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Hi all,
Has anyone exeprienced an improvement in bone density test results without taking medication, e.g., through diet, exercise, etc., only?
My endocrinologist does not think diet and exercise help much; she is is a stong proponent of Forteo, which I have decided not to take at this point. Would love to hear from anyone about positive results from improvements in diet and exercise, either your own, someone else's or in studies.
Thanks,
Uma
Exercise Cancer Hydrochlorothiazide Kidney stones Osteopenia Menopause Osteoporosis Folic acid Stress Evista Premarin Hormone replacement therapy Boniva Forteo Fractures Fosamax Breast cancer Reclast Hypertension Actonel Pain
Annie O,
Thank you so much for all the info.....I was too a little afraid of the cost but also that I would mix the wrong things together. I like the exercise ideas, I am in my fourth month recovery from a broken ankle which required surgical repair, so I am eager to start up again. It's funny, yet not so funny, I never thought I would get osteo, I did everything "right"....I keep thinking it's a mistake.
Take Care,
YL
Hi TiaLisa - I have been in the program for one month. All the supplements and plan book are provided, which makes it nice when there's so much information overload. It's hard not knowing if you're heading in the right direction. I worried about the cost but if I had to buy all the supplements separately, I wonder if it would be pretty close to the plan's monthly fee.
I found this interview with Dr. Susan Brown that you can listen to on the computer. It was in Jan/2009 which, I have a feeling, is right before her Better Bones Personal Program launched.
http://sellman.progressiveradionetwork.org/2009/01/20/what-women-must-know- -011909.aspx
Press download button - very informative.
Other than that, I have contacted Sara Meeks about physical therapists in my area (trained in her methods) where I can get specific exercise guidance for my type of osteoporosis, which is in the hips.
http://www.sarameekspt.com/products.asp
Also, I have begun tennis lessons which I'm REALLY enjoying. Tennis is excellent for building bone in the hips. I plan to look into working out on weight machines as well for strengthening my hips and back.
Look into info on weighted vest to use while walking, stair climbing, etc. There's good supporting data that points to bone growth stimulation from bearing the additional weight. I'm only learning, and I'd love to gather any information others have to offer.
I work a long stressful day as a web developer and sit in front of a computer which has been a great detriment on my health.
Let me know how you make out. I'd love to hear more from you.
- Annie
Hi,
It's the Better Bones plan, developed by Susan Brown. You can check the Better Bones site or Women to Women. I am just so frazzled by all the advice/opinions....I have probably read four books on osteo in the last two weeks never mind the internet research.
TiaLisa
Hi Tialisa -
What plan are you referring to?
Annie
Hi,
I am thinking of joining this plan. I have been doing so much research and am so confused!. But I broke 2 ankles within last 3 years before I was tested so I am also scared. I had a question about the BB supplements not having enough calcium and magnesium. I e-mailed and was told to supplement with more if I felt Iike I needed to but that their research indicated it was not so.
I have been to an endocrinologist, who recommended Fosamax but not sure I want to take that. I have another appointment with an endo in Boston but that's not till October.
Tialisa
I need to respond to the MUST DO DRUGS opinion; I understand that both camps are passionately 'sold' on their way of approaching our shared problem. After seeing not one, two but three 'experts' they each announced they had "never heard of negative side effects of any of the drugs." Despite the news, numerous claims and many many many people we all know who got BIG sick from these drugs. When I mentioned this, they waved it off - with no eye contact. Sure, some are fine and don't 'get sick' from the drugs. Personally, after researching such side effects I heard enough. The fact that the 'experts' I saw (from major Universities and well known endoconologists)simply refused to hear about alternatives that have been proven to show major bone density improvement. I spoke with another OS sufferer (at my physical therapist's) just yesterday - she took forteo and was doubled over with cramps after the first day. YES, everyone reacts differently - but I must hold firm - my experience shows me that many 'experts' pushing the drugs do so with absolutely NO KNOWLEDGE of current studies. NONE. Check out THE BOTTOM LINE - a periodical that presents the latest findings on a variety of health related issues - you'll learn about vitimin K and prunes helping to increase bone density - a result of REAL STUDIES. I intend to fix this - after 3 weeks of alkaline diet I had the urine (loss of calcium test) and it's normal - as opposed to dangerously below normal a month ago. A good beginning I'd say - and the experts are speechless.
I'm still on the fence on the hormone replacement... I know that menopause started my condition, but even my traditional doctor doesn't want me on the stuff - too risky for one's general health.
Hi Beth,
I haven't been on Forteo. I'm having a very busy day but want to get back to you, so this is brief. My advice would be to go to the doctor, get all the information he or she can provide, and then do some research.
Unfortunately there is no one answer. Some people get side effects and some don't. Some people improve bone density on medication and some don't. Some people with low bone density fracture and some don't.
Just try to relax, get the info, do as much research as you can and make the best decision you can. Definitely search on this site and elsewhere regarding all your questions. You might even want to start your own discussion with all your questions so people can write to you and hopefully help you out.
It's not easy but you don't have to decide today. Give yourself some time to try to figure it out.
Uma
Thanks Uma, I am so nervous and totally lost as to which treatment to do. I am usually not this undecided. I go to my endo today to get info on both Reclast and Forteo. How has the forteo worked for you. Have you had repeat bone density done? Did you have side effects from it? Are you a very active woman. I know I have so many questions and I am sorry to be so inquisitive, but I I trying hard to make the best decision I can. Thanks Beth
Hi BHG,
Off the top of my head, I guess I would go with Forteo simply because one could always discontinue it if the side effects (which many people apparently do not have) are unbearable.
If Reclast is the one which lasts for a year or some similarly long period, once it's in the body, you're stuck with it. I believe there have been some posts on this website from people who regretted starting this course of treatment.
Of course, there are many other variables to consider when deciding on a medication - perhaps others could advise further.
Good luck,
Uma
Hi DeannaB,
Glad to hear of your improvement..
When you took your Bone scan, did you stop taking Strontium for 4 to 6 weeks before the Dexa scan?
I have heard you have to stop taking strontium for a while before the scan or it will give you a false reading.
I did take Strontium citrate, for a couple of months, but my left ankle started to swell up (have skinny ankles) and I had terrible heart burn so bad, I went to my Cardio for testing.
Has anyone had those side effects??
April
Hi Uma. Diet and exercise didn't help me much but certianly can't hurt. My bone density dropped significantly doing just that. I now have to make a decision on Reclast or Forteo, Any thoughts
It was in my spine. Hips held their own at osteopenia level.
All my exercise is weight bearing right now. Some is Pilates with a certified instructor...worth every penny... some step and dance aerobics, some with hand weights and calesthenic sorts of things.
I am 69, 70 in 6 weeks. Never thought I'd be so old! :-)
Deanna
I just enrolled in Dr. Susan Brown's program (you mentioned her book - BETTER BONES BETTER BODY).
http://www.womentowomen.com/programs/bonehealth/howitworks.aspx
I was hoping to find other folks who have tried this plan - although there are a lot of positive testimonials on the website.
I'm very frightened with my current diagnosis of hip osteoporosis. I tried a short trial of Fosamax and it was horrible. Also, from what I've read, some medicines work for osteoporosis of the spine but not of the hip. Could this possibly get any more confusing??
Thanks everyone.
Hi Deanna -
Could I ask how old you are and if the density improvement was in your hips or spine - or maybe both? Did you perform any weight bearing exercises as well? Thank you!
My density improved by 7.4% and I moved from osteoporosis to osteopenia in one year with strontium citrate and with a calcium citrate supplement that is liquid so it does dissolve in my stomach. I have worked out at the gym all my life and I continue to do so.
When taking fosamax, the previous year, my density declined into the osteoporosis range. I think this was because my calcium was not absorbing well. But I had been on fosamax for 10 years...time for a change!
Good luck.
Deanna
I am an avid exerciser and follow a good diet. Over the years not only was there no benefit but bone density declined rapidly. Fosamax slowed the decline but promoted no growth. I am now on Forteo into the 15th month. Will see results after 24 months. Meanwhile, I have lost another 1/4 inch in height - not promising. Sorry for the bad news for you but I would hate to see you or anyone chase rainbows and while you are doing so, things get worse.
I have received a lot of literature on Strontium renalate from some European contacts. So far, I am impressed. But I remain open.
Okay, many of us don't want the drugs - and many of us have valid reasons - personally the large amount of folks with devastating side effects steered me away from them.
And I looked into the hormone replacements too - but with breast cancer in the family - no way would I chance it. And the jury isn't in on the synthetic hormones (for me) yet, but I'm checking into it. So, where does that leave us? Its a brutal personal choice - but I see it as a process - I am following BETTER BONES BETTER BODY guidelines as well as adding prunes, vitamin k, extra D3 and all the recommended exercises... (go ahead and google the latest findings on these 'treatments'). I'm on my endochronologists' ( I have 2) backs about tests (being my own advocate as we need to be) and my personal research is much more up to date then either of these experts.
The upshot of my longwinded story here; I am sick of being scared and confused by my doctors - they simply want the 'easy' way to prescribe the limited info they know... we need to research ourselves to find what's good for us.
Be well nice people.
Bad experiences with physician prescribed medication.
Dear Uma, I am a 58. My bone density (DXA scans) showed steady declines in my bone health over several years. I took Fosamax but had to stop because of my stomach. I then took Actonel but was not diligent about its use. In 2007, I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis per my bone scan. In Feb 2008, after a consultation, I began a regiment of the following: Doctor's Best Strontium Bone Maker - 1 340 mg tablet per day. Lane Labs AdvaCal Ultra - 4 tablets 667 mg per day. Vitamin D3 - 800 IU per day. I stopped drinking any type of cola. In December 2008, I saw a physical therapist to learn about strengthening exercises. At that same time, at the insistence of my GYN, I joined "Curves" (I have no financial interest in Curves or any other items discussed in this message). I was too embarassed to go to a gym and Curves is just for women. In May 2009 I had my next bone density test and guess what IMPROVEMENT im my lumbar spine and left hip. The left femoral neck (also left hip) stayed the same. So per my doctor I have moved from "Osteoporosis" to "Osteopenia" which is all good. Good luck with your research. Becka
Hi AnnieO,
Although I have been trying to follow an alkaline diet on my own, I do not have experience with this or any other formal program.
It would be very helpful if you would let us know how you do on the program (both in terms of how you feel and of course bone density results down the road), and your assessment of its pros and cons. Some indication of monthly cost would be valuable information as well.
Best of luck to you,
Uma
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