Safest osteoporosis drug

[Jeaniem130]

Which is safest with the least side effects? I have mild osteoporosis -2.6 of spine but annular tear, disc bulging and spondylolthesis and a few other degenerative issues in spine. I am unconvinced that all of these spine issues are not connected in some way. I am 60 in good health. I have always exercised and take d3/k2. My Dr said parathyroid could be tested but only if a trial of a bone drug did not help my numbers. I am not asking to debate whether my scores warrant treatment. I have debated this in my head for weeks now and just can't seem to convince myself to do not try a drug.

[Fruitandnutcase]

I hate to criticise your doctor but really your parathyroid (amongst other things) should be tested to check for secondary causes of osteoporosis before you start on osteoporosis drugs.

Mine was - it was one of the many blood tests I had even though I obviously had osteoporosis, so I think you need to tell him that. It takes quite a while before you see results of medicines taken for osteoporosis - is he planning on waiting for a few years before he tests your parathyroid ?

arupconsult.com/content/ost...

[Jeaniem130 in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

I have been on thyroid meds since 2011. She said my D and calcium levels were good. I believe she said to try the drug for 2 years have a dexa scan and if no improvement then test the parathyroid.

[HeronNS in reply to Jeaniem130]

The parathyroid glands have nothing to do with the thyroid itself. They are called that only because of their position in the body. Bone drugs and supplements will not help you if you have a parathyroid malfunction. Please, before you start any bone med, even a simple bisphosphonate, insist that you are tested for "secondary causes of osteoporosis". Good information is available on the internet, including the national osteoporosis sites of Canada and the US.

[HeronNS in reply to Jeaniem130]

Additionally, even though you've decided to take a drug, it's still a good idea to do all the so-called natural things as well. Google 'healthunlocked my osteoporosis journey' (don't bother with HU search function). This will give you some ideas and please know that I'm not alone in finding this a successful approach.

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to Jeaniem130]

Sorry I meant osteoporosis drugs.

[HeronNS in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Do you mean osteoporosis drugs, not thyroid?

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to HeronNS]

Doh! Of course I did, thanks. I’ve corrected it.

[Vaslim]

My endocrinologist did all the tests before I was even prescribed any medication (Tymlos). The tests revealed only that my D3 was a little low, even though I take 5,000 mg D3 daily. So she increased my D3 to 10,000 three days week and 5,000 the other days. I also take K2 and magnesium. A good doc will always perform tests before issuing a prescription for any medication.

[Jeaniem130]

If I can pay out of pocket for my own labs what tests would I order? If I find my own Dr what kind of speciality am I looking for? I have a bilateral crack on L5 that is being treated with steroid injections and has caused a vertbra to slip not sure if that complicates things?

[Kitchenbuddy]

Hi there, being diagnosed with osteoporosis is so scary. I am 65 and have a -3.5 on the Dexa, scan. I feel my bones are strong and taking supplements and try to exercise, but not getting too far with that due to so much back pain. I still am refusing medication as I for myself am just not convinced that is the right way. I probably will never improve my bone health at this stage, but I will stay proactive in my care. Its a personal decision to take meds or not. Do what you are comfortable with. We have different situations. Just do your research and really think about it. The meds may work well for you. Best of luck.

[Jeaniem130 in reply to Kitchenbuddy]

Thank you for your response. I understand what you mean about the exercise. Not so long ago I was able to do whatever exercise I wanted. Now just babysitting my grandkids for a few hours can cause severe back pain. I will be seeing a PT soon to evaluate what I can do safely. I just started epidural steroid injections, hopefully they will help.