Osteoporosis

[DImpala]

I'm new to the site. I have osteoporosis and am looking for tips and advice on medications, diet, exercise. Diagnosed two years ago. Had another scan and bone density is worse. I chose not to take meds two years ago. I'm afraid my doctor may want me to take medication. Not sure yet as I haven't seen my doctor yet after this latest scan. The side effects listed scare me.

[elery]

Could you share what your t-scores are, and whether you tried any lifestyle changes (supplementation, exercise, diet) during the past two years?

[DImpala in reply to elery]

spine is -3.4 and hips -2.9. I was not eating dairy or gluten because of inflammation. I have SJorgren's as well. I am now going to start dairy. I also need to gain weight. I was on a medication for a couple years that I am now not taking anymore. After research I found out that it reduces bone density. It was an anxiety medication, not anymore. I started exercising two years ago and am going to a trainer twice month. That's all I can afford. I walk daily and do some other weight lifting and weight bearing exercises. Any thoughts on the anxiety medication causing bone loss. My mother had osteoporosis and my older sister also has it. What is a good calcium supplement?

[yogalibrarian in reply to DImpala]

What country are you in -- and what geographic area. There are many great (low cost) exercise programs available. Exercises with others who have similar medical issues can create a great support group.

[sweetsusie]

Good for you for researching the awful side effects that these bone meds. cause. My doctor wanted me to be on them, too, but I said no way! I'll take my chances without any of these crazy meds. I am on HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) and that will help build bones. You'll get a lot of good advice on this site!! The people on here are awful and know much more about this stuff than I do...

[Mark_ABH]

Hi Dimpala, thank you for joining us. You should weigh the chances of side effects, which are something like 1-in-100 or 1-in-1,000 and in some cases are associated with chemotherapy doses as opposed to what you'd be taking, against the chances of a fracture, which are basically a coin flip. In addition to medication, there are many steps you can take that might slow the decline of your bone quality. Please take a look at the American Bone Health website for details on nutrition, physical activity and other factors. americanbonehealth.org/

Also, keep in mind that this forum is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and your doctor knows more about your specific case than strangers do.

[DImpala in reply to Mark_ABH]

Thank you. Wondering what is a good calcium supplement to take. there are so many.

[HeronNS in reply to DImpala]

More important perhaps than the calcium is what else you take. Vitamin K2 (not K1) and, of course Vitamin D3. There are other things too, like magnesium, but they are easier to get through diet than D and K2. Have a look at this: healthline.com/nutrition/vi...

[HeronNS in reply to DImpala]

Some kinds of calcium may agree with you better than others. A lot of people find calcium citrate easier on the stomach than carbonate. I always take calcium with a meal, or at least a snack, and I've read, but can't find the reference, that a little yoghurt with a calcium supplement helps the body to absorb the calcium better. I prefer a capsule to a solid tablet, but that's just me.

[Mark_ABH in reply to DImpala]

There was another post on this topic a week or two ago. We shared some guidelines for selecting a calcium supplement ... healthunlocked.com/american...