1. < Osteoporosis & Bone Health

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. 🙂

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jul 25, 2016
In reply to @gemma "I am 61 years old very active, running, cycling, tai-chi... my diet couldn't be better, I..." + (show)
@gemma

I am 61 years old very active, running, cycling, tai-chi... my diet couldn't be better, I am thin but strong. This week i got the results of a bone density. I have osteoporosis in my lumbar I don't want to take medications. Any suggestions?

Jump to this post

@gemma Yes, a parathyroid test is a great idea. Many of us with bone mass loss have experienced problems with our parathyroid. Ask your doc to check it out at your next appointment.

REPLY
1 reply
Gemma | @gemma | Jul 25, 2016
In reply to @gemma "Thanks for all the replays, I really appreciate. I didn't go to my doctor with the..." + (show)
@gemma

Thanks for all the replays, I really appreciate. I didn't go to my doctor with the results, I waned to get informed before I accept to any treatment. I made my research and, really don't like what I see.
I started a strong diet based on calcium intake, like taking 4 spoons of organic whole sesame paste daily, plus calcium supplements (Bone Basics) plus Vit. D3. My diet is very very good there is no sugar since I was a kid (I don't like sugary foods), I am vegetarian (no vegan) but I eat eggs and fish, whole cereals and absolutely NOT processed foods. I run half marathons and at least, 30Km a week, I lift weights at the gym, Tai-Chi.....already for almost 30 years. I don't have pains in my back but when I read the results I started to feel my back, I guess psychological. I don't like the idea of having side effects to affect my life, I am a very healthy person.

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The diagnosis was from a bone density test. And no, I didn't get a<br>parathyroid test.I will consider it, its a good idea. Thanks.<br>

REPLY
Martin Jensen, Volunteer Mentor | @predictable | Jul 24, 2016
In reply to @gemma "Thanks for all the replays, I really appreciate. I didn't go to my doctor with the..." + (show)
@gemma

Thanks for all the replays, I really appreciate. I didn't go to my doctor with the results, I waned to get informed before I accept to any treatment. I made my research and, really don't like what I see.
I started a strong diet based on calcium intake, like taking 4 spoons of organic whole sesame paste daily, plus calcium supplements (Bone Basics) plus Vit. D3. My diet is very very good there is no sugar since I was a kid (I don't like sugary foods), I am vegetarian (no vegan) but I eat eggs and fish, whole cereals and absolutely NOT processed foods. I run half marathons and at least, 30Km a week, I lift weights at the gym, Tai-Chi.....already for almost 30 years. I don't have pains in my back but when I read the results I started to feel my back, I guess psychological. I don't like the idea of having side effects to affect my life, I am a very healthy person.

Jump to this post

@gemma, have you considered getting a second opinion from another physician? Your lifestyle, diet, and physical regimen make your diagnosis seem questionable to me. Have your recent lab tests included your Parathyroid function?

REPLY
Gemma | @gemma | Jul 24, 2016
In reply to @gemma "I am 61 years old very active, running, cycling, tai-chi... my diet couldn't be better, I..." + (show)
@gemma

I am 61 years old very active, running, cycling, tai-chi... my diet couldn't be better, I am thin but strong. This week i got the results of a bone density. I have osteoporosis in my lumbar I don't want to take medications. Any suggestions?

Jump to this post

Thanks for all the replays, I really appreciate. I didn't go to my doctor with the results, I waned to get informed before I accept to any treatment. I made my research and, really don't like what I see.
I started a strong diet based on calcium intake, like taking 4 spoons of organic whole sesame paste daily, plus calcium supplements (Bone Basics) plus Vit. D3. My diet is very very good there is no sugar since I was a kid (I don't like sugary foods), I am vegetarian (no vegan) but I eat eggs and fish, whole cereals and absolutely NOT processed foods. I run half marathons and at least, 30Km a week, I lift weights at the gym, Tai-Chi.....already for almost 30 years. I don't have pains in my back but when I read the results I started to feel my back, I guess psychological. I don't like the idea of having side effects to affect my life, I am a very healthy person.

REPLY
2 replies
susandockter | @susandockter | Jul 21, 2016
In reply to @mohavegal "Hello, I'm new to this group. My osteoporosis is not improving and after a dexa scan..." + (show)
@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 had my first Proleia shot in April and no side effects. My Dr. Said the side effects are rare. Having a problem with my jaw would be very difficult, but not being able to walk would be far worse.

REPLY
susandockter | @susandockter | Jul 21, 2016
In reply to @mohavegal "Hello, I'm new to this group. My osteoporosis is not improving and after a dexa scan..." + (show)
@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.

Jump to this post

Has your Dr. Talked about a different class of drugs? If the normal ones bother a patient there are other kinds of drugs people can take, like Proleia. Don't give up unless your Dr. Recommends you do. Your ability to walk is on the line.

REPLY
Martin Jensen, Volunteer Mentor | @predictable | Jul 21, 2016
In reply to @mohavegal "Hello, I'm new to this group. My osteoporosis is not improving and after a dexa scan..." + (show)
@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.

Jump to this post

@caress and all, if you're looking for a physician to treat osteoporosis -- or give you a second opinion on your treatment plan -- consider the recommendation of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, a division of the National Institutes of Health. Their web page should be helpful in your search: http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Osteoporosis/find_doctor.asp.

REPLY
Martin Jensen, Volunteer Mentor | @predictable | Jul 21, 2016
In reply to @mohavegal "Hello, I'm new to this group. My osteoporosis is not improving and after a dexa scan..." + (show)
@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.

Jump to this post

Good decision, @caress. The FDA reports that Fosmax and other bisphosphonates don't rebuild bone, but only prevent it from degrading. Another therapy is indicated, and a second opinion may be needed to find it.

REPLY
Caress | @caress | Jul 21, 2016
In reply to @mohavegal "Hello, I'm new to this group. My osteoporosis is not improving and after a dexa scan..." + (show)
@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.

Jump to this post

My rheumatologist advised me to take Atelvia, but i'm so afraid to start. He mentioned to get calcium from
food rather than tablets. You mentioned you have not had any bad side effects, thats encouraging for me
to hear. I might have to go back and see him to get a script for Atelvia.

REPLY
Caress | @caress | Jul 21, 2016
In reply to @mohavegal "Hello, I'm new to this group. My osteoporosis is not improving and after a dexa scan..." + (show)
@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.

Jump to this post

I have not tried any of the bisphosphonates...too scary for me. At one time my endocronologist asked if
i needed dental work, that was a clue to me not to try these meds.

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