Treating Osteoporosis: What works for you?

For what it's worth, I tossed out all tummy acid drugs and relied on my grandmother's old cure after first learning about the PPI osteoporosis risk.

When I have an upset stomach of any kind, I drank 6-8 oz. of water with 1/4 tspn of baking soda. And it works for me 100% of the time. I don't have high blood pressure so the sodium from the baking soda isn't a problem.

My gastroenterologist said a lot of his patients have done the same thing successfully. It might be worth a try.

Here's a link to an article about the meds and osteoporosis.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6540255/#:~:text=Long%2Dterm%20PPI%20therapy%20is,metabolic%20bone%20disease%20%5B17%5D

I haven't started using weights yet. I was going to dig out my Velcro wrist weights. My Dr never even gave me dietary guidance, so I've been reading about the best foods. I'm also taking two acid reflux meds prescribed by Dr, so that has to be taken into consideration, too. Thanks for your input!!

Acid reflux meds contribute to osteoporosis. I find I have to taper off them. You can stop Prilosec (omeprazole) and use Pepcid or Zantac to taper off meds. After a few days, take half, then a quarter, a few days each.

The thing is, when you take an acid reducer, your body says "I need to make more acid" so when you stop, your acid reflux tends to be worse. You have to slowly get your body back to making it normally.

I never eat after 5. I use Pepcid occasionally, and Tums. Tums has the added benefit of calcium even though not citrate.

I haven't started using weights yet. I was going to dig out my Velcro wrist weights. My Dr never even gave me dietary guidance, so I've been reading about the best foods. I'm also taking two acid reflux meds prescribed by Dr, so that has to be taken into consideration, too. Thanks for your input!!

Calcium via diet is best. I take supplements due to a dairy allergy. I also take Vitamin D (2-3,000 units), Vitamin K, magnesium (and potassium in the form of low sodium V-8m for leg cramps).

I don't know what weight you are lifting and also if it involves bending over 🙂

Good evening @catluvr999. I am back. By the way, are you one of the folks that finds it hard to go back to a previous post........I do. The "Bookmark" feature in your profile really helps. After posting a reply or comment.....just click on the three dots and then on Bookmark. It takes you to your profile so you can find the post without hunting around.

So.....you want my T-scores. I am not an expert on this subject so, please be gentle. I hope this is helpful and would appreciate your feedback. These are all from the same Hologic Discovery densitometry system. The baseline is 10/29/18. The next one is post-Tymlos on 11/18/20. The last scan was 7/9/22.

Hip: -1.5 baseline and -1.2. Bone mineral density has not significantly changed having increased 0.9% since the previous scan.
Wrist: -3.4 baseline and then -3.2. Bone mineral density is increased by 2.6% which is not statistically significant.

Does this tell you anything about my rather rough experience and the medical value of the current weekly pill format as opposed to monthly injections? I call it, "taking less more frequently".

May you have ease and contentment.
Chris

Thank you! I thought lifting weights was the right thing to do, so I am thankful for your advice. I am also not taking calcium, so an not sure what I should do. It would be great if doctors read this forum. Ok, I'll hang in there until I can see the Dr., but maybe I can find a closer appointment with a different rheumatologist. Thanks so much for your help. Really appreciated.

@mj20 Primary care doctors see Fosamax as "front line." I have had two PCP's suggest it for severe osteoporosis with fractures!

This is partly because insurance requires failing these meds before trying the bone-builders, for most patients. This needs to change because the bone-builders work best if used first.

Your osteoporosis is severe, so you should qualify for Tymlos, Forteo or Evenity. The PCP just doesn't know.

I would not take any meds while waiting a month. No need to panic either. Just be careful and maybe don't lift weights! And of course great if you can get in earlier.

Primary care doctors see Fosamax as "front line." I have had two PCP's suggest it for