Okay - so I went to my OB-GYN yesterday (Thurs 11/13) armed with lots of questions. (actually I forgot them so my daughter had to read them to me as I quickly rewrote them on a borrowed notepad.. sheesh!)
My numbers are: -2.5 neck -2.3 hip -1.5 spine. My "FRAX" (see under Google) 14% risk in 10 years, 2.5% in 15 - 20 years.
We discussed RECLAST - can't use because I have problems with bisphosphonates.
Discussed FORTEO - not necessary because my numbers aren't THAT bad.
Discussed FORITCAL - nasal spray - will get to that in a minute.
Discussed my calcium intake - 1200 - 1500 mg. He said kidney stones ARE NOT caused by that amount of consumption - that it might actually help PREVENT certain types because the stuff that stones are made of binds to the calcium that is passed from the body.
Discussed STRONTIUM - he said it is a “heavy metal” which not enough studies have been done on.
He encouraged me to continue with my YOGA and my work-outs - that my numbers have not changed since my last bone density test two years ago - so it is working to keep my bones strong.
BUT - he stated that I have reached the point in my life that I can not just maintain the bones (density) I have but need to give my body a chance to start rebuilding what is lost. Sooooo
EVISTA is what we settled on. The thought of a daily nasal spray bothered me too much (but may have to anyway?!?) so FORTICAL is my fall back option. EVISTA is an anti-estrogenic - which is supposed to “act” like estrogen and help build bones and prevent breast cancer (huh?). It is not HRT or birth control. The down side (there is always something!) is that I may experience HOT FLASHES and migraines! I started menopause at 38 yrs - I have had 12 years of hot flashes, why do I want more???? And I had to stop HRT because of migraines.
So I feel like a guinea pig - but believe this is my best option. I will continue my calcium intake, my exercise and yoga. I will be smart about my actives - skiing?? hang gliding?? And see where this next journey takes me…