Newly diagnosed osteoporosis and have cried every day this week

Well, you have come to the right place. Plenty of us to talk to about osteoporosis and our experiences with treating it. Your life is not over! Hang in there.

rudysmom, we lose bone after menopause. It can be frightening, but there are many things we can do to prevent fracture. You are doing a lot of those things, but if you'd started everything you are doing years ago, those things wouldn't have saved you from this (unfortunately natural) loss of bone.
Things have changed drastically from the time of your doctor's mother's hip fracture. We know so much more, the medications are better and surgical intervention and repair are common for the hip.
After three years of medication my T scores have improved, they are still worse than yours with no fractures so far.
It's good you were smart to ask to see an endocrinologist and (I think) wise to stay away from Prolia and Evenity, but others have had success with those drugs. Consider what the endocrinologist suggests and come back to talk some more to help sort through to your decision. I'm partial to Forteo and Tymlos; you might ask the endocrinologist if they don't mention them.
All of your questions are welcome here and no post is ever too long.
Bless your bones.

What are your femur readings? Did you have a TBS reading, that was make a huge difference in how you approach your situation. TBS looks at bone quality. Dexa is prone to misread with any bone abnormality so the TBS helps with interpretation.

Good news, it looks like this is just in your spine, and the spine has the ability to change quickly for the better. The femoral area takes longer to change just because of the nature of the bone.
You have options:
1. Osteoporosis drugs
2. BHRT/HRT
3. Strontium citrate which is a unique intervention somewhere between supplement and medicine
4. or a stronger combo of BHRT and strontium citrate or even adding BHRT/HRT to an osteoporosis drug regime

The options have different safety profiles and side effects. Plus, many of the osteoporosis drugs have a time minimum and may not be begun and stopped, easily.
Many people start with BHRT/HRT, and then add strontium citrate after or in addition to BHRT/HRT . This is influenced by their medical history and test results. Mainly, because SCitrate and BHRT/HRT are easily started and stopped compared to most osteoporosis drugs and may have fewer side effects. So this is just a conservative progession.

What you decide to take will depend a lot on you and with what you feel comfortable. Consult with your doctor and be sure to do your own research so you are part of the decision. Whatever your decision you should have good results; osteoporosis treatment is much better now than when your mother had osteoporosis.

I am a strontium citrate/BHRT user. MY osteoporosis was in my femoral area. I am now in normal bone density with normal bone quality.

Here are some posts about osteoporosis drugs, BHRT/HRT and strontium citrate.
Strontium a compilation of posts including one with strontium citrate user stories:
https://www.inspire.com/groups/bone-health-and-osteoporosis/discussion/dd823b-strontium-a-compilation-of-research-and-information/
BHRT/HRT Compilation of posts:
https://www.inspire.com/m/Kathleen1314/journal/b5bbb6-hormones-hrt-a-compilation-of-posts-and-research/
Osteoporosis Drugs, introduction information by M. Lavacort, plus access to message him directly:
https://www.inspire.com/groups/bone-health-and-osteoporosis/discussion/new-to-osteoporosis-and-feeling-overwhelmed-this-training-will-help/

My femur readings are:
R Neck: -2.6
L Neck: -2.7
R Total: -1.8
L Total: -2.0

I don’t know what a TBS reading is? I’m assuming that’s not the Z score? There is a comment that says: bone mineral density is measured about the lumbar spine is 0.854. Then it says bone mineral density how about the right hip is 0.777 in the left hip is 0.757. Not positive that’s what I’m looking for. Again all so confusing.

I don’t think my mom was ever diagnosed. I was her medical proxy and filled out all her forms. I don’t ever recall stating she had osteoporosis.

@rudysmom TBS is software that gives you information on the microstructure of your bones - how strong they are. It's a score about quality not density.

I’d pay money for your scores! This diagnosis can feel overwhelming, and the treatment recommendations aren’t all over the place which makes it even harder. When I was first diagnosed, I was honestly paralyzed with fear and didn’t even want to move. A lot of that reaction came from the first doctor I saw - she completely terrified me.

With time, though, it settles. You’ll find your footing, learn what makes sense for you, and do what you need to do to take good care of your bones. Best wishes.

@rudysmom

First, I echo the "your life is not over" sentiment from other members. At about age 52, a DEXA was randomly prescribed by a CRNP in my gynecologists office. Unfortunately, my PCP didn't have a clue, and told me the DEXA revealed I had osteopenia; I asked her what I should do about it and she said, "nothing really".

After a followup DEXA, my rheumatologist told me I had OP at the time of that first DEXA and should've been advised correctly - Vitamin D, Calcium, Exercise . . . He prescribed Reclast which was, at the time, the latest and greatest. Although informed of the adverse reactions, I did Reclast more times than I care to remember, and it worked!

I, too, have sciatica. It can be excruciating and almost impossible to turn over in bed. Much too much PT . . . until I found a chiropractor. It does take time to heal the sciatic nerve and "unpinch" it and I still have pain from it when twisting or sitting for too long, but it's very manageable at this point.

Because of the vertebral fractures, I felt pretty much forced by my rheumatologist to begin Tymlos and it had some nasty side effects. After about 9-1/2 months, I told my doc I couldn't take it anymore. Within days, all side effects disappeared. After Tymlos, I did the full 12-month course of Evenity and my DEXA proved it worked. I can't be sure it was 100% Evenity as I did have almost 1/2 of the recommended Tymlos injections. Because of our friends who have posted on this board, I have refused Prolia.

