Positive vibes ONLY thread

@dvargo
I have only myself to blame for not doing HRT over 10 years ago when my OB/Gyn recommended doing so. Even though I have no family history of breast cancer, I was terrified of the risk. And now I am past the window of opportunity.

@redraider

When you say you are past the window of opportunity what do you mean?

I'm almost 69 and menopause was at 55. My doctor told me years ago that there was a window for HRT after menopause, and that window had closed.

@gravity3 No. I doubt my insurer would authorize. I have not fractured, my DEXA numbers (hip only, spine is normal) are just into osteoporosis territory, and I had impressive results after only 2 Prolia injections.

Followed up Prolia with Fosomax to prevent rebound but it did not stick the Prolia results. One caveat: do not have complete confidence in my last DEXA when contrasted to my CTX/P1NP results, which had been good.

@redraider

@redraider My OBGYN would NOT put me on it but offered bone drugs instead. I started HRT 10 years after menopause. My new doctor said it is never too late.

It is all an unknown outcome...takes a year after starting medication (for me and my doc anyway) to get tested to see if it works or not. I had no idea when I accepted the prescription for Reclast that it could possibly not work at all; only that I perhaps may not need a second infusion and have since discovered that simply maintaining my bad dexa score could be a win. And I won't know for a year...wondering every day if my bones are getting healthier or not. A full year of wondering. Crazy it takes that long, but bone health is not something that is "fixed" in a couple of weeks. And there is no way of knowing if you will have possible (remember not probable) side effects or not when you go on meds, and if those side effects will be reasonable or not. Then again, the side effects of your skeleton crumbling are quite scary. BUT the majority do well on meds or they would be pulled from the market. AND my Reclast infusion went very well; zero side effects (I prepped following protocol on this website, no info from doc or infusion center - they had never heard of slower drip, extra saline, lower dose, etc.) I am having on and off bone pain (severe at times) but manageable so we will see about signing up for more Reclast when the time comes (especially if dexa doesn't show some improvement). Wish BHRT was researched more - hard no for me only because mom had breast cancer. BRAC testing done. No gene issue.

@dvargo while many go to theirPCP or Endo, some people go to GYN for HRT. BHRT, etc…some do integrative medicine, ideally getting the best from regular medicine and natural approaches… each have benefits and risks—true of anything one does- and the patient needs to carefully weigh the benefit/risk ratio, the short term versus the longer term…ideally, do it with a doctor you trust…..beware of all the online chatter promising immediate cures, selling very expensive meds/services… !

After 6 vertebral fractures, TYMLOS has worked for me. Two years of treatment end in February. My one year DEXA showed great improvement. I feel certain the final DEXA will be positive. I've had no side effects since the second dose. I've been taking a full dose from the very first day.
Everyone is different, everyone reacts differently. I hope whatever treatment you go with, your outcome is positive. A good doctor that knows his stuff is key. Ask questions until you understand and feel comfortable. I also have to give my husband credit. He's my rock. He goes with me for appointments, tests, surgeries, consultations, etc. I'm very fortunate that he's all in on my healing process.

There have to be better meds, that don’t scare people away or require a person to be on the meds forever without risking serious relapse….anyone know of recent developments in OP treatment ?