Treating Osteoporosis: What works for you?

@dolan, gailfaith here.. Recently I have gone from osteopenia to osteoporosis, and my Dr. has but me back on Alendronate for another year. Do you happen to know what your numbers were when you had all your fractures? And you certainly had your share of them. In other words, how low do your numbers have to get when you start to experience fractures? I realize fractures can happen regardless depending on the severity of the insult to your bones, but did all your fractures occur within a short period of time or over years, including before you were Dx with osteoporosis? It seems from CONNECT that several people have had a good response to Forteo and I am wondering if maybe I should ask my Dr. the advantages of Alendronate over Forteo. I have fractured both wrists from two separate falls, many years apart, but they occured while I was only DX with osteopenia or even before that!.

I used Forteo for the 2 years recommended and had no side effects and fabulous bone building results. I'm 61 have fractured T9, pelvis, clavicle, ribs, breast bone.

Has anyone used Forteo? My Dr.has recommended it since I have had 2 broken wrists one needing surgery. Have been on Boniva

I was in a similiar situation two years ago. I was given a daily injection of Forteo. It caused continuous nausea. Had to stop after persevering for two months. Then I was given the single six month injection of Prolia. After two weeks my whole world turned upside down. I had a massive personality change I suffered from depression anxiety attacks panic attacks. I could no longer work or function as a normal person Total shock to me and my very supportive family. After six month of hell I sought help and was put on an antidepressant. Just now getting back to normal. Now just exercising to help my condition. So beware of the possible side effects of your treatment. That can be worse than the ailment. Good luck

I didn't remember Forteo had to be refrigerated. I know my Interferon did and it was very hard when we traveled to Ireland for 10 days. They didn't have good refrigeration and none in our rooms then. 2007. I had no problems giving myself shots....and had fabulous results with Forteo.

at 35 I was on Fosamax daily (for about 4 years), switched to Forteo injections for 2 years, back to Fosamax weekly. Then drug holiday..... pelvic fracture(5 of them), then Prolia (now completed Dec 2017 3rd year.) Hope to have DEXA scan in Dec and see what it says...doctor may switch me to Forteo again. I had great results.

Were you on Boniva and Fosamax at the same time or one and then the other?

I took Fosamax for 10 years (5 years longer than rec.) and then took a break for 5 years. I'm back on Fosamax but considering other options. I have never had any problems with side effects. My doctor has suggested Forteo which actually does build bone. My doctor took it for 2 years ad reversed her numbers. The problem is that you give yourself a shot every day for 2 years and it has to be refrigerated. I travel a lot and travel long distances so this would take a lot of planning. I also sometimes am away from home for several months at a time in another country so getting the meds to me would be difficult. It is what I would take if I didn't travel.

I'm curious if you have health insurance because a bone scan should've covered under your circumstances. I've broken more than my share of bones also and they did a scan because of it. Even at 63 I didn't have osteoporosis. I just liked sports. Best to scan it to be sure. Ca and vit D work as prevention.

I appreciate your adding to our discussion, @dolan. You certainly started with this problem earlier than most of us. If you are comfortable sharing more, we would be interested in knowing how you have been treating this bone loss. Is there a specific medication you have used? Also, have other family members had this problem as well?

Teresa