Treating Osteoporosis: What works for you?

Hi Gailfaith, Marield65 here. I have never been on Fosomax. When I had osteopenia my Doctor never mentioned medication, now I have osteoporosis I will bring to my primary Dr. why didn't she prescribe something for me. Now a rheumatologist said it's too late for him to do anything. I am furious and will take it up with my primary doctor. Thank you for your support.

@ marield65 gailfaith here. I had osteopenia and was on Fosamax for 5 years, and my PCP stopped it then as he was supposed ti!!!!!. Now I have osteoporosis, Now I have been off it for a whole year and my new endocrinologist just restated it. Initially the dose was 35 mg weekly, now 70 mg/ weekly which is he dose for osteo. And the endocrinologist says he will write for that for another year. before they stop it again as it can play havoc with your GI system. But on the other hand, it is slowly released from the bones, so that is why the 1 year off of it. So even though your initial Dr might have written for Fosamax, (though I think there are other meds for the same purpose), you may like me,still developed osteoporosis. I heard that 5-10 prunes eaten daily, might reverse the osteoporosis, I have eaten prunes for a while now (forget how long exactly but started earlier THIS year, and I just had a DEXA scan and the osteo has gotten worse,......even though I have now walked 115 miles (yes, MILEs) since Aug 15, 2016, it still got worse. I would hate to think where I'd be if I hadn't taken Fosamax or walked!!!!!!!!! I broke both wrists after 2 separate falls while I still only had osteopenia. If they up your dose of Fosamax, or whatever, I hope you have a better response. Let us know how you make out in the future.

To all of you talking about osteoporosis, this is MarieD, my primary Dr. knew about my osteopenia and never offered medicine, and now I have osteoporosis, a rheumatologist that I went for infusions for the past 3 years didn't give me one this year. He said he didn't think it would help. He said it is too far gone. I was surprised when he said that, I didn't respond. But now I understand. If my primary Dr put me on medicine when I had osteopenia it may not have gotten to osteoporosis already. I will take it up with her. I hear all the meds for this is horrible, but I think she should give me the option. Also my arthritis is so bad, I'm not sure it is not rheumatoid. I'll have to discuss this with her also. Thanks for all the info you girls are giving me.

What kind of side effects are you experiencing? I am supposed to start on Forteo very soon.

I have recently started on FORTEO a daily self-injected bone building medication that is a para-thyroid treatment (?!) The injections are VERY easy: teeny tiny short needle. Some side affects but I think I can work with them. Forteo is taken for two years only. I could not tolerate the other osteoporosis treatment options. Stomach issues.

You are young to have osteoporosis! I encourage you to pursue why you do. Same with me and eventually found out it can be a symptom of other disease. In my case something called CVID or common variable immune deficiency. Good luck!

I am 80 & a retired RN. I've been taking a supplement with Strontium in it. It strengthens bones and Vitamin K2 135 mg everyday. The K2 sends the calcium in your blood back to the bone. I've had two terrible falls & no broken bones. My MD said no to the injections & more calcium. Vitamin D also helps. Hope this info helps.

To tmteach1230 - I am strongly advised to take Prolia - I am reading about all the possible nasty side effects, and at 83 really don't know what to do. I wish I could find some substantive reports that Prolia works.

None...although I do have alittle TMJ when I have dental work done but probably from years of chewing gum and clenching teeth. I had a lot more explanation and 'warning' for dental work within 3 months of my Prolia shot because of jaw problems.

The only possible side effects I have seen are the rare jaw bone problems!!! You obviously didn't have any of those Dolan-----I think that is great!!!