Anyone used Strontium Ranelate

I just want to add that as well as Vitamin D3 your mother must take Vitamin K2 (not K1 which we get from our diet).  Unless she has been able to eat products from grass fed animals she'll be like most of us and deficient in this vitamin which is very important because it guides calcium into the bones so that it doesn't settle on the walls of blood vessels, etc. where it isn't wanted.  Strontium ranelate is a patented form of strontium which does occur naturally in the environment particularly as strontium citrate, and has been shown to improve bone density.  This is because it replaces calcium in the bones.  The body obviously prefers calcium because if you take the two together, the calcium will win out!  Calcium is still necessary as it is used by the body in other important processes, besidesbone-building. So if she opts for strontium, either the ranelalte (which has not been approved everywhere) or the citrate which is probably available at your health food store, she would have to make sure to take them at different times.  I don't know if there is anything to show that the bones are actually stronger when taking any of these medications, or whether the doctors are just happy because they look denser.  

There are also methods for improving bone strength that do not require the impact even of walking.  I've heard some people who can't walk, or can't walk enough, use a vibration plate.  If she is able to do any standing, or even seated exercises, she could look into very careful yoga, tai chi and qi gong, all of which with guidance of a specialist who understand her condition could be helpful.  Obviously everything she tries would be done with great care to protect her vulnerable areas so I am in no way suggesting any kind of standard gym, etc.

Your mum is the same age as me. At my walk in  clinic, it was explained that a dexa scan is only carried out on undamaged lumbar vertebrae. I have damage at L4 so my readings came from the 3 above. It is possible, your mum has damage in this area and that is why she has not been scanned, but this seems to vary, depending on where you live. Another thing I discovered, that may be helpful. It was discussed that to strengthen hips, standing on one leg, building up to 3 minutes, then the other leg, can help with bone strength, in this area. If balance is not great, use the back of a chair to hold on to, but it is important not to lean on the chair. I am now up to 2 minutes each side. This is good for people who find impact exercise difficuilt. Ofcourse, I cannot know if your mum is in the osteoperosis range, but her bones certainly sound very delicate from what you have explained. Remind her others understand and it is great she has you ( but I am sure she knows this ) good luck to you both.

I just wanted to say thank you to every one that responded to me and offered advise. It has been a great help to me and my mum. xx