Wellness

[granddi]

Don't you all think that our docs are obligated to recommend and chart these recommendations. What I would like is a frank discussion of the pros and cons. I understand having to CYA. I wish more docs would say here are some treatment options that may or may not work for you (nutrition, supplements, lifestyle, exercise)

I was first diagnosed with osteopenia at about age 62ish? I was Rxed Fosamax but d/c after about 6 months. I consulted a private pay endocrinologist. I began bioidentical hormones (like for menopause). After 2 years my bone density had improved. I told by primary doc that I had not been taking Fosamax she didn't even let me finish. She literally threw up her hands and said Whatever! and left the room. 

Since then I have faithfully New Chapter bone supplements, weight bearing exercises. One hip is now nearing osteoporosis. 

@Witchy Woman Like you, I feel like I have done all the right things. I have added Silicon @SilleeMee 

I am dealing with my blood level of D being 2X normal. Primary care says: just stop your supplements. 

[Witchy Woman]

@granddi 

How frustrating is all of this? Makes you want to scream.

By way of information, I took bioidentical hormones for MANY years.  This was back when they were made at a compounding pharmacy and later, I wore a patch. 

I started menopause at 50 and the hormones really made a huge difference.  Fast forward a few years and I had a complete hysterectomy that removed a cancerous tumor so they went back and took the lymph nodes. 

Dr. told me to discontinue all hormones at that point because of increased cancer risk.  I think that was the beginning of the end for me.

I'm honestly wondering if the lack of hormones does more harm than taking them.  If I could find a decent doctor that would prescribe them, I might reconsider taking.

However, at 72, I'm sure they would go into orbit if I made such a request.  

[Another new name Sue]

One other thought...

For me, Medicare and my secondary completely cover the shot.  If you are close to Medicare age, you might check into the coverage you will have and if it's not too long, wait until then if the coverage is good.  Maybe you are young and a long way to Medicare. 

[Catch71]

@granddi 

I had to reply because that is the question I asked my doctor and she said yes, my Mother is on it. I have had 9 treatments of Prolia, one more to go!  I have had no side effects. My osteoporosis went to osteopenia so it didn't help that much, however, it did not get worse. 

[Witchy Woman]

@Icegoddess 

After a month of Fosamx, I could hardly move.  Stopped taking it and complained that my joints hurt too bad.  Dr. just looked at me like I wasn't there.

I'm taking the pure silica and taking medication for thyroid.

Not sure what I'll end up doing, but I know I am discouraged at this moment.

[NickNack]

I believe this is my sixth year on Prolia.  I tried Foxamax first and had horrible joint pain.  I haven't had any side effects with Prolia.

It did reverse my osteoporosis, and I'm glad I'm taking it.

[Icegoddess]

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@Witchy Woman wrote:

@Icegoddess 

After a month of Fosamx, I could hardly move.  Stopped taking it and complained that my joints hurt too bad.  Dr. just looked at me like I wasn't there.

I'm taking the pure silica and taking medication for thyroid.

Not sure what I'll end up doing, but I know I am discouraged at this moment.

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@Witchy Woman to be clear, there shouldn't be any problems with taking the pure silica even with thyroid problems.  That's why I switched to it.  Good luck!

[Witchy Woman]

@Another new name Sue 

I'm 72 and will be 73 in October....so not young  

After a lifetime of taking care of myself, this is the thanks I get!

Just putting it all on hold for now makes me feel better.  I was getting so stressed out from everything.  

The injections run $1500 + and my insurance was going to cover about half.  And, while I could afford it, I just found myself feeling aggravated at the whole system.

Sounds like you've had more than your share of issues, so I admire your perseverance.

[Witchy Woman]

@Another new name Sue 

Don't have Medicare D, but I do have very good health insurance from my years as a Federal employee.

However, even that only covers 1/2 so my cost was $750 per shot!

[hckynutjohn]

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@Witchy Woman wrote:

@FancyPhillyshopper 

For now, I'm just putting any medication on hold.

Yes, I eat nuts, take Vit. D, Calcium, and many other things that compose a healthy diet.

That's what is so vexing!  You do everything right and still have problems 

@Witchy Woman 

While my problem is different, I could say pretty much the same things you have said in your posts. That is in regards to how you have lived much of your life:

"doing everything right and still have problems".

Part of the reasons I chose to change my lifestyle was similar to yours. I wanted to lessen the chances of being unable to live my type of life. Doing so, had my body able to live through those specific health issues, I probably would not have otherwise.

I was well aware of what the health issues were for almost everyone on my maternal side of my family. Knowing this had me living the lifestyle I chose to help lessen the chances of me suffering from those same issues.

For me it was pretty much all my genetic predispositions to Cardiovascular Disease. I was much older before it became part of my life, and my lifestyle allowed me to live through them, and still be able to live my type of life, for several more decades.

I didn't/don't find it to be "vexing". Kind of disappointing, but not surprisingly so. 

Hopefully you find something that will help you with whatever issues you are going through. My best to you,

hckynut 🇺🇸

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