Treating Osteoporosis: What works for you?

Posted by heritage1955 @heritage1955, Apr 1, 2016

Hi. I'm new to the site and am interested in treating osteoperosis. I'm 39 yo and recently had a bone density that showed I'm at -2.4. So, going through the intial "I can't believe it" stuff. 🙂

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

Profile picture for mohavegal @mohavegal

Hello, I'm new to this group. My osteoporosis is not improving and after a dexa scan my doctor wants me to go on a drug. Tried one before and experienced a REALLY bad reaction. It was Ibandronate Sodium. Don't know what "family" it's in. Having horrible pain when lying down.

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I started treatment with Reclast; an infusion that takes about 20 minutes. You get the infusion once a year. I've never had any side effects. Best thing is my bone density is improving.

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Profile picture for leannz @leannz

I have had three Prolia shots to date. I can't really identify any side effects that I attribute to the Prolia. I am also taking Arimidex (fifteen months now) as follow up treatment for breast cancer, so it's hard to always know where to place the "blame" when something goes out of wack. The Arimidex has the possible side effect of causing or aggravating osteoporosis, which I was diagnosed with right after my breast cancer surgery, when they put me on the follow up drugs. I am doing everything I can to rise victorious over all of this. I'm 60 years old, but in my mind I'm still 35. I am not giving in easily to age or illness.

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Good for you; keep up that attitude. God bless.

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I have had three Prolia shots to date. I can't really identify any side effects that I attribute to the Prolia. I am also taking Arimidex (fifteen months now) as follow up treatment for breast cancer, so it's hard to always know where to place the "blame" when something goes out of wack. The Arimidex has the possible side effect of causing or aggravating osteoporosis, which I was diagnosed with right after my breast cancer surgery, when they put me on the follow up drugs. I am doing everything I can to rise victorious over all of this. I'm 60 years old, but in my mind I'm still 35. I am not giving in easily to age or illness.

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Profile picture for mohavegal @mohavegal

Hello, I'm new to this group. My osteoporosis is not improving and after a dexa scan my doctor wants me to go on a drug. Tried one before and experienced a REALLY bad reaction. It was Ibandronate Sodium. Don't know what "family" it's in. Having horrible pain when lying down.

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My bone density has progressively worsened. I have a family history of osteoporosis and I am only 65. My number last year was -2.9. Last year I was prescribed fosomax, but could not tolerate it with my digestive issues. So I was given a Reclast infusion. I hydrated well prior to and took one advil; I had no negative side effects. I have been on Vitamin D, 1200mg of cLcium, and weight bearing exercise for a year. This year my scan was -2.9.
I had a physician mention that due to my complete lack of sun exposure (pre skin cancer issues) that the vitamin D and calcium could not be utilized. He recommended a UV light with full spectrum UV To help activate the vitamin D. I just purchased it and will use it a few minutes when I am nude after showering. We shall see if this helps.

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Hi @heritage1955, I too was just diagnosed with Osteoporosis in April. I'm at -3.7 and I'm only 52. I was pretty shocked at how bad it is. My doctor put me on Forteo, which is the only medication that builds bone. I give myself a shot every day. It's really not as bad as it sounds, the needle is so small I barely feel it. And, of course, I have upped my calcium intake. I try to take 500 mg three times a day. I read at the Mayo Clinic website that your body can only absorb 500 mg at a time, so anything above that is just a waste. But if you take Protonix or anything to help acid, you need to take the calcium at least three hours a part. The medication keeps you from absorbing the calcium. It's hard to do when you take Protonix twice a day as I do, but I get up early to take my meds so I can get my daily calcium. I also take 2000 IU of Vitamin D every day.

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Profile picture for angelas @angelas

<p>Has anyone received their 1st BMD scan with a low t-score, like -3.1 in the spine, and been prescribed Forteo? I'm 50 and a little freaked out as I thought I doing a baseline BMD scan. I have no underlying conditions that can explain the extremely low score. Family history of estrogen-receptive cancer puts HRT out of the question. I would like to wait a year, increase calcium/vit D/exercise, and get another scan. Thoughts?</p>

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@faith123 Thanks for updating us on your treatment. I also hope that the infusion is helpful to you. Teresa

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Profile picture for angelas @angelas

<p>Has anyone received their 1st BMD scan with a low t-score, like -3.1 in the spine, and been prescribed Forteo? I'm 50 and a little freaked out as I thought I doing a baseline BMD scan. I have no underlying conditions that can explain the extremely low score. Family history of estrogen-receptive cancer puts HRT out of the question. I would like to wait a year, increase calcium/vit D/exercise, and get another scan. Thoughts?</p>

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I fractured my hip 10 mths. Ago and still on walker. Since then have gotten the firxt of the yearly reclast infusion a month ago. So far no problems. I hope it helps. It was my first broken bone. I'm 81.

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Profile picture for angelas @angelas

<p>Has anyone received their 1st BMD scan with a low t-score, like -3.1 in the spine, and been prescribed Forteo? I'm 50 and a little freaked out as I thought I doing a baseline BMD scan. I have no underlying conditions that can explain the extremely low score. Family history of estrogen-receptive cancer puts HRT out of the question. I would like to wait a year, increase calcium/vit D/exercise, and get another scan. Thoughts?</p>

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My calcium always runs a little high (10.4 to 11.1) and my parathyroid level was high (134) but is now normal. I have osteoporosis and osteopenia. What kind of treatment that would not include calcium is there? I was told not to take calcium by the endocrinologist. Should you have treatment or not with high calcium levels.

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Profile picture for angelas @angelas

<p>Has anyone received their 1st BMD scan with a low t-score, like -3.1 in the spine, and been prescribed Forteo? I'm 50 and a little freaked out as I thought I doing a baseline BMD scan. I have no underlying conditions that can explain the extremely low score. Family history of estrogen-receptive cancer puts HRT out of the question. I would like to wait a year, increase calcium/vit D/exercise, and get another scan. Thoughts?</p>

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I had reclast infusion 2 days ago with no side effects. Just thought I'd let you know.

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Profile picture for angelas @angelas

I, too, am interested in treatments for osteoporosis at a younger (50) age; however, postmenopausal. I found Dr. Lani's Bone Health Guide book helpful. I'm wary of beginning medical treatments (Forteo for 18-24 months and then a bisphosphonate for 5-7 years) based on one BMD scan.

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Hello @gailfaith. I think you are referring to a discussion that you started earlier. You can find that discussion, and the article to which you are speaking about, by clicking here, http://mayocl.in/2q2qAeF.

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