My battle with Osteoporosis and PREDNISONE

[Sadie1024]

I am a 73 year old Male. Started taking Pred 2 years ago. Started at 20mg then had to go to 30mg then tapered back down to 10mg where I am now.

I also have been on Dilantin for 55 years. Dilantin causes bone density loss. I had a dexa scan when I started Pred 2 years ago Femoral was -2.4 and spine was -1.9.

I have been on Calcium, D3, K2 and also my diet has lots of dark greens. I am geting 1500mg calcium daily.

The first year of the journey I did not walk every much. This last year I walked and average of 3000 steps daily outside the house except for 2 months that my back surgery did not allow me to walk.

I had another dexa scan and Femoral was -2.8 and spine was -2.5.

I am not on any osteoporosis meds and I do not want to start on them but I would like all your opinions before i make a final decision. Thank you so much.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Did no-one want you to start on something after the first dexascan?

That is quite a deterioration in 2 years - if it were me, even I would certainly be discussing options since your natural approach hasn't prevented the bone density loss.

[yogabonnie]

I absolutely advise against the meds. You have not lost too much in a year. And I think you can stop the loss. Can you add weights. or heel drops. or, like me, adult beginning tap!!! There is a great book Your bones by lara pizzorno. Lots of good information. I am minus 2.7 and have decided after two falls, one playing volleyball and one being hit by a car that my bones maybe be thin but they are flexible!!! good luck.

[Sadie1024 in reply to yogabonnie]

Yes I can add weights. I will try anything if I don't have to get on those terrible meds, thank you so much.