My journey on Osteoporosis meds and now back issues ...

2555anny: I have osteoporosis as well. (And diagnosed with celiac disease in 2009 which explains why I was diagnosed with osteopenia way back in my late 30s-told at that time to just load up on calcium tablets and vit.d)
All these drug options weren't available at that time. I also struggle with on-going back pain and sciatica. I see a physiatrist, a doctor who treats pain involving the joints, muscles, nerves, bones, etc. A physiatrist offers non-surgical interventions. I had severe sciatic pain down my right leg caused by a compressed nerve and the physiatrist, under ultrasound guided imagery, injected steroids in the lumbar locations he suspected my pain was initiated from based on my symptoms and an MRI report. Whether a doctor recommends surgery or not I would try a non-surgical route first to see if you can get any relief that way.

Exactly the same for me. No surgical repair of fractures in the spine because our bones are too soft. The surgery will fail. I have had 4 vertebral fractures in the last year.
I move the wrong way and I get a fracture. I’m sticking with Tymlos bc Evenity has a 30% heart failure risk. I’m in my 5 th month. I dread the injection every night. It makes my heart pound, dizzy, headache . But I feel stronger, so will continue. Warm wishes

After years of suffering severe and chronic neck and back pain, in December 2025 I had a C5 C6 neck fusion. After the surgery the surgeon said "your bones are soft." I also need a lumbar fusion. I have a compressed L5 nerve and L5 slipped disc. Because of my "soft bones" the surgeon ordered a DXA scan which I completed a week ago and found out I have Osteoporosis. The surgeon is concerned about the success of the lumbar fusion and told me if I was on Prolia, Forteo or Tymlos, for 3 months before the surgery, it would make all the difference in the surgery being successful. My sister had a severe allergic reaction to Prolia, plus, my insurance company will no longer pay for Prolia and my Endocrinologist did not recommend Prolia. So, I have ruled out that drug. I ran across this Mayo Clinic discussion board while researching Forteo and Tymlos. I don't know if my insurance will cover these drugs yet. I am now waiting. After reading this discussion I need to research Evenity.

Having personally experienced, and are still experiencing, nerve compression I would tell you to not hesitate to ask your doctor for an MRI. I believe it's best to have answers and knowledge so you can decide what your options are and how to proceed.

@eileenvan have you considered getting fit for a custom back brace? I have a corset type brace that doesn't let move in the wrong direction. I wrap the brace around me as tight as I can and then on each side there is a knob, the knobs turn in opposite directions until I feel secure in the brace: the corset effect. I actually feel good in the corset, but my movement is seriously limited. It's spendy and pre-approval was required for me.

I too have osteoporosis, disc disease, scoliosis. I found neurosurgeon that specializes scoliosis and disc diseasse for kids and adult. Dr. B said he could do surgery but not until I have at least 3 rounds of Evenity my 8th round has to be rescheduled because I am having the first of 3 surgeries on Thursday. I have the utmost respect in Dr. B. told me that I won't be perfectly but I will be feeling better.

Vertebral fractures, when sudden and severe, can be repaired using kyphoplasty, which has some inherent risks. I, too, have had four VF's, but after seeing a spine specialist, I came to understand that these fractures have healed all by themselves. Kyphoplasty must be done a short time post-fracture and before the bones have begun to heal.

Evenity has a 30% higher risk of heart failure, but not a 30% risk of heart failure. I have a few minor issues with my heart (valves) so my rheumatologist prescribed Tymlos first (which I didn't tolerate at all . . . the problems you mentioned, and more). Evenity is not recommended when the patient has had a cardiac event within the year following the administration of the drugs. That said, when Tymlos was no longer a feasible weapon for me, with my cardiologist's blessing, my doc prescribed Evenity. Of course, it is still a personal choice and a doc's recommendation to determine which med is best for your situation.

I'm sorry to hear about your issues, eileenvan, it takes a conscious effort to prevent vertebral fractures and sometimes they just happen without warning or cause.

As an aside, my new rheumatologist told me I have "severe OP" even though my DEXA numbers look pretty good. When he saw my sad face and booboo lip, he clarified the severe classification: Come to find out that anyone who has had a VF is automatically pushed into the severe category. Made me feel better I guess.

Tread safely, friends and sisters, until the weather warms a bit. I think the groundhog was wrong. Cheers!

@beachesanddreams
Thanks for your encouragement! It helps. I don't feel like I'm alone making decisions, but gathering ideas to add to what I learn on pharmaceutical sites. And yes to your suggestions, also! Maybe I'm not the only one who needs to get more serious about the weight-bearing exercise...