New Osteoporosis diagnosis

Do u take any particular supplements. If so pls share

I do happen to take a calcium supplement specially formulated to build stronger bones but this is because I lost a lot a weight which I don't seem able to regain so I think I'm not absorbing enough nutrients from my food.  So I think a normal calcium plus Vitamin D supplement is a good place to start.  Then add Vitamin K2.  if you've been taking a lot of extra calcium your calcium/magnesium balance may be out of whack so a bit of extra magnesium may not go amiss.  However we do get a lot of calcium and magnesium from a healthy diet, especially one rich in leafy green vegetables.  I read somewhere that magnesium is to plants what iron is to animals, so there you go!  It's suggested that good foods to add are prunes (for the boron) and yoghurt (as it improves calcium metabolism).  Liquid milk is NOT the best way to get your dietary calcium.  Fermented foods like yoghurt, kefir and some cheeses are better.  In fact fermented foods (think sauerkraut and its relatives, for example) are healthy choices as they help to rebalance our gut flora which may have been damaged by antibiotics, stress, poor dietary choices, etc.

I too had no symptoms and even when I fractured a vertebrae I refused a dexa scan because I did not think I could possibly have OP because I always ate well, exercised regularly and no family history either. I also had never been on any of the medications that can cause OP. I am certain, that if a person lacks a good diet, does not exercise, smokes or is on medication that contributes to bone thinning,  then changes any of these, it is possible to improve bone density. But, if you have always done all the correct things, I don’t see how it can change.

Everyone is is unique.

Although I have a-4.3 tscore in my lumbar I won’t be taking the meds any time soon. There is a lot of other issues in my back as well. I have scoliosis, arthritis, degeneration disc disease plus some other recorded. The osteoporosis is just one problem. Your PMR is probably more of a concern for you.

I do not like the sound of the guy who said those scary things to you.

Enjoy your life with your dancing and grandkids. If you can do it then you are better off than I am. I am limited but not from osteoporosis.

I wish I never had a scan. Most people I know have not and the one who has had issues with prolia and fosamax.

Do whatever keeps you happy!

 

Yes, keep us updated on the side effects. The improvement of the T score will not noticed for awhile but would love to hear how it helped as well. 

I’m hoping to hear good news you deserve it!

Having the dexa scan was always on the cards for me while being on prednisone as one of its nasty little side effects is osteoporosis , along with many others. No doubt it contributed to it but in my case didn’t cause it as I haven’t been on it long enough to have such a bad score. And for all the correct things I do,  it turns out my mother had it, (athough never had a break until she was 95 and still lived to 99 actively in a  hostel), I’m very small boned, early menopause, another long story, but as I said I can’t really improve my lifestyle either. I dont drink or smoke. I’m really quite boring. I guess I was always destined to get it. Just wish it was picked up somehow (without breaking a bone)  a lot earlier so I could have worked on it before the need for Prolia. Four days after the first injection and no side effects....fingers toes and everything else crossed that it stays like this. If you don’t hear me winging in the future you know it’s all good 💪

Your not boring just because you don’t drink or smoke. I too wish I had known before I fractured, but it seems to be quite common for there to be no indication until a fracture is investigated. Prednisone appears to be a drug that can cause OP but it seems to reverse when you stop taking it. I don’t even have the hereditary factor. Perhaps my bone turnover is just a little faster on the breakdown and a little less efficent in the making of new bone. When we start new meds and read all the side effects, it is easy to imagine we have are experincing everything on the list. I hope everything goes well for you.

The meds have made a huge difference to my scores. I started at -3.5 and -3.4 and in 2 years my scan improved to -2.9 and -2.4. I also take calcium D3 and K2. I have always exercised and my diet hasn't changed so I put my improvements down to the combination of supplements and Risedronate. No side effects and no dental issues either but, if possible I would like to stop taking the drugs after 3 years. Keep up the good work.

 Risedronate is for male osteoporosis. But like all the rest, if you have acid reflux, it’s not a good idea to take it; besides being female. That’s the case with all these medications for osteoporosis. I have had acid reflux for years.  Anyone know if a medication for osteoporosis that doesn’t inflame acid reflux?

I think risedronate can be used in women who are past menopause.  Certainly I hear about this drug as an alternative if AA doesn't work out.  None of the OP drugs should be taken for years on end, as they used to be before we knew better. 

It was good to read your experience, Alison. Whether through my own ignorance, or lack of understanding of the Alendronate 70 effects, I was led to believe that the medication would stop calcium leaching from my bones, therefore the T score wouldn't worsen. I should have done more research. Since I have taken very little calcium D3 that can't have had much influence over the improvement. Whatever the reasons I am a tennis 'nut' and don't need much encouragement to continue to play at every opportunity. What is heartening is that, at 75, I'm still very active. May it long continue and for you, too. 

I can assure you linda, I am certainly all female and risedronate has worked well for me.

 

This is true to an extent njs. It stops the bone from breaking down so quickly, which is a natural process, but perhaps some of us naturally have bone that breaks down a bit too quickly. I build muscle very quickly but my husband doesn’t. And, he's the one with the testosterone.!!! So we are all different. I am 63 and I exercise daily, because I enjoy it, always have. Even after I fractured my lumbar vertebrae, I went back to running after 2 weeks. It was agony, but I kept telling myself it would improve. After diagnosis, I went to a good physio and got the exercises to help me straighten up while I healed. But, even then, I was to do the exercises 3 times a day so I did 5 sessions. Some people find it difficuilt because they find it boring but if you find something you enjoy, its not boring. So, keep up with your tennis

I believe you. I just wish I didn’t have acid reflux which causes problems with each one of the medications out there.  I just bought vitamin K and magnesium to hmgo with my D3 and calcium.  I’m hoping that with those items we see a difference. I’ve already had 2 stress fractures in my feet from exercising. Walking (twisted my foot) and the small exercise trampoline.   I care not to have any more stress or full blown fractures. 

I will be discussing my new diagnosis with my doctor soon and debating the merits, or otherwise, of another 5 years on Aldronate 70. That's the recommendation of the clinic that did the scan. There are so many conflicting opinions and a few studies, none of which are conclusive. Thank you for your comments, Alison. 

There are other OP meds you can take if you suffer from acid reflux. Strontium Renelate is taken orally, disolved in water, some of the Bisphosphonates can be give as an injection and Parathyroid hormone has also been shown to regulate the intake of calcium into bone. There are other meds, so speak to your practicioner and discuss your options, you fears and your medical problems. Best wishes

Isn't ranelate being discontinued?  Strontium citrate suggested by some as a suitable subsititute, and being a natural version of strontium probably healthier in the long run anyway?  Not that I plan to find out!

I don’t know where linda is but where I am, it is still in use. I was merely pointing out that she has options and should speak with her medical team. I feel your final comment is unhelpful to people,  who are trying to find their way, in what is for most of us, a very difficuilt decision.

I’m sorry, I’m still here and read your post and really appreciate your feedback and assistance with other medications. That is EXACTLY what I was hoping for. To have someone help with other options!  

My acid reflux and stomach pain is really bad and adding anything new into the mix just makes it 10 times worse. 

I’ll check with my doctor and let you know how it went.

Thank you. 

Have you no sense of humour.

There is no need to apoligise linda. We are all on diffferent time zones. I share my experiences here, in the hope that I can give a balanced view of treatments available and lifestyle choices. I also hope to lean from others. Let me know how it goes, whatever you decide to do, you have my support.