Yes, I'm only doing natural supplements for my osteo. When I was first diagnosed (1st Dexa was Dec. 2009), my doctor prescribed once-a-month Actonel. After only one dose, I had horrible side effects and wouldn't take another dose. Another doctor told me that she wouldn't put me on Fosamax or Boniva because of my reaction to Actonel, as they are all in the same family of meds. She instructed me to take calcium, magnesium, vitamin d3, and vitamin k2 each morning, and then to take strontium citrate each evening. My 2nd Dexa was Aug. 2013, and my scores improved. The only other things I did was to eat gluten-free and to get off long-term prednisone. The natural route worked well for me. Best wishes to you.

Thanks. I'll keep the appointment and can make an informed decision. My preference is always the natural way.

Yesterday I forgot to welcome you to this forum, soretum. Sorry about that. Hopefully you will be encouraged here. I, too, prefer natural methods; but realize that natural is not always possible, because we're individuals. For me the Actonel started causing problems two hours after taking that one dose, and the side effects continued four weeks (just in time for the next dose). That was enough for me. I knew I had to do something for the osteo, so was very thankful that my other doctor had a solution that hasn't caused any unpleasant side effects. I hope you find what works best for you.

Having gastritis and IBS I view every new ingredient with caution. I even reacted to the first calcium supplement I took. I think it was the vit c. I can only manage a small amount.
Will keep you posted after my appointment next Thursday. And thanks for the welcome. I just love this website.

recently diagnosed with Osteo. and put on 70 mg Alendronate ( a generic of Actonel ) taken once a month. I had been diagnosed 5 yrs ago with Osteopena. Now its full-blown osteoporosis in spine and hips. I am in remission for Graves which has taken 4 yrs to return to "normal" I refused taking hormones in my younger years, exercised regularly, never smoked. And, yet, here I am. I really do not want to start taking Osteo meds. for the usual reasons. However, I have seen what osteoporosis does to a person. Do I DARE gamble on natural aids, or MUST I depend on the monthly medication. I JUST started to read this groups' statements and I am hoping it is as helpful as when I participated in the Graces Disease Forum

Hi, ArtSmart7, and welcome to this forum of nice people. The board isn't always active, but it is certainly informative. I hope you will be encouraged here. We are all so individual, you will have to determine what is the best approach for you. Don't just look at what you're taking (meds vs. supplements), but also look at other possible factors, such as diet, parathyroids, etc. I always do lots of research, make lists, and ask my doctor lots of questions. I hope you figure out what will work for you. Best wishes for improved bone density.

I was diagnosed yesterday with osteo and high risk of fractures. I wonder how can I exercise while having lower back pain when on my feet for just 10 minutes> Any suggestions?

Hi Brushes, I'm sorry that you have been diagnosed too. I have it in my spine. My numbers were bad. I did have back pain when I started my walking. If I needed to I would stop and sit until I felt better and then continue on. I only walk 20-40 minutes, 4-5 days a week.

What is causing your back pain is usually a weak core, which is your stomach muscles. I started making sure I was standing up straight when I walked, plus I pull in my stomach muscles, EVERYTIME I think of it when walking. Slowly over time the pain stopped. My stomach has gotten flatter over time. But the best thing is I'm not in pain when I walk. I think it took about 6 months to get to that point.

Start really slowly. Just walk 5 minutes to start. You can feel better in time. Feel free to ask any questions. Good luck.

thank you, Lynn for the reply. I will try your method.

Hi, Brushes, and welcome to this forum. I'm sorry that you have osteo, but glad you found this site. Some years ago I fell and compressed a vertebrae. Fortunately it doesn't bother me very often, but when it does, walking can be difficult. When that happens, I can lie on my back and do leg exercises, etc. Maybe you could try that approach. Otherwise, I walk, bounce (not jump) on a mini-trampoline, do the "stork" (standing on one foot for 30 seconds and then changing feet), and bowl or dance to my Wii. Another option for you might be a weighted belt to wear when you walk. Hope these suggestions help and best wishes to you.

It's impossible to decide if a medicine is good or bad only 2 hours after taking a dose. It would take some time for the medication to fully integrate itself into your system. It's an individual thing with any medication. First don't go on line and read about side effects before you start it otherwise you will start off thinking it's not going to work. Everyone is different. You have all seen stories where someone has broken an arm or leg and continued to play on despite the pain. Other times a different person will be rolling around the floor in agony, You have to start off with an open and positive mind. Give it a chance.If your Doc is qualified they certainly will be prescribing what they think will help. I'm not saying that the meds cant have side effects they do and I suffer them...my alternative is to risk broken hips and spine and end up in a wheelchair or a nursing facility. Look up the figures on surviving broken hips...scary. Good luck.

JoyWin, I'm sorry to say I really can't agree with you. I have multiple health issues, like a lot of people here. I think education on our illnesses is a must, and that includes the good and bad you read about a drug you might be prescribed. Then you have the information to make an informed decision for yourself. Knowledge is power. This site only gives each individuals opinion on a subject, and how they want to treat their illness. Good luck with your treatment.

nanny how did you get long term steroids, I am weaning and not feeling well at all, they want me to start forteo, have severe osteo and am only 50 and have had several fractures. I fear the forteo and they want me to start asap and get off the steroids, which caused this issue.

Hi, molliecarey, and welcome to this forum. I hope you will be encouraged here. Because I was diagnosed with end-stage polymyositis in 2008, two neuros started me on 100 mg. of prednisone. They said I would be on prednisone and other meds for the rest of my life. But I was able to taper down and get completely off prednisone without adding other meds. Believe me, getting off prednisone was a great blessing, especially since I didn't need the other terrible meds they thought I would require. The Lord has been good to me.

I think gluten started my osteo problems, and the prednisone made things way worse. So now I'm on a gluten-free diet, off prednisone, and take lots of supplements.