Struggling with making an osteoporosis treatment decision

Thank you!

My Score was like -4 in my spine . I have recently had another low back fracture . If I should try Tymlos, what do I take after I get off . Doctor just said I would see my general practitioner … that was scary to me. Not being an expert n bone meds . I am afraid to take Tymlos and afraid not too .

The drug Evenity has a black box warning of heart attack and stroke. Does anyone know of any patient who has used this medication had a cardiovascular event? {Like how common is this side effect as it is scary to me.}

Thank you

I’m taking Evenity now. If you go to the Evenity website and click on information for health care providers you can read the results of the study. Look at actual risk vs. relative risk for cardiovascular events. ( I’m a retired RN). I made the call it was not a huge risk for me. But everyone needs to look at their own health histories- there’s no perfect solution. Doing nothing carries it’s own real risks.

I am an 80 year old too slender woman limited with multiple health issues besides osteoporosis with multiple painful spinal compression fractures - peripheral neuropathy, lymphedema on both legs from the knee down, obstipation and very bloated stomach probably from a tortuous colon and urge incontinence. They keep me homebound.
I read the comments about Evenity and Tymlos, but am at a more basic level of "prevention" before I address pharmaceuticals.
I recently learned that the 1200 mg of calcium I take daily to protect me from osteoporosis may have been removed from my body before absorption due to my high oxalate diet of sweet and red potatoes, spinach, swiss chard, almonds, cashews, beets and their greens. See OsteoBoston video at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jxgCwFp5ug

Also, I take 2 grams of Vitamin C per day, apparently another contributor to oxalic acid reducing calcium's availability to the body. See:
https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/135/7/1673/4663868
Is there anyone familiar with these issues who can give me some guidance? Would an endocrinologist be appropriate? A another kind of specialist? Someone who might be able to balance a combination of appropriate food, supplementation to reduce more compression fractures and a pharmaceutical?

I am a Kaiser patient.

Thanks for whatever info you can provide.

Hi there @autumnanna......I don't know what doctor advised you to see your PCP. My recommendation would be to make sure that an endocrinologist reviews your DEXA results and has a good idea of any other toleration issues. If you want information about Prolia, you can call Amgen, as they also produce Evenity. That number is 800-772-6436. Ask for patient support so that you will be speaking with a medical professional.

You are doing the right thing......getting as much information as possible about your codition and your medication tolerances.

May you have happiness and the causes of happiness.
Chris

Yes , it was confusing to me. I just want to make sure I get all the information before I move forward . Thank you!

Hi notmoff,

I also did extensive research to try to find best way to maximize calcium absorption after realizing that my high fiber diet was likely binding with calcium and preventing absorption. I found one website that said the key is timing. I just started this routine - eat foods that will not interfere with calcium absorption - proteins, grass fed whole milk, eggs, meat with my calcium supplement, wait two hours for my favorite high fiber, oxalate or phyate rich food. Then I wait another two hours after fiber, oxalate, phytate foods for my next calcium supplements/foods. So I just started this and don't know how effective it will be, but I figured it can't hurt. Good luck!

Someone posted that you might have osteoporosis on dexa scan. But bones can be thin but still be strong. I would like to know more because I have had a very bad dexa scan ...will not do big pharma drugs but natural supplements

I don't know your scores but I can tell you that "big pharma drugs" can work very effectively and prevent the pain and disability I have experienced with fractures.
I was unable to tolerate meds- despite many efforts- and finally landed on Tymlos, starting at a low dose and moving up. This was AFTER spinal fractures unfortunately, three of which happened from one unwise movement. I FELT strong (was doing sword tai chi) but I was in danger for years. Tymlos is helping me a lot. Forteo and Evenity are other options.

I am not sure what "natural supplements" you are going to use, but strontium throws off the DEXA scan results by making things look better than they are. In Europe people no longer take strontium ranelate due to cardiovascular risks.

I take calcium, D3 with K, magnesium and B complex including folate. Walking and tai chi. But if your scores are bad, I would strongly suggest considering meds. Don't start with Prolia or biphosphonate if you can do a bone-builder like Tymlos, Forteo or Evenity, all of which better if you haven't taken anything else.