Non drug help needed please

[ridethetrail]

I am 81 and have osteoporosis. My endocrinologist recommends Evinity once/ month for 12months followed by Reclast for two years. She says I can then stop all drug treatment. I prefer not to use drugs but my doctor won’t offer any other treatment. I prefer weight bearing exercises but cannot find any trainer familiar with osteoporosis. Online programs do not work for me. I need to get out of the house for treatment. Any suggestions? I have fallen twice and have three compressed vertebrae and a fractured femur. I am doing well after physical therapy.

[MYFLOWERS]

Hello -

I asked my rheumatologist to prescribe physical therapy sessions for my osteoporosis. With that script in hand, I went to a nearby Rehab (-Trinity Rehab / NJ) and received twice weekly exercises in strenght training, weight bearing, and balance. The results were good - even without the medications. Perhaps one of your doctors can give you a script. Any good rehab center should have physical therapist that are familiar with these type of exercises.

Recently I heard about the AlgaeCal calcium supplements - you may want to check them out.

Wishing you all the best !

[Pvane in reply to MYFLOWERS]

I have had excellent response to weight bearing exercise (after about 1 year). I refuse to take the medications and started weight bearing exercise classes about a year ago. My recent DEXA scan shows improvement and the only thing I added is the weight bearing exercise program.

I have osteoporosis and the thing about exercise is that it has to be consistent and the instructor should be aware and knowledgeable about osteoporosis. The exercise program that I am a member of is A.I.M. Fitness online.

Here is the link: activitiesinmotion.ca/

You can schedule a free consultation with the owner Meg Stickl. Here is the link to her calendar: calendly.com/aimfit

[ridethetrail in reply to Pvane]

Pvane,

I so appreciate your response regarding exercise as an option to build bone density. I am checking out Meg Stickl and A.I.M. Fitness. I realize it takes time and commitment to see results but that is true for any treatment for osteoporosis. I’m ready and willing to try the natural approach first if I can find the right support. Thanks so much for your informative response. I’m wishing you all the best in your continued improvement! THANK YOU!

[Pvane in reply to ridethetrail]

Hello I hope you do follow up with Meg. She is a wonderful person with true expertise in working with seniors and osteoporosis. And that is difficult to find! Please stay in touch and let me know how this works for you! It has been a life changer for me.

[ridethetrail in reply to MYFLOWERS]

Hello, My Flowers!

Thank you so much for your kind reply! I visited the local OsteoStrong facility and left unimpressed - my endocrinologist later remarked that it was “garbage” as it lacks credible scientific research -OsteoStrong seemed primarily interested in adding my credit card to their account

i now have a list of rheumatologists I will start contacting tomorrow hoping to find one who will support drug free therapy. It’s been a lonely struggle. I so much appreciate your encouraging words, really, as I was becoming quite depressed. THANK YOU! I have read about AlgaeCal and I will check that out. You are the sunshine in my day.

[MYFLOWERS in reply to ridethetrail]

Good afternoon,

Thanks for sharing your experience. I went to a REAL Rehab facility - ( Trinity Rehab is the one I chose) where people go after they have surgery, etc. I told them about my osteopeorosis and they designed various exercises for strength building, balance well as weight bearing exercises. We started slow and then increased the intensity and length and difficulty of each exercise. The results were very good, thank G-D. They gave me homework to do at home, which I try to do, but don't always get to. I also go walking ( when it's not too hot...) while carrying weights in my hands. You can purchase weights at Walmart etc. - start with 2 lb in each hand and then gradually work up. I suggest you find a Rehab facility in your area, that helps people after surgery etc. Call them to find out if they have experience working with people who have osteoporosis. Maybe your local hospital has a rehab divison. It's a good idea to read the patient reports for the facility. Please be aware that many medical doctors would rather you take medication and therefore they are not so fond of the natural exercise method. But, please persevere and I hope you will find the right doctor who is willing to go with you and give it a chance. Best wishe and much success !

[ridethetrail in reply to MYFLOWERS]

Good news! I found a local hospital that has an osteoporosis program with a rehab facility for patients who have had surgery to correct broken bones- am waiting on physician referral. Thanks so much! I am optimistic this plan will be just what I need.

[PoohBear72]

So sorry for what you are going through. It is so difficult getting trusted information, finding an endocrinologist, and figuring out what the best, safest path is. All I can say is that I just completed a year of Evenity with no side effects and am tranitioning to Reclast next month. My Dexa scan tomorrow will show what I hope are positive results of Evenity. For background, I am 72 and had an overall risk fracture of 20+%. I also suffered a sacral frafture of insufficiency last year and a bone builder was the route we chose. I certainly do continue to do my balance and weight bearing exercises and maintain Ccakcium and D levesls. Again, just my experience, not advice of any kind. All the best to you.

[ridethetrail in reply to PoohBear72]

Thank you PoohBear72!

I am so happy to hear you had good results with Evinity and I would be interested in knowing the results of your Dexa scan. Thank you for taking the time and interest in providing this information. I really appreciate hearing positive results from those who have “been there and done that.” THANK YOU!

[PoohBear72 in reply to ridethetrail]

Of course. I should have the results last week and will share them with you. It can, as you said, be a "lonely struggle". I definitely have felt that. I also found that once the plan came together, I regained some calm and eventually confidence. Can I ask where you are? What state? Again, my best to you!

[PoohBear72 in reply to ridethetrail]

Hi there. I'm back. Thought I would share my results with you. I had an increase of spinal bone density of 8%, a significant change. I will be transitioning to Reclast in September and hope to maintain gain; obviously I will continue with weight bearing exercises and walking. I look forward to anything you care to post and share with us.

Peace and serenity.

[ridethetrail in reply to PoohBear72]

Pooh bear72

What good news! So nice to hear that great report! I have found a local hospital that has an osteoporosis program along with a rehab facility. I will change from endocrinologist to rheumatologist care and start in rehab with physical therapists certified for increasing strength and building muscle. I am quite optimistic now that I will have guidance more suited to my needs. THANK YOU so much for your help! I really appreciate it!

[HeronNS]

Have a look at my story for some ideas.

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

Further to the account, I was able to go to an osteoporosis workshop for at-risk patients at my local hospital. Is there anything like that available near you? The most useful of the four sections was the one by the physiotherapist. She taught us how we could bend our knees without straining them, and avoiding bending our back to do such things as, for example, feeding a pet, or picking something off the floor. We are advised not to twist our spine when lifting, etc, but to save any twisting for exercises when lying on the floor! There should be exercises which would work for you through such reputable sites a Mayo, Healthline, or perhaps your local department of public health. Focus should be on strengthening supporting muscles to protect the skeleton and developing and maintaining a good sense of balance. 🍀

Also this:

osteoporosis.ca/medical-con...

[montieth]

I went to my local ymca and asked to meet with a trainer that specializes in older adults. She showed me how to do some leg lifts with ankle weights that help build up the hips. My hips are the area of the bone that are the worst with osteoporosis. So far, no injuries. Also she advised against wearing the back weighted vest because it can cause injuries to the back. If you can't pay for physical therapy, a local fitness center may have knowledgeable people who can help you.