Treating Osteoporosis: What works for you?

Welcome to Mayo Connect, @gemma. I hope we can collect some useful information on the challenge you put forth -- addressing osteoporosis without resort to medication. My wife and I both have dealt with this problem, but in different ways. Other members and friends on Connect will have still more information you'll find useful.

My wife was diagnosed with osteoporosis after a bone density procedure, but that was dialed down to osteopenia about 3 months later. She took a medication for five years, but her doctor stopped that when long-term use was discouraged by the FDA. To this day, she is taking calcium supplements with vitamin D3 to strengthen her bones, and like you, she is as athletic and active as ever in her late 70s. In my case, a lumbar MRI showed indications of arthritis when I complained of lower back pain. Physical therapy loosened up my vertebrae. In addition, I found out that back pain came from inflammation of my sacroiliac joints, and fixing that ended my problem 3 years ago. Since then, my daily Glucosamine supplement seems to have coated the joints and prevented new pain.

Maybe there's something in our experience that would be helpful to you. What therapy has your doctor suggested for you?

Hi @gemma. Welcome to Connect. I'm glad you found out little corner of the internet 🙂

I'm sure that news was not only troubling but also really surprising given your health! I'd suggest you check this very active thread about osteoporosis:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hi-im-new-to-the-site-and-am-interested-in-treating-osteoperosis/
I thank @predictable for already jumping in to help out. I'm also tagging @ggopher, @heritage1955, @emcote63, @arthritichands and @leemiller who have all posted about this topic recently.

I joined the group today because i wanted to find out about what other people are going thru with osteoporosis. My doctor also wanted me to go on medication, but i came across a book called SaveOurBones by Vivian Goldschmidt. I wanted to see if i could better results with an improved diet. I did increase my veggies, almond milk, calcium, but i was challenging
trying to follow an alkalizing vs. acidifying diet. I did not want to take those bisphosphonates. I have a sensitive stomach.
The doctor gave me Vitamin D and Calcium (but get the calcium from food) My vit. D level was 11 very low. Took 50,000 units of Vit. D. once a week. The thought of not being able to walk is getting to scary.

@gemma I have had osteopenia for a number of years and since calcium and vitamin D were not enough to help build bone mass, I've also been taking Evista. It is easier on the esophagus and has some added benefits. My father was DXD with osteoporosis before he died so low bone mass is definitely in my genetic make-up. I have been pleased with the Evista.

My dr wants me to try Prolia as well. Haven't started yet because I had to get some dental first. Have you started it? My only concern is the necrosis of the jaw. Not sure what to do.

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.

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.

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.

@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.

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.