I just changed insurance companies and found a new rheumatologist. This doc actually cares about OP patients. He ordered tests for everything to actually find out WHY I might have OP. It is his opinion that my kidneys aren't retaining and returning calcium to my bones. What a revelation. After roughly 17 years of worrying about this, that's the reason!!!??? As an aside, this doc told me I have severe OP based on having vertebral fractures. But, it may also be due to DEXA scores.

The goal is not to cure OP, that's impossible as of this writing, it's making a lifetime plan to manage it well. We need to relearn patterns, baby-proof our homes and spaces, and make sure those we live with understand how important it is for us to be steady on our feet. Falling sucks, but it can happen. We all need to put on our big girl panties and get docs to listen to us and be deliberate and careful in our everyday lives. You won't crumble into dust (which is what I felt when I was told of my first VFrax). Keep reading and posting here as there's a lot of really good information. I use websites to dig into things, but my posts are pretty much anecdotal. Did I say wordy? I meant wordy.

Relax and know that you are not alone! Cheers!

@rudysmom - I meant to type "treatment recommendations ARE all over the place..."

Please don't panic and start any medications without doing research and talking with an Endocrinologist. Bones change very slowly and many people have worse numbers than you and haven't fractured and lot's of people who get fractures don't even have osteoporosis. I have much worse DEXA scores than you and for now have decided not to take any meds. I have problems with my parathyroid, which contributed to my OP, so can't take two of the drugs: Tymlos and Forteo, so that leaves Evenity and Fosamax as I don't want to take Prolia.

In the meantime, check out Dr Lisa Moore on Facebook on her page Brick House Bones. She is a P.T. who specialized in osteoporosis and has many informative free videos, including a great exercise program.

There are also supplements you can take, here is what I take:

Vitamin K helps direct calcium to your bones. I used to take 45mcg Vitamin K2 with my calcium, but have increased the form and dose based on this article, and others that I've read: https://drkumardiscovery.com/posts/vitamin-k2-mk7-bone-strength-review/
I found two K2 MK7 supplements on Amazon and ordered both. Not sure which one I'll stick with, I'm alternating them now. One is Sports Research Vitamin K2 MK7 180mcg with Coconut Oil. It sources its K2 as Menaquinone-7 (MK7) from fermented chickpeas rather than from MenaQ7, which is a specific branded form. This is a gel capsule with liquid contents.
The other supplement is from True Vantage and contains 180mcg of that vitamin as "MenaQ7".
 I read that "MenaQ7" supplements are considered superior because "they contain a highly purified form of vitamin K2 as MK-7, which has been clinically validated for its benefits in supporting bone and cardiovascular health. Their production process ensures a high concentration of the bioactive all-trans form, making them more effective than other vitamin K2 supplements." This is in a capsule form with powdered contents. The TrueVantage brand that I ordered with MenaQ7 is made in the U.S. and 3rd party tested.

Collagen as Fortibone: I take a daily powdered collagen supplement that contains Fortibone, which has been shown in studies to help bones. The cheapest brand I found on Amazon is AlgaeCal brand. It's cheaper if you buy two or three at a time. I make a smoothie with it along with some juice, banana, and other fruit. It also contains 11 grams of protein per serving.

Protein powder: Protein is important for your bones so you might want to consider a supplement if your diet doesn't contain enough.

Prunes: Studies have shown that eating 6 prunes a day can help bones.

Magnesium is also important, so I take 300mg of magnesium glycinate/day.

Of course, I also take calcium, vitamin D, as well as C, B complex and fish oil capsules. Dr Moore recommends Seen calcium chews, which gets its calcium from food. Each chew contains 500mg calcium.

Wishing you the best.

Good afternoon Babs.
I am 69 years old, & have both Osteoporosis & Osteoarthritis in my spine. I was diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in 2014. I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis in 2019. I felt the same way as you do. I suffer with clinical depression & was definitely depressed about all these back issues!
But, life is precious, & I knew I had to be strong for myself, & my loved ones.
My doctor put me on
Risedronate in 2019.
I started to exercise more. (Walking daily) & weights & bands a few times per week. (Music is a nice touch)
A good physiotherapist showed me the best exercises for my condition.
I got a new mattress & sleep with a cushion between my knees. I wear Keen winter boots as like everyone..I do not want to fall.
My doctor gave me 15 opioids for pain in October 2024, & I've only had to take five pills.
Sometimes when I feel achy, I rub extra strength Kalaya on my back, or use a heating pad. Epsom baths are good too.
I dance, hike, & my last bone density test had improved.
I feel confident that I will live a long productive life, & you will too!
🙏❤️

P.S. My Spine T scores in 2019 echo yours

@rudysmom
I cried too. I am 68 and have never had a break and no family history of breaks. I have 3 older sisters and none were on any meds except my oldest who is now 86, has hiked in Colorado every year including last year. She went off Fosamax because it made her quality of life less. I wish I had your scores. My T score for hip is - 3.2 and lumbar spine is -2.7 . I walk, do free weights and resistance and get the my calcium from food and powdered Calcium Citrate( mix into smoothies) because it is more easily absorbed. Good luck. Your life is not your moms. Your choices are not hers. Not all women who have osteoporosis( almost every woman after menopause has some degree) will have a fracture. Work on your balance and pray about it. Stay positive and move forward with determination and not fear ! xo