Treating Osteoporosis: What works for you?

I had NO side effects and the needle is extremely small so it's more or less painless to give. I was on Interferon for my systemic mastocytosis so giving myself an injection is no big deal. The brittleness of my bones had always been a puzzle. OLD AGE osteoporosis only...loving dairy products, weight bearing exercise etc. I am the youngest of 4 children. My mother is nearly 97 and in great health. I have 2 older sisters. My mother and one sister are now osteopenia. but being diagnosed in 2005 with my disease at Mayo and finding that my bones(after a bone marrow biopsy) have 35% extra mast cells making them weaker.

What are the side effects of Forteo?

Thank you. A lot of this is my own fault for not following up the way I should have. As for my age, I am in my early 70's and quite active, which is how I want to keep it. Thanks for your concern.

Dolan, I amy very, very encourage by your results with Forteo. I haven't known anyone who has taken it and was leery about starting it. I feel so much better reading your results. Like you, I have had a traumatic pelvic fracture, traumatic arm fracture and a couple of rib fractures. I have a family history and currently have a cousin how has Osteopenia and is on Prolia. I think I will stick with the Forteo!!! Thanks for sharing your results.

Thank you. A lot of it is my own fault for not following up the way I should have. As for my age, I am in my early 70's and pretty active, which is how I want to keep it. Thanks for your concern.

I was on Forteo for the 2 recommended years (after having been on Fosamax and the numbers began to drop). I had excellent results with Forteo and would be on it today if it were allowed. After the 2 years I was back on Fosamax to keep what Forteo had built up and because of starting osteoporosis meds young (35)...my dr gave me a drug holiday of 3 years until I fractured my pelvis in 5 areas. I am now on Prolia. I just began my 3rd year of Prolia and will have a DEXA scan in Dec to see the results. My dr has mentioned a possible return to Forteo. I didn't realize a person could go back on after a period of time. I am fine with it. After extreme osteoporosis I am now osteopenia at 61. (fractures in order: toe, T9, clavicle, rib, pelvis)

I just want to offer my sympathy. You have had to make a difficult decision. So far my Dex scores are OK,
but there are never any guarantees.
If I may ask, how old are you?

I have Osteoporosis with Kyphosis. I have had a vertebral plasty for VCF's. My DexaScan not very good. My Rheumatologist has suggested Forteo. Most of her patients turned down the Forteo because you have to inject yourself each day. I don't want to be on any medication however, I also don't want to end up in a wheelchair. I am probably going to go ahead with the Forteo. I know it is the only medication that is supposed to actually Build bone. I tried the pills in the past but developed swelling of my feet and ankles. I need to see a dentist before I start the medication. I will let post how things are going with it once I start.

thank you gailb for letting me know, I take a water pill diazide so when I saw hydroclorothyazide I was curious to see what it was

I found that I cannot take hydroclorothyazide any more. I took it when I was younger, but tried it 5 yrs ago with Valsartin for blood pressure and it made me very sick. I don't know why, perhaps age related. So, if you take it be sure to let your doctor know about all side effects you may have. Good luck.