@VeryHappy getting off Prolia presents risks. But I did see a recent study that said Evenity could stop rebound. In the past it has always been Reclast. Evenity is so new so studies are ongoing and many have not been completed.
The rebound from Prolia is because a whole lot of bone-absorbing osteoclasts go dormant on Prolia (hence the increase in bone density) and come rushing back into action all at once when Prolia is stopped. At least that is how it has been explained to me.
I have also been told rebound is less severe after 1-3 shots but risk increases with time on the med.
Ack. Guess I should have just waited until 65 to get my scan but now I’m faced with having to make a decision. Got my blood work done today and then I’ll see the endocrinologist I guess. Hear what she has to say.
I struggle with all of the exercise advice. I love to work out. Love to run. Love yoga and pilates. I’ve never shied away from any pose or from crunches etc. I want to do the right thing but not sure how much I really need to change what I’m doing. Like no more bending at the waist and no more ab exercises that require me to sit up?? I’d rather just keep doing what I’m doing but, of course, I don’t want to get hurt. Until I had this DEXA scan, I had no reason to believe that anything I’m doing was negatively affecting my body!
When you see your endocrinologist ask about what you can and can’t continue doing in your yoga and Pilates workouts. Then follow their advice.
Mine did specifically tell me to stop the folds and crunches. Probably the only thing she said that I agreed to (especially after seeing all the credible online medical sites state the same thing).
Yup, folds and crunches are pretty much taboo. The modifications aren’t bad, once you learn why certain exercises could be problematic. Once you understand the reasons, you can substitute moves that target what you want targeted but do it in a way that doesn’t compromise your spine. The internet is full of alternatives to crunches, and I can tell which are acceptable for me because I now understand what I need to avoid in terms of movements. I still don’t have an alternative for plow position, which I really liked because of how it stretched my back - but there are still plenty of ways to stretch my back.
Not all PTs are created equal. You must have ran into some bad ones. Every PT I had immediately asked if I had any bone issues. Isolation and stabilization of the spine by improving the core was always the goal even though I don’t have any fractures and had PT for other issues. Not all were as deep into details as she is, so her explanations are excellent.
After my first DEXA scan, I was diagnosed with osteoporosis and started taking Fosamax. Despite the diagnosis, I’ve been able to exercise without any restrictions. I’m fortunate to live near a university that offers adult fitness classes through their kinesiology-exercise science department. These classes last a little over an hour, starting with stretching and balance exercises, followed by a rotating selection of specialty workouts like cardiovascular training, strength, and fitball. In addition to that, I walk six days a week, averaging about five miles a day, which is easy because I live in a very walkable area.
The point I want to share is that things can get better. At my last DEXA scan, I was no longer in the osteoporosis or even osteopenia range. Keep moving forward, and improvement is possible.
Also it is the patient’s responsibility (on top of the PT’s responsibility to read patient’s chart) to note aloud their osteo/bone issues - over and over again through treatment to bring that important detail always to the surface.
I sent you a message. For discussion here, I’m >65 and <70. And, for what is’s worth, I’ve had no side effects or issues with Fosamax, and my doctors were unconcerned with type of exercise other than saying to avoid falls.
So…make sure your shoes are tied double knotted and don’t walk with your eyes closed?
No one plans on falling! Unless you’re climbing ladders on a regular basis or hiking on rocks…I bet a good % of falls is just someone taking a walk in the neighborhood or tripping at home.
Well, I actually could be more careful about falling. Not walking the dog when it’s icy or running outside when it’s too dark. Be more deliberate about being careful on the slippery wooden stairs in our house. Obvious stuff. I don’t remember a time I’ve ever just tripped and fallen down! I don’t want to jinx myself but I do think I could make choices that would lower the chance of falling.
Well, sure - the lady on the commercial just barely escapes being taken out by a pine cone!
Seriously, though, working on balance and learning how to fall properly are important. I do things like standing on one leg while brushing my teeth, standing on one leg with my eyes closed (which is hard for me, especially on my right foot), etc. I slipped on black ice last winter, and I am certain that falling “properly” kept me from being hurt. Doing what we can to help ourselves is key to aging well.
Believe it or not, there is an entire body of scientific literature about fall prevention. Turns out, it is possible to greatly reduce your chance of falling.
Haha, I thought that comment was strange too! It’s not like I was trying to fall. But it did make me more cautious. I avoided biking between the two scans, and I even bought trekking poles for hiking, though I never quite got used to them. Instead, I became hyper-aware of where I stepped, always mindful of my footing. It did take some of the fun out of hiking because I spent so much time looking down instead of out.
Oh I’m aware of and support education about improving balance, lifting things, and falling “correctly” - I’m just saying that the process of a fall takes literally a few secs and could be not enough time to apply intervention!
I’ll also add footwear - some footwear is not the best if you’re avoiding falls.
@BunsenBurner and @abasket most PT’s are trained in osteoporosis prevention and treatment but do not seem to know about modifying for fractures. For instance, one had me lie down on my back right after a fracture, which was painful (and I got up). One told me he was “scared” of me. I cannot do those elastic bands. The best one stuck to massage.
I have 7 fractures, and really can’t do much PT anyway- at least according to the professionals I have encountered. My confused muscles are not going to recover from trying to adapt to a shortened spine. It is what it is.
Of course I tell any PT or other professional what my issues are. I am not complaining here. I just want to be clear that most PT’s who say they are “good with osteoporosis” are not good with fractures and basically don’t know what to do and are nervous.
This thread is mostly for people with mild osteoporosis or osteopenia so I will bow out. I just came on to try help people avoid my situation.
When my chiropractor retired a number of years ago, he went to chiropractors in the area for an adjustment. If he felt that he would be comfortable recommending that chiropractor, he went on to question them at length … his goal was to find someone that he could recommend to his patients with osteoporosis. This was before I was personally concerned about that, but now I’m glad to know that the chiropractor he recommended - who is now my chiropractor - is someone who is attuned to the needs of those with osteoporosis.
For clarity, I did not infer at all that I was referring to you when I spoke about PT’s and patients also being their own advocate and mentioning reminders.
Also for clarity I think there is a range of osteo diagnosis on this thread. Some have been on medication for years and not because they have a “mild” case. There is plenty of stuff for all levels to ponder if they find themselves in this journey.
And finally, I really respect the PT’s that I am currently working with. I would not want to put any professional in a pile of “most” because no one deals with “most” - we deal with a selection of PT’s we have. My PT’s are DPT’s (doctor of PT) and have years of schooling and likely lots of loans to prove it!
I think you have a lot to share on this thread. But do understand that each of us, our experiences and needs are different.
@abasket I am not sure why you keep telling me that needs are different. I have been describing my own experience which is, yes, apparently different from most here. Just be careful getting off Prolia. Signing off, so hope I don’t get another email tagging me.
