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Super Contributor
Posts: 261
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Is anyone else living with this? Are you "walking on eggs" for fear of falling/fracturing?

Have you changed your activity level, diet, or vitamins? Are you feeling ok?

 

I was recently diagnosed with osteoporosis after joking with my new doctor about shrinking in height! She had me go get bloodwork done, and a DEXA scan to see the state of my bones. I was floored with her diagnosis, and more angry that no doctor in all my long years ever told me to take Vit D or Calcium following my hysterectomy at 40yrs.Now my bones are evidently fragile enough that my doctor "is worried" and is currently working on convincing my insurance company to allow me to have Reclast IV's done annually to help prevent fractures. Anyone have a similar eperience?

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,322
Registered: ‎02-22-2015

My first treatment was Bonevia for several years following a DEXA which was cause for alarm. After changing Rheumatologists, I went off the Bonevia for two years. My next DEXA was scheduled for February 2019.

 

However, a woman ran a stop sign in December 2018; totaled both vehicles and left me with three fractures to my back. Two of the fractures are healing; the third is not. I'm still in a back brace! My Ortho. Surgeon, Rheumatologist and PCP suggested Prolia infusions (every six months for the next two years until my next DEXA). From everything I've read and my specialists have indicated it is "the newest amazing drug available for bone loss".  

 

I researched the Prolia and decided to go for it. Last week I had my DEXA, lab work and my first Prolia infusion. No side effects following the injection.

 

Check with your physician about Prolia. I'm convinced it is going to do the job after talking with several women on this forum who have used it with successful results. Best wishes.  

Money screams; wealth whispers.
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,322
Registered: ‎02-22-2015

Folic Acid is also prescribed by my PCP for my bones in addition to Vitamin B, C, D and Calcium. Walking daily is so important for strength! I also swim and once my back is healed, hope to return to ballet lessens. 

Money screams; wealth whispers.
Honored Contributor
Posts: 16,837
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

I have osteoporosis and am getting Prolia infusions every six months.  My Dexa scan had improved when I had it done two years ago.  I'm due for another Dexa scan soon.  I've been pleased with Prolia and have had no side effects. 


The Bluebird Carries The Sky On His Back"
-Henry David Thoreau





Honored Contributor
Posts: 19,658
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Another vote for Prolia here!

 

I used it for 3 years and there was much improvement, so I'm still using it.

 

I was also told to take Vitamin D and do.

 

Other than that I do try to pay attention when I'm walking to avoid a fall, careful on ladders, etc.

 

No side effects from the Prolia for me either.

You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,213
Registered: ‎03-30-2014

Re: Osteoporosis

[ Edited ]

Yes indeed my diagnosis came late and bad.  I did that test the doctors use and came back at about 40%.  He wouldn’t say.  It started with a little crack in my neck.

 

It is going to be a while to see results.  Keep up with what the doctors recommends.

 

Super Contributor
Posts: 278
Registered: ‎05-03-2016

I understand how you feel. My mom and grandma both had hip fractures and osteoporosis. I asked mt MD for a bone scan at the time - I was 47. He laughed but ordered it. He wasn’t laughing when he called me with the results of osteoporosis. I took fosomax for 11 years with no side effects and much improvement. Then, he took me off because of concerns about the long term affects. I was good for about 6 years. I now went on Prolia- have had 2 injections . I hope to see improvements. Again, no Sid effects. I take Calcium, Vitamin D3 and Magnesium. I try to walk for exercise and go about with life. Good luck!

Honored Contributor
Posts: 35,603
Registered: ‎05-22-2016

When I was diagnosed with osteopo my Dexa number was below -2.5. I was given one IV (yearly) dose of Rx Zometa and was to follow up with another infusion the following year. But that did not happen because I had a severe reaction to the Zometa which, in fact, did raise my scan number but that still only put me in the osteopenia category. 

 

So I was put on a regiment of high doses vit D and calcium, followed by another bone scan within a year after that. My number was rising but not good enough and it was suggested by my doc to start doing weight-bearing exercises. I did and that helped quite a bit but my scan number was still low, but barely in the normal range.

 

That all happened several years ago. Today, and for the past few years, I have been taking a silica (silicon, not silicone) supplement which by all accounts that I can see has brought my bone density into a healthy normal range. The vit D, calcium and silica has worked for me. Just last year my Dexa scan was normal.

 

From the NIH:

"SILICON AND BONE HEALTH"

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2658806/

Honored Contributor
Posts: 12,315
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

@foggy! , yes I have osteoporosis and take boniva.  My insurance would not cover any of the injection type meds.

 

Your doctor should be able to tell you the percentage of having a fracture....the numbers (I think) come from the results of your dexa scan.  I am not walking on egg shells but I dont' do anything that I think might do harm...but accidents do happen.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 14,869
Registered: ‎09-08-2010

Isn't it heriditary too? My mom and other family members had it. I do know it's very common and have known several ladies that fell and broke bones. No doctor ever told me to get a dexa scan either until I went to an ob-gyn for a problem a primary care doctor couldn't seem to solve.