Connect
Osteoporosis DX and Overwhelmed
My recent dexascan showed that osteopenia has progressed to osteoporosis in the lumbar spine and wrist. I am 73 and taking Anastrazole following a breast cancer dx and lumpectomy 2 years ago. The Anastrazole further blocks estrogen so that is likely a big part of the progression.
I do not want to take any of the meds but confused as to what else to do since there is so much conflicting information. I stopped taking a calcium supplement and now just take a multivitamin and D3+k2.
I walk every day and do some core exercises. I have cervical stenosis so I avoid lifting anything heavy.
I have been trying to get calcium in my diet- almonds, prunes, almond milk, etc but now i read that some foods contain oxalates that block calcium absorption.
My doctors say I am not doing enough but at this point I don't know what is best. My Gyno recommended Akgae Cal but i have read conflicting information about that.
I have read horror stories regarding the bone meds and refuse to go that route. Many people say they have not had success with diet and exercise.
I am at the point where I am ready to just take my chances and hope for the best as foolish as that may sound.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.
Connect
The problem with reading the horror stories is there is know way to know if that is going to happen to you! Everyone is different. I took Forteo years ago and had no issues. I had one round of Reclast and it was not good. I refused meds after that did well for a very long time! I was rediagnosed with osteoporosis a little over a year ago. I didn’t want to do Prolia but I had tried everything else and could not do it. I’ve had about a week of side effects after the shot but not much else. You could try natural stuff but you would need to do some kind of resistance training. I have restrictions of lifting 15 pounds so I do what I can. Keep Prolia as a last resort because it is not recommended you stop it once you start without following up with bisphosphonates. Good luck with your decision. 🙏
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@bswpb thank you. There is no way I will ever take any of the bone meds.
@beachbabe
May I ask why you will never take osteoporosis meds?
@gravity3 the risk of the potential side effects are just too scary for me. I don't even take acetaminophen or ibuprofen unless I really need it.
@beachbabe
I wonder if you have read about OsteoBoston.
Free group with a zoom presenter each month covering all aspects of Osteoporosis and treatment. The one tomorrow night is on hormone replacement and bone health
The presentations are then posted on YouTube. The group is free and you can join and get updates by emailing Shelley at osteoboston@gmail.com
It is so very overwhelming at first
Hang in there.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions@beachbabe Honestly, it doesn't sound like you want to do anything? You're just taking a couple of vitamins and doing some mild exercise. That will not change a thing, unfortunately. I know "taking your chances" sounds like an option, but a fracture could cripple and possibly kill you. Nobody wants that.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@gravity3 I will look into that. Thank you.
@bswpb I will look into resistance training. I know there are videos available and I will have to find the correct bands to use. A friend suggested a weighted vest but I am not sure if that would be right for me due to the cervical stenosis and neck pain I have.
@beachbabe start with light resistance and work up to harder ones. You might be able to find videos on YouTube.
@gravity3 ok