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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

The injection itself is not painful as it is sub cutaneous only.

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?

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?

@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/

Thank you.

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.

Thanks, still a little freaked out by Forteo. Have you been on it? If so, what was your experience?

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/