Treating Osteoporosis: What works for you?

I am 70. I have just reviewed my T-scores and Z-scores for the past 10 years. (I keep copies of all my health records but you can get yours) My T-score is getting worse. My Z-score is not bad and getting better. So I researched why. On the T-score you are rated against 30 year olds! Hello! By 50 or 60 you should have worse bones. But the Z-score is rated against people your own age. Look at your Z-scores. I am no longer afraid. My T-score for my spine is -2.5 but my Z-score is -0.5. I also looked at the 10 year fracture risk and noticed that the % is going down. My total hip T-score is -3.5 and my Z-score is -2.1. I cannot take the Fosamax type of pills. Now they have been pushing Prolia. I have said no. I am headed to Mayo the end of this month and I am definitely going to discuss this with someone. I am tired of being scared.

I already had osteopenia in my late 30's. I have celiac disease which was not diagnosed until my early 20's. That is most likely the reason why I now have osteoporosis. Any celiac disease in your family or other auto-immune conditions?

@ladonnae: I have yet to hear from ANYONE that their doctor admits that their symptoms are related to Prolia It reminds me in a weird way of the roundup issues with Monsanto. Even after losing a lawsuit, after so much negative publicity it is sold at my local hardware store. And the tobacco executives?? Please. We are sadly alone when it comes to help from the medical community, and I don't know exactly why, but they will all support each other and big pharma before us.

So what will you do when Prolia ends?? Most doctors want to follow up with biphosphonates like fosamax.

The T-score test ranges from -1 to -2.5 for osteopenia diagnosis. I'd start off by finding out if my results were closer to normal or on the higher end before making any decision about taking the medication your doctor recommended, or any perscription medication at all. When we're 74, we are at "elevated risk" for lots of things. I'd start with making sure I was eating a proper diet for bone health and then investigate any available natural supplements that might improve your bone density.

No. They are not biophosphates.

Cireland, are these related to Fosamax?

I'm 79 Nx have been taking Tymlos since January. Some nausea and loss of appetite in the beginning, but much better now. Forteo and Tymlos are the only 2 meds in the U.S that build bone, but they are expensive.

I have been on Fosamax twice over a five year period. The first time I stayed on it for a bit over three years and leg cramps and sore stomach issues made me decide to take a break from it. My numbers did improve slightly while I was on it. The second time I took Fosamax for only about six months as leg cramps at night were excruciating and extended into my groin area. I made the decision to stop taking it, and haven't taken any osteoporosis drugs for seven years. My last bone density numbers had not changed, despite not taking drugs for seven years. Until safer drugs and without side-effects are put on the market, I've chosen to not take prescription meds for osteoporosis.

I am 60 years old, have osteoporosis, and have taken Fosamax for 6 months with no difficulty. I take it every Sunday morning with 12 ounces of water. Then I sit in the recliner (be sure to stay upright), check email, and watch TV or read for an hour. I also do not have anything for breakfast that contains calcium.