Latest Dexa: Decision time

You can't just stop Tymlos without going onto a biphosphonate. Otherwise, you will lose a lot of your gains. It doesn't have to be Reclast; you could just take a weekly Fosamax pill.

You do need weight-bearing exercises that target the hips. Weight-bearing is what makes bones stronger.

To clarify--I stopped Tymlos a year ago after 18 months and then did a year of Evenity. I can't do alendronate, can't tolerate it. The choices seem to be Reclast or Prolia. I'm terrified of both because if I'm hit with the side effects that so many people seem to have then my life will become really tough.

I know that I should have started the exercises years ago and I might not be facing this level of bone deterioration. I haven't been able to get myself to do it, but I had better start.

I did do Reclast and had no side effects. That would probably be my choice again as my only choice. My T scores did drop after taking the one infusion each year for three years. I know each person is different, but wanted to share something positive.

Hips are very hard to improve. My hips haven’t changed in years and I’ve been doing all the exercises recommended to improve their bone density since 2018. They have remained stable, though. In 2018 they were at -2.8 and they are still there. I’ve done Fosamax, Tymlos, and Evenity and they didn’t budge.

I believe that leg bone density needs to be acquired in youth (before age 30) to prevent them from becoming fragile as we age.

For some great free exercise videos, check out Brick House Bones on Facebook by Dr Lisa Moore, a PT specializing in osteoporosis. She has helpful information, although drugs are not discussed. The Better Bones website also has great information.

@janism
Hi Janism,
What I find helps with the exercise realm, is to make sure that you find enough different exercises that target the spine, hips, etc that will keep it fresh, more interesting, and easier to actually...do; so it's not the same hum-drum experience. I too will get very bored and 'put it off until tomorrow' if I don't have a variety of exercises that I like and can do. I choose the ones I like and then on the days that I do them, I feel like I have control: "lets see, I did this one last time, I think I'll do this one today"...makes it more interesting. I hope that helps a bit; I know exercise isn't the most thrilling thing in life to do! All the best to you.

@njx58
I would never have taken Tymlos knowing I would have to go onto a biphosphonate afterwards. Tymlos didn't work out for me anyway - my calcium levels were never checked, and I developed a very large kidney stone.

@lylii Your doctor should have explained this to you before prescribing Tymlos. It's maddening when doctors don't provide information that we're entitled to.

Decision made--I'll go on Reclast, my provider recommends just one infusion spaced over an hour, lots of hydration the week before and after with electrolytes. She says after that at least a one-year break from meds. One more Evenity infusion in July, then start this in August. Fingers crossed. Good luck to all!