I wrote a story that narrates one day in the life of two imaginary and very different women who share one thing in common: they were both diagnosed with osteoporosis. It begins with N. Slaved, the “perfect patient” who obediently follows the mainstream protocol to solve her bone health problems. The second heroine is I.M. Free, a “reluctant patient” who takes matters in her own hands and chooses to conquer osteoporosis without taking drugs. These are their stories…
The Story of N. Slaved
N. Slaved is turning 55 today, and as she wakes up from a heavy slumber – courtesy of her latest sleep-aid prescription – she is determined to make this day a special one. She steps out of bed, hoping it will be a bright and sunny day… Ouch!! If only her joints wouldn’t hurt so much… maybe she’s overdoing it with the step aerobics classes. Should she cut down to once every two weeks instead of once a week? Maybe not… her endocrinologist told her to try to “get active” and do some weight bearing exercises for her bones. So she joined the local gym and has been forcing herself to not miss a class. If only her joints wouldn’t hurt so much!
Outside, the sky is covered with dark menacing clouds, as if ready to unleash a rainstorm that would turn the snow into a grimy slush. “Not today”, she cries out loud. She is petrified of falling and breaking a bone. She knows all about the painful recovery after she fractured her ankle five years ago. That’s when she had her first ever DEXA scan, and of course, it showed some bone loss. Not too bad, though, but bad enough that her doctor gave her an osteoporosis prescription she would have to take for many, many years… or else she could end up crippled in a wheelchair. Who wants that?
So on that fateful day she drove straight from the doctor’s office to the pharmacy and filled her prescription. If there was something she could do to strengthen her bones, she was certainly ready to take action. Her doctor wants to help her, but he is always in a rush… But he is a good man. He even sent her to the endocrinologist because of what he suspected was a slow thyroid.
And he was right! The slow thyroid could explain her recent weight gain and low energy. Oh, the blessings of Modern Science! One simple test and all the answers are there. It’s so easy… just one little pill each day and her thyroid problem became a thing of the past. That was six years ago, and now she’s taking a lot more than one pill a day. Hmm… let’s see.
She takes the daily osteoporosis tablet, then the thyroid pill, of course. And somehow the number of pills just kept growing, for no apparent reason. A prescription for the mysterious acid reflux she developed out of nowhere. Well, not out of nowhere… her doctor told her is part of “aging”. So twice a day the purple pill, and then, she also takes the pain meds. At least for now she can thankfully manage with over-the-counter pills. They cost a lot less. The pills help so long as she takes them every day, at the risk of getting a stomach ulcer…but lately her joints hurt her more than ever.
Oh, how those pesky years keep adding up! But it all happened so suddenly