I have been taking 1200 mg. of Calcium for pre-osteo and my doctor said my bone density was starting to get much thinner so I am supposed to be taking Actenol, but I would rather find an alternative other than a drug.

I'm with you. These drugs are like taking poison. Barbara

I too am trying to decide about fosamax. The only thing in it's favor from my findings is that my MD, who is one of the increasingly common MEN to have osteopor~ and had 3 fractures (spine) 3 yrs ago, went on fosamax & has been fracture free for the 3 yrs. Usually when the vertibrae start to break its almost a domino effect /c stress on other vertibrae etc. So I'm almost convinsed.

I take Caltrate D to replace calcium loss. It doesn't cause any problems and I really can't tell if it helps. I don't see how calcium with vitamin D could be anything but good for us.

There is a trick to calcium that a lot of dr's don't reveal. (don't know why)..One should take l,200 to l,500 elemental calcium per day. Elemental is the key...I have had compression fractures, surgeries (including the old fashioned fusion)..
I use Miacalcin Nasal Spray; can't use Fosamax due to the throat problems.
charles

I have taken calvium in the form of Tums and additional vitamin d for years. I got confused reading the back of the bottle and dropped from 6 tablets to 4 tablets a while ago. Dr, put me on Citracal with Vitamin D and it is possible it upset my stomach. I stopped the citracal and went back to tums. My stomach is still iffy so I haven't tried the citrical again. Bit I need to to find out if it was the culprit. I have so much going on with Fibromyalgia and Osterarthritis and then I injured my right leg, that I have not tried the Evista again. donn't know for sure if that upset my stomach because of the doubts about the citracal. Too much for me with the fear of medications and all the pain. Don't want to take those osteoporosis medications. Barbara

I have taken calvium in the form of Tums and additional vitamin d for years. I got confused reading the back of the bottle and dropped from 6 tablets to 4 tablets a while ago. Dr, put me on Citracal with Vitamin D and it is possible it upset my stomach. I stopped the citracal and went back to tums. My stomach is still iffy so I haven't tried the citrical again. Bit I need to to find out if it was the culprit. I have so much going on with Fibromyalgia and Osterarthritis and then I injured my right leg, that I have not tried the Evista again. donn't know for sure if that upset my stomach because of the doubts about the citracal. Too much for me with the fear of medications and all the pain. Don't want to take those osteoporosis medications. Barbara

I apologise for the poor typing, my keyboar is being naughty.

I have had 5 compression fractures in the last three years. I started on Fosamax and Citracal after the 3rd fracture ( in 6 months). Since that time I have had two compression fractures ( in 2+ years). I still test low for calcium even though I am taking 1200mg daily. I think the calcium has been marginally helpful and am still taking it. Sort of difficult to prove one way or another. I guess one question would be: if I hadn't taken calcium during this time frame would I have had more fractures? So.........I stick with it and hope that it is helping.
-Fred

I can see by the dates that this is an old discussion. But,
wanted people to know that I have found a natural osteo product that works with calcium. I saw marked improvement just after 60 days of using it. I took a urine and blood test that shows that the BAP level or bone building element is rising. I can send you a clinical study that shows how the product works just email me at virginianns@aol.com

I just received a funky DEXA score. Visited my doc and we determined that my calcium intake is just fine - thru food and supplements. She's currently running blood and urine work to get a fix on whether it's metabolic or just old bones ;-)

I use a natural product called
Osteodenx. NO SIDE AFFECTS....
AND IT WORKS. I'm a consultant
for the product and open an account you to buy it a discount. Virginia

Doing strength excercise helps to increase bone mass just as it helps your muscles. This was recommended to do along with any medicine and/or calcium supplements prescribed by your doctor.