Newbie

[Twistandshout]

Just been diagnosed with OP -2.9 in hip and -1.9 in spine. Dr wants me on bisulphate. I do not want any drugs after reading side effects. What can I do does alternative meds work. Am I being over cautious. Dr. Won’t listen

[Kaarina]

Hi Twistandshout

You should get your Vitamin D levels checked via a blood test. If you have enough calcium in your diet which you can discuss with your doctor, (although you say he will not listen) then you do not need to take calcium via a supplement. I take magnesium, K2, cod liver oil, boron capsules, Vitamin D (prescribed by my doctor) and drink kefir. I exercise and walk daily. I try to eat sensibly. I cannot say whether alternatives work as we are all different with various reasons of being diagnosed with OP. For instance, if we fractured initially and had a DEXA, loss of height, taking medications long term that can cause OP etc ......

[Twistandshout in reply to Kaarina]

I exercise regularly and take vitamin d prescribed by dr. It was very low although I m always in the sun. Do not want to take medication as side effects scare me.

[Kaarina in reply to Twistandshout]

We should have our vitamin D levels tested twice a year as we do not store Vitamin D. I do not go in the sun much as it no longer appears to like me. I begin to feel unwell. I used to be out it the sun all the time years ago. Probably too much. I eat a lot of sardines and do have a good Vitamin D level all year so I must be doing something right.

[Twistandshout in reply to Kaarina]

Just been out on two 800 vit d tabs for 3 months. I love the sun but do not appear to absorb it

[lolly64]

Hi twistandshout I'm no expert on readings but I think mine are worse than yours, I have been on alendronic acid since April yes your right there is a lot of bad press on the meds I understand the injections are worse than tablets, all I can say is its personal choice I also don't like taking the meds but the alternative is scarey too soo I'm taking them and hoping for the best I also understand the tablet form stay in your system for some years after you stop taking them so continue to protect your bones I take calcium from sainsbury as I couldn't tolerate calciferol and fultium D3 on prescription, I did have a reaction first few weeks but fine after that, can only give you my experience good luck with your decision!!!

[Twistandshout in reply to lolly64]

Thank you will consider but still undecided. Have lots of dental work to be done and told the this may be a problem. Will see dentist first

[lolly64 in reply to Twistandshout]

Hi as you mention your dental work I would mention that last year fillings started breaking I'd break a bit off a tooth have never had teeth trouble since I was young and it was only when I had a routine blood test it came back very low calcium soo this all happened before going on meds, I spoke to my dentist who is excellent and he took xray all is good just fillings been in years I'm almost 65 he said its only if you need a tooth out or surgery there's a very tiny risk if oral hygiene isn't good a person could have a problem but in all my years of practice I've never come across it in all the patients I've seen, so definitely get any work done and good luck whatever you decide the trouble with forums is you only hear of the problems which is natural that was why I joined myself 😊

[Hidden]

I presume those are T scores (comparing you to a 30 year old), rather than Z scores. If so I think you are right to go for lifestyle options. Look up good exercises (simple things like raising on toes and dropping down in heels, and hopping) which increase bone density, take vit d supplements (I use an oil, current recommendations is everyone in Uk should take in winter), eat prunes if you can (6 a day-astronauts eat them to help with their bone loss caused by no gravity in space) and make sure your posture and lifting actions are good.

My spinal t score is -3.6. I tried alendronic acid but got severe depression on it, plus ulcers. As my scores are so low I am now trying HRT. I have coeliac disease and a fragility fracture of the wrist so drs keen I should take meds. I wouldn’t take anything for a year after stopping AA. If you don’t want to take meds you don’t have to but drs will be happier if you have built yourself good lifestyle programme to reduce risks.

Also check your z score. That compares you to people your own age (I’m still in worst 1% on that). It give you a better sense of how your bones are doing.

[Twistandshout in reply to Hidden]

Thank you have checked z scores seem low but will investigate further. Will try walking for longer but just getting over sprained ankle it didn’t break but quite a fall downstairs Also will try weight bearing. I am eating prunes and also sunflower seeds. Hope it all works

[Hidden in reply to Twistandshout]

Gently does it -you are looking to keeping yourself well for decades

[1965Katy]

I too did not want to take AA. I am on HRT and I take vitamin D, Vitamin K2, boron, omega 3 and magnesium. I eat plenty of natural yogurt and try to have a have a healthy diet. My t scores on last Dexa scan were both -2.9. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis when I was 40 as a result of anorexia. I am now 52. I also take plenty of exercise.

[sweetsusie in reply to 1965Katy]

That was my choice, too, 1965Katy...HRT..I would not take those bone meds.

[Twistandshout in reply to 1965Katy]

Can’t take hrt unfortunately had breast cancer. Am now eating 6 prunes a day and sunflower seeds. Take vit d magnesium turmeric and primrose oil taking calcium prescribed by doc. But not sure on this one. Why K2

[sweetsusie]

Good for you..I would never take those bones meds....