osteo newly diagnosed

[EJgirl]

Hi , I am a retired RN newly diagnosed with osteoporosis and really don’t want to take medication. Would like to know if anyone is trying or been doing natural supplements and diet and exercise. I am in the Atlanta , north Georgia area.

[Nusch]

I was diagnosed with osteoporosis a few years ago. Didn’t want to take prolia or other medication. I intensified my exercising, added weight lifting, switched to plant based diet plus fish and take calcium and vitamin D. Next DEXA scan in 2025, let’s see what it will bring. I’ve had falls from time to time while running, but never in my life broke a bone. So I hope for the best.

[Changes3]

I am in the same boat. My worst score on dexa is -2.7 as I recall. I had a repeat dexa a year and a half after the first with no significant change in bone density though I am told no worsening is a victory at my age of 63. At the time my doctor wanted me on Prolia but supported my decision of lifting weights/gaining weight and not taking prescription meds as long as there was no worsening of bone density. I go to gym 4-5 days a week to lift and one day a week do deadlifts, squats, lunges and good mornings on the squat rack. I slowly worked up to 65 pounds on all those and plan to slowly go higher. No fractures that I am aware of and I feel great and have no significant pain. My doctor recently sent me to an endocrinologist who said she would support my plan only if I agreed to work with a personal trainer as I increased weights further so I just started doing that. I also gained 10 pounds in the past year or two on purpose and I am enjoying eating more than I allowed myself to most of my adult life. My BMI used to be 19 and is now 20-21 range. I take calcium, D3, K, Mg etc. We are repeating my dexa bone scan in July. It is a delicate balance between not lifting too high a weight to avoid fracture yet not lifting too little to avoid not building bone. I raise the weights very slowly and it may have taken me close to 2 years to work up to my current lifting weight. I am very much aware there are risks to my choice yet feel I am competent to take on such a highly complex decision and deal with the consequences which I hope are in my favor. Next dexa is July 2025.

[Changes3 in reply to Changes3]

Ok I just looked at my dexa, my worst score is in L3 at -2.8 July 2024 which is unchanged from the score about a year and a half or so prior to that.

[EJgirl in reply to Changes3]

Great job, my worse dexa score was -2.8 on the R femoral neck. I think I will look for an endocrinologist who will work with me to avoid meds. Let me know how your dexa is in July. Good luck to you!

[gerrirose]

hi EJ

Retired RN here as well. Diagnosed years ago. Had 3 vertebral fractures 1 1/2 years ago. Healed up well eventually without osteo meds. Walk daily and do strength training twice a week. Doing well.

[Scaredsilly101]

I discovered Algaecal and after 10 months I had my Dexa and remained stable and slight increase in bone density. I do weights and bands, climb stairs, walk every day and eat a bone healthy diet. Will never take the meds as they cause more harm than help.

[Brittlebone]

After scoring -2.8 on my femoral neck, I allowed myself to be persuaded to use Alendronate sodium 70 msg. As a side effect, I developed severe muscle and joint pain. There are researchers who feel that these drugs do little to prevent certain types of fractures. The majority of individuals who experience hip fractures do not have osteoporosis. Right now, I am choosing to focus on good nutrition, exercise, and balance.

[SwimLMich]

I was diagnosed about four years ago at age 70. Can’t remember what my dexa scans read but not super severe.

My GP recommended that I take medication but I declined. I’ve always exercised (swimming, yoga/stretching, walking) but I added to that, more balance poses and weights (up to 8 lb hand barbells and 5 lb ankle weights) which I use about 3 times a week for about 20 minutes.

I’m “small boned” about 5 ft. 3 in. 115 lbs, about 80% vegan and work hard to make sure the variety of food is helpful to bones. I take a multi, vitamin B daily and a few calcium pills every week. Oh yes, and I did badly crack a bone in foot about 5 years ago before scan. First in my life.

So far, so good. And to be honest, I probably won’t get another scan or at least wait another 2-3 years.

[StThomas]

I'm also a retired RN. 2002 started my osteopenia, osteoporosis started about 2007 and got severe. I chose weight training, Vitamin D and Ca++ as only treatment until 2021 when I agreed to Reclast IV annually for three years.

My bone density after two doses of Reclast was 12% improved in spine, 6% improved in R hip and no change in L hip.

I took the 3rd dose of Reclast due to these positive results. I have had no known side effects.

Writte