Treating Osteoporosis: What works for you?

My dr wants me to try Prolia as well. Haven't started yet because I had to get some dental first. Have you started it? My only concern is the necrosis of the jaw. Not sure what to do.

@gemma I have had osteopenia for a number of years and since calcium and vitamin D were not enough to help build bone mass, I've also been taking Evista. It is easier on the esophagus and has some added benefits. My father was DXD with osteoporosis before he died so low bone mass is definitely in my genetic make-up. I have been pleased with the Evista.

I joined the group today because i wanted to find out about what other people are going thru with osteoporosis. My doctor also wanted me to go on medication, but i came across a book called SaveOurBones by Vivian Goldschmidt. I wanted to see if i could better results with an improved diet. I did increase my veggies, almond milk, calcium, but i was challenging
trying to follow an alkalizing vs. acidifying diet. I did not want to take those bisphosphonates. I have a sensitive stomach.
The doctor gave me Vitamin D and Calcium (but get the calcium from food) My vit. D level was 11 very low. Took 50,000 units of Vit. D. once a week. The thought of not being able to walk is getting to scary.

Hi @gemma. Welcome to Connect. I'm glad you found out little corner of the internet 🙂

I'm sure that news was not only troubling but also really surprising given your health! I'd suggest you check this very active thread about osteoporosis:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hi-im-new-to-the-site-and-am-interested-in-treating-osteoperosis/
I thank @predictable for already jumping in to help out. I'm also tagging @ggopher, @heritage1955, @emcote63, @arthritichands and @leemiller who have all posted about this topic recently.

Welcome to Mayo Connect, @gemma. I hope we can collect some useful information on the challenge you put forth -- addressing osteoporosis without resort to medication. My wife and I both have dealt with this problem, but in different ways. Other members and friends on Connect will have still more information you'll find useful.

My wife was diagnosed with osteoporosis after a bone density procedure, but that was dialed down to osteopenia about 3 months later. She took a medication for five years, but her doctor stopped that when long-term use was discouraged by the FDA. To this day, she is taking calcium supplements with vitamin D3 to strengthen her bones, and like you, she is as athletic and active as ever in her late 70s. In my case, a lumbar MRI showed indications of arthritis when I complained of lower back pain. Physical therapy loosened up my vertebrae. In addition, I found out that back pain came from inflammation of my sacroiliac joints, and fixing that ended my problem 3 years ago. Since then, my daily Glucosamine supplement seems to have coated the joints and prevented new pain.

Maybe there's something in our experience that would be helpful to you. What therapy has your doctor suggested for you?

I am 61 years old very active, running, cycling, tai-chi... my diet couldn't be better, I am thin but strong. This week i got the results of a bone density. I have osteoporosis in my lumbar I don't want to take medications. Any suggestions?

Yes you are on the right track. I am petrified about taking such strong medication. I might mention to my doctor about a 2nd opinion. I am very intimidated by him. As you know, in Canada we don't pay for a doctor - it's just the wait period that is very long. Thanks for your interest.

Joan @inspiration, we appreciate your sharing this added information, as well as your steady confidence in managing your circumstances. It's easy to understand your apprehensions about taking on a heavy new medication regimen -- not just a new drug, but its large dosage, required laboratory tracking, and possible affects on your liver. That's a lot to ask of you. Do you think this calls for a second opinion -- and maybe a third -- from the best medical specialists you can find and afford? I get the impression that you are on top of your osteoporosis problem and don't feel a great urgency to confront your pulmonary limitation, but want to make steady progress in both. Am I on the right track?

I take 1000 mg of Vitamin D and no extra calcium but I drink a lot of milk. My respirologist wants to give me medication for my IPF (Esbriet). Apparently that is the latest on the market. My physical activity is limited when walking or going up stairs. I would have to take 270 pills/month and have my blood tested each month as it can affect your liver. This scares me. It is covered by OHIP - I would pay $3,000 and OHIP would pay $57,000 but I am still reluctant. Everybody should exercise with limitations of course. Yes, join her.

Hi, @inspiration. Glad to interact with you today, because you undoubtedly have a lot to share with us, given how well you are managing your osteoporosis. Taking Actonel once a week and backing that up with endurance/weight exercises looks like an excellent regimen for you. Do you know others with similar therapy and exercise? Do you focus on calcium levels in your blood? How about vitamin D intake?

Could you share with us some of the other medications "they want to give" you? Who are "they?" Are these meds mainly for your bones or for your pulmonary fibrosis?

Does your lung disease limit your physical activity somewhat? How do you know when to slow down or ease up? Have you found any encouraging information on the cause of your IPF, or is its origin still a mystery (idiopathic)?

I'm a little older than you and have no current bone problems I know of. Three years ago, I thought I had lower spine degeneration, but that turned out to be inflammation of my sacroiliac joints with no internal bone damage. However, calcium deficiency may have interfered with my kidney functions and related hypertension.

My interest in osteoporosis comes from my wife's experiences. Since her 70th birthday in 2008, she has been osteopenic (on the road to osteoporosis), but seems to have stalled it with a calcium supplement enriched with vitamin D. Her 6-year affair with daily dosages of Fosamax (similar to your Actonel) was halted two years ago on advice of the FDA. She replaced it with daily one-hour workouts every morning but Sunday in our home gym. Do you think I ought to join her at least once in a while?