements you’ve found, if you don’t mind sharing that? I agree, it’s best to commit to lifestyle changes, and then try not to worry about it! When I was first diagnosed, I have to admit, I was a royal mess! I’m better now. It takes time to adjust to the “news” of having osteoporosis.

rockettgirl,
sure.
Prolia is the strongest of these medications. It can have terrible side effects, but some people have none. It is difficult to stop taking it because of how it works. It stops the cells that breakdown bone, but doesn't destroy them. It stops them just before their release and collects them. When you stop Prolia, this collection of cells come after your bones. You can't stop or even be late for your injections. When you stop you are usually prescribed Reclast.
Reclast stops the cells that breakdown down bone. It prevents them from attaching to the bone and these cells fall away and self destruct. It is usually a yearly injection. Some few people have terrible side effects, but most have achy joints and some people have no side effects. This drug is less strong than Prolia, but stronger than the third medication Fosamax.
Fosamax is the same class of drug as Reclast and works in the same way. They are both bisphosphonates.
Because it is an oral medication it isn't as strong as Reclast. And can cause reflux as it acidic. Many people have mild side effects with Fosamax. It is a daily or weekly oral dose it leaves your body more quickly than Prolia or Reclast, so the side effects are less intense when they occur and you don't suffer as long.
There are medications that you haven't been offered.
One is Evenity. Evenity is the same class drug as Prolia. It has a black box for cardiac issues. It has proven to add bone faster than the other medications. It is the latest and is proving very popular among endocrinologists because of the added bone. It is a double injection every month. Most have arm swelling and many have joint pain. But some don't. The use of Evenity is limited to one year. There are scattered accounts of successful two year administrations.
Finally there are my two favorites Tymlos and Forteo. They work the way our bodies naturally work to increase bone density and quality. They increase the cells that produce bone and they increase the cells that dissolve bone. Now the cells that dissolve bone are important because they are attracted to bone that is weak or fissured. And they remove that bone. They encourage the cells that produce new bone. They work as a unit
The process is slower than laying new bone over fissured bone. Both drugs are self administered as a daily injection. Some people have adverse reactions, but usually only briefly because the drug leaves your system within 24 hours.
Their use is generally for two years, but increasingly endocrinologist are expanding their use. I've been on Forteo without any side effects for over two years and plan on staying on it.
So, I'd recommend that you call the PA and ask for script for Forteo.
If that proves impossible, my choice of the three medications offered would be Reclast with a lower dose than the 5mg, a slower more dilute infusion than the standard 15 minute, and I'd hope that the medication would help for two years ( as it often does) instead of one year.
I would also ask for bone markers--CTX and P1NP to ascertain that the medication I chose was working for me.
I'm happy to field any questions and hope you get more and different opinions from other good people on this site.

I ordered from Amazon. Here are details.
COMFIER Back Massager Seat Cushion w/heat, 10 vibration motors. $53.99.

I turn on power, select upper back, lower back, seat and select high intensity. I do 30-minutes in chair while watching TV!

Google Osteogenic Loading.
My T-scores range from -2.1 to -2.8 in the various regions.

All the best as we navigate this osteoporosis journey.

@lilac2025 hello lilac, we share similar feelings and goals…I tried AlgaeCalPlus, but the magnesium in it gave me loose stools, not good for me, as I had CRC last year and must listen closely to my GI system… I have some New Chapter tint tabs, so I can adjust the dosage better… still searching…ConsumerLabs may be of help to you…I’ll let you whatever good things I discover in my continuing research…good luck !

@script72 thanks a ton for taking out time to share the complete details

@lilac2025 hello lilac, we share similar feelings and goals…I tried AlgaeCalPlus, but the magnesium in it gave me loose stools, not good for me, as I had CRC last year and must listen closely to my GI system… I have some New Chapter tint tabs, so I can adjust the dosage better… still searching…ConsumerLabs may be of help to you…I’ll let you whatever good things I discover in my continuing research…good luck !

@nycmusic

Thanks for the feedback.

Just for the record, I'll mention that I have a 79 year old who was diagnosed with osteoporosis about ten years. The doctor advised bisphosphanates, which my aunt rejected because she's wary of the side effects. Instead, she took up running and exercise, hoping to strengthen her bones that way.

Today, she's still running and working out, and has never suffered any fractures. I didn't talk her about whether her T and/or Z scores have improved, declined, or remained constant. But if anyone's interested I could ask.

This info is something I just remembered today. I wish I had thought of it earlier, and put it in my first post replying to OP's question.

(P.S. - I'm not saying that my aunt found a successful non-pharmaceutical treatment for her osteoporosis, and I'm certainly not advising anyone to disregard their physician's recommendation on meds. As a layman, I have no idea why my aunt's case appears to have turned out well so far. But I'm mentioning her case because it's relevant to this thread's topic.)

@nycmusic Hi, I wish you best with your more natural approach. I am doing the same. I’ve been to PT, as well, and am returning again soon for the “next phase” to increase the weights. I eat a whole-food planted based diet, so I’d also like to know what plant-based supplements you’ve found, if you don’t mind sharing that? I agree, it’s best to commit to lifestyle changes, and then try not to worry about it! When I was first diagnosed, I have to admit, I was a royal mess! I’m better now. It takes time to adjust to the “news” of having osteoporosis.