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. 🙂
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?
Liked by Gail, Alumna Mentor
Hi @mohavegal, and welcome to Connect. Managing osteoporosis can be challenging, especially if you’re experience significant pain while lying down. How have you currently been managing the pain?
I’m tagging @spiritbird2 and @irishk – both members posted this week about osteoporosis and managing pain, medications, etc.
Has your doctor suggested a specific medication for you?
Currently I’m using standardized Curcumin. My doctor gave me prescription for meloxicam but it irritated my stomach. Have decided I just won’t use the chemical drugs. The fastest relief I’ve found is from a homeopathic cream. Traumeel and it comes from Germany.
I want to fix the problem not medicate it.
Sent from Mail for Windows 10.
Liked by Gail, Alumna Mentor, Sarah Pillsbury, therese27, lioness
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.
Liked by Kelly, Alumna Mentor, lioness, tdawnandrews
I too have been diagnosed with osteoporosis at 61 recently. I do not have any pain yet but am worried about the shot the Doctor prescribed for me to get so I am having a second opinion. I normally run on the anemic side but the Doctor would not run a full blood panel so going back to my hometown Doctor who knows my medical history better. It is very scary to read about all the side effects the drugs have. I know how you are feeling and wished there was a more natural way to replenish our bones other then drugs.
Liked by Gail, Alumna Mentor, lioness
Hi @angelas, I’m glad you found this active discussion thread. I moved your previous message about your BMD scan and starting treatments here too.
Did your doctor discuss non-medical approaches to managing osteoporosis at all?
Liked by Kelly, Alumna Mentor, Teresa, Volunteer Mentor, angelas, lioness
Welcome @adamsky. Did you see these discussions about Fosamax and Prolia?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/would-like-to-know-peoples-experience-using-fosomax/
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/i-have-been-on-prolia-injections-for-2-years-now-my-kidneys/
Like you, @angelas and @mohavegal would like to find more natural ways to many bone density. Please share anything you learn.
@mohavegal I got a sample of Traumeel from my massage therapist, but didn’t really notice any difference in muscle tension relief. How is it working for you?
Liked by joanmargaret
@heritage1955 I’d like to connect you with @smcguire who also experienced serious bone density loss at a young age. You can read more about her here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/i-went-through-early-menopause-at-35-along-with-my-birth-mother/
Liked by heritage1955
Yes, the internal medicine doctor mentioned increasing Vit D/exercise/increasing calcium but nothing else. She said the only way to build up the bone is through medicine (Forteo) and then to maintain it with a bisphosphonate thereafter. I kinda feel like the doc is treating me like I’m 90. I’m looking to have a second opinion with an Endocrinologist soon. I’m concerned about the length of time I would be on medication as I think typically women are diagnosed and start treatment at a later age. Would really like to hear what others are doing in a similar situation.
Liked by Colleen Young, Connect Director, Kelly, Alumna Mentor, Teresa, Volunteer Mentor, heritage1955 ... see all
I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, the endocrinologist wishes to place me on a yearly injection, several years ago my physician wanted to place me on fosamax, I tried it for a few months and was ill the whole time. Thus, myreluctance to start on these meds. I would like my Endo. Doc to do a blood test on my para-thyroid glands as well prior to my starting on any meds-is this an unusual request?
Welcome to Connect @flygirl8. I moved your message to the “Treating Osteoporosis” thread, so you can meet members like @heritage1955 @angelas @spiritbird2 @adamsky and others who have been talking about fosamax, Prolia and other treatment options.
You may also wish to ask your question about parathyroid gland function to @jmbjar and @allegro in this discussion thread https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/parathyroid-question-are-there-endocrine-surgeons-with-expertise-in-parathyroid-disease-at/
Liked by flygirl8
@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.
Liked by ggopher