Undecided choice of drugs for Osteoporosis

Posted by peace44 @peace44, Oct 10, 2023

I am 80 years old women and have borderline osteoporosis which affects my entire body. My doctor wants me to take Prolia and the Rheumatologist wants me to take Reclast. I’m unhappy with both choices as the side effects are great and I do not tolerate new drugs well. I am very undecided and am considering doing not taking annty drugs for this condition. I have never had a fracture and I’m very active Any opinions or advice.

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@windyshores

@freckle1 I hope you will have a DEXA scan after one year on anastrazole. I lost a lot of bone that year. I did end up fracturing right after I finished my 5 years. I went on Tymlos and regained a lot after that.

My docs would not prescribe Reclast to help my bones during letrozole due to my afib. That was a big mistake. I hope you don't need meds for bones during anastrazole but most of us do.

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Have been taking Anastrozole for more than two years. I have a bone scan each year. My scan last week showed significant improvement from last year's. My physio says this is consistent with the results her clients usually get.

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@windyshores

@sandrajhunt when you get to the point that your spine is rounded. I can tell you from personal experience that you experience digestive, breathing and even heart issues. I am just telling you because noone told me. It takes a few fractures to round the back.

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Thank you. When i have that next scan if there has been no improvement i will seriously consider Evenity, although reluctantly.

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@freckle1

Have been taking Anastrozole for more than two years. I have a bone scan each year. My scan last week showed significant improvement from last year's. My physio says this is consistent with the results her clients usually get.

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@freckle1 1 are you on Reclast or Prolia or nothing for bones?

Without bone meds I lost 10% bone density the first year on letrozole.

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@freckle1

My advice would be to find a physio who specialises in bone health and stay off drugs for as long as possible. I am 76 and recently had chemo and radio for an aggressive estrogen driven breast cancer. So have to take anastrazole, which is bad for bone health. Medical oncologist says I need to take it for several years. After 6 months with the physio my bone density has improved significantly - although am still diagnosed with osteopenia. Twice a week. Now lifting 24K kettlebells and doing 50K on the leg press. Means I don't need to walk much- chemo caused peripheral neuropathy, so walking isn't pleasant.

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@frecklegirl
Your reply was interesting-
and Sorry for asking, but what do you mean by finding a physio?
Are you referring to a physical therapist?

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@windyshores

@freckle1 1 are you on Reclast or Prolia or nothing for bones?

Without bone meds I lost 10% bone density the first year on letrozole.

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I have been diagnosed only with osteopenia so not taking any drugs. Weight bearing excercise at the gym- supervised by my physio - is improving bone density. Before I had chemo in 2022, for example, my femure neck T score was -1.3. By early 2023, it had gone down to -1.8. Recent scan was -1.4. Despite the effects of anastrozole- so my GP is very happy with that.

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@cez

@frecklegirl
Your reply was interesting-
and Sorry for asking, but what do you mean by finding a physio?
Are you referring to a physical therapist?

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Yes. A licensed physiotherapist. (I'm in Australia.) Mine never has more than four clients at a time because that's the maximum she can safely supervise. Gyms can be dangerous places.

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@freckle1

Yes. A licensed physiotherapist. (I'm in Australia.) Mine never has more than four clients at a time because that's the maximum she can safely supervise. Gyms can be dangerous places.

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I should add that in Australia, physiotherapy requires a four year university degree, and very hard to get into. My physio also has a Masters in Sports Medicine. Physios need a licence to practise. My physio decided to specialise in bone health some years ago.

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@freckle1

My advice would be to find a physio who specialises in bone health and stay off drugs for as long as possible. I am 76 and recently had chemo and radio for an aggressive estrogen driven breast cancer. So have to take anastrazole, which is bad for bone health. Medical oncologist says I need to take it for several years. After 6 months with the physio my bone density has improved significantly - although am still diagnosed with osteopenia. Twice a week. Now lifting 24K kettlebells and doing 50K on the leg press. Means I don't need to walk much- chemo caused peripheral neuropathy, so walking isn't pleasant.

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What is a physio?

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@gmom14

What is a physio?

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So sorry, I'm new to this group...just saw the prior comments where you described a physiotherapist.
I haven't heard of one here in PA, but I will look into it. Thank you!

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@freckle1

I should add that in Australia, physiotherapy requires a four year university degree, and very hard to get into. My physio also has a Masters in Sports Medicine. Physios need a licence to practise. My physio decided to specialise in bone health some years ago.

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Thank you!
I appreciate the reply

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