Your tips for healthy living with osteoporosis: What helps?

Been doing this yoga routine..so helpful in how I feel over all. I have better balance and strength. I also do exercise like pushups and squats with weights etc. I have not done yoga in many years and found this doable and very liberating. Love the routine.

There has been much debate over protein requirements as we age. More and more, I'm reading about how essential protein is in maintaining muscle and bone as we age and that the current RDA requirements are too low. I thought I'd share this article from Nutrition Today which is an analysis of recent studies.

"Recently, a series of investigations from various researchers and leading bone health societies including the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), American Bone Health, and American Society for Nutrition (ASN) have led to a clearer understanding of the role dietary protein plays in optimizing bone health across the life span. The IOF and European Society for Clinical and Economical Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases now advise that dietary protein levels above the current RDA in the United States and Canada, regardless of the source, may be beneficial in reducing bone loss and hip fracture risk, provided calcium intakes are adequate."

The full article:
https://journals.lww.com/nutritiontodayonline/fulltext/2019/05000/optimizing_dietary_protein_for_lifelong_bone.5.aspx

I have “profound” spinal stenosis at L4-L5 and also have osteoporosis in my spine (-3.5). My spine dr. said I need surgery but can’t due to my “brittle” bones. I’m in a PT program for osteoporosis and take Actonel, supplements and calcium. I was previously on Prolia. I feel at a loss as what to do. Any ideas?

I would ask your doctor about bone-building drugs like Forteo, Tymlos or Evenity. I chose Tymlos because the dose is adjustable and I was told I can take Evenity after Tymlos, but not the other way around.

With a -3.5 score and stenosis I don't understand why you would be on a bisphosphonate or Prolia at this point. Do you see an endocrinologist?

For some reason my stenosis has improved on Tymlos. I no longer get nerve pain in hands and feet if I lift something.

Thank you. I didn’t know I had stenosis when on Prolia or bisphosphonates. I’m trying to navigate all this now. I don’t have an endocrinologist just GP.

GP's prescribe Prolia or bisphosphonates like Actonel as "first line" treatments which is too bad since you probably need a bone-builder, not an anti-resorptive. The drugs you have been on stop bone turnover but the ones I mentioned actually build bone (Evenity does both).

Respectfully, I think you really need to see an endocrinologist. The need for surgery for stenosis makes this more urgent, but you probably need stronger meds anyway. Insurance can be a problem but you have already tried two other drugs, and I also would look into patient assistance programs. I got Tymlos for free.

Thank you for your info. I’m actually going to be making an appt. today with endocrinologist. I’ve been on every bisphosphnate, Evista, Boniva and Prolia and nothing has brought me even into osteopenia.

Hello @dappy. I see that you are most concerned about your osteoporosis and learning more from members such as @windyshores who has already joined you, so you will notice that I have moved your post into an existing discussion where members are sharing what has helped them. You can find your post here:
- Your tips for healthy living with osteoporosis: What helps?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/your-tips-for-healthy-living-with-osteporosis-what-helps/

Great to hear you are making an appointment with an endocrinologist. Were you successful?

My PCP is sending in the referral. When I talked to the endocrinologist office today she said they were already booked into end of May. Ugh!!! But, I need them to first get my referral which they should get tomorrow.

Glad it’s helping. It definitely helps me! 🌸