FORTEO yes or no?

[EmmaLaura]

My mds feel I am a strong candidate for FORTEO. Please share your experiences with me on this bone building injection

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Emma, my elderly aunt's consultant applied for, and received, permission to prescribe Forteo for her a few years ago. She had the treatment for 2 years and it proved very successful, improving her bone density to such an extent that she didn't need any further ongoing medication for her bones.

[HeronNS]

Although many, myself included, are able to improve bone density without medication, there is a strong case for using medication in serious situations. Ideally you will find as Celtic's relative did that minimal intervention will help. That way you reduce chance of counterproductive side effects. Whatever you decide make sure to also do what you can to help your bones through nutrition, including supplements, and appropriate exercise. All the best.

[Sandy1947 in reply to HeronNS]

Please review for me and the others how you improved bone density without drugs. Thanks.

[HeronNS in reply to Sandy1947]

Very simple, the usual supplements, including Vitamin K2, a diet low in carbs and sweets, I'm a vegetarian, and weight-bearing exercise, walking, Nordic walking, long standing yoga and physio exercises, wearing a weighted walking vest.

[Sandy1947 in reply to HeronNS]

I was thinking about a weighted vest. What are physio exercises? Haven't heard of that!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Sandy1947]

Physical therapy

[HeronNS in reply to Sandy1947]

Over the years I've gone to physiotherapy for one issue or another, and some time ago I got exercises for my arthritic back and neck and continue to do them nearly every day. Currently I am being treated by a magic physiotherapist whose techniques among other things actually rid me of serious hip pain.

[HeronNS in reply to Sandy1947]

The weighted vest I got is called Hypervest. The advantage is you can add small ingots only a couple of ounces each and build up the weight slowly and safely. It fits snugly so is much more comfortable than lugging around a backpack for example. I had to have it shipped to me from Texas but it was well worth it. No Canadian distributor. Don't know about UK or Europe.

[Sandy1947 in reply to HeronNS]

How many miles do you walk with the vest? I enjoy Zumba for cardio. When I'm in NY (most weekends) I walk 5 miles in total per day and don't even realize I've logged all that mileage. A few of my Mondays were a bit miserable. I pay to play! Pacing is still a bit tricky when there's so much stimulation.

The thought of dragging the vest around sounds less than exciting!

[HeronNS in reply to Sandy1947]

The vest is very comfortable and it works because every once in a while you add more weight which stimulates osteoblasts to make more bone. I wear it more in the winter when it's hidden under my coat, or just around the house.

[Sandy1947 in reply to HeronNS]

Winter makes sense. I like "osteoblasts "! Good idea to wear around the house. I can see wearing it on the weekends or just walking my dog.

I already found it online. You give great suggestions. Keep them coming!

[HeronNS in reply to Sandy1947]

I actually feel like the vest is giving me a hug when I put it on. However it is extra weight so if you do get one, don't do as I did once and go for a long walk wearing it. Like everything else, easy does it! A few hours at a time puttering around the house, a short walk, etc. Get used to your initial weight, then add a couple of ingots and so on. I think it's the constant challenging of the bones which is what works, not the total you are carrying, so in fact a very slow increase is probably most effective.

[Sandy1947 in reply to HeronNS]

Thanks coach! On my way too Tai Chi Quigong, then short training session to increase lower body strength. Decreased one mg today (20mg) and have slightly more pain from shoulder to elbow and wrist pain which comes and goes. Hope this is just residual punishment from busy weekend.

Have a great day!

[HeronNS in reply to Sandy1947]

Please don't overdo it! When I took up Nordic walking I went for a nice long walk and next day understood why the instructor had told us fifteen minutes a day about three times a week would be a good way to start!

[Sandy1947 in reply to HeronNS]

My Dr. said to stay active. In my efforts to be an ideal patient, I think I tend to overdo activities. Yesterday, I simply stopped after Tai Chi/Quigong. The thought of working with the trainer overwhelmed me.

I appreciate the advise of those who suffered before me!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to HeronNS]

Quite correct - every time you foot hits the ground your bones deform ever so slightly and that is what signals that more bone is required. Obviously the heavier you are, the bigger the deformation - and why fatties are less likely to develop osteoporosis than dainty people So being cuddly is sometimes an advantage

[HeronNS in reply to PMRpro]

Actually this is why I got the weighted vest in the first place. I'm attempting to replace my lost weight; I weigh close to 20 lbs less than I did most of my adult life.

[Sandy1947 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for a laugh in the early morning! I am rather skinny, careful on my diet and thanks to the geniuses on the site am tweaking my efforts to improve bone health!

True confessions...I ate bread and candy yesterday. Not sure if slight increase in arm pain is because of sugar, tapering to 20 mg. or overdoing activities. Too many variables in this illness to isolate cause and effect.

[Sandy1947 in reply to Sandy1947]

My last post was in response to Pmrpro's comment about the fatties. My replies don't always go in the right place. At times, this site has a mind of it's own...just like PMR!

[HeronNS in reply to Sandy1947]

The other bone cells, the ones the drugs target, are called osteoclasts, and they are an important part of bone remodelling. By exercising you're helping maintain a healthy balance between the activities of these different kinds of cells.

[Rowboat]

I was on Forteo for 18 months about 4 years ago ( aged 50 ) my hip and spine bones were like a 75 year olds. After the 18 months my spine was normal for my age but there had been very little if any improvement in my hips. I reckon if you can afford it give it a go --- there is nothing to lose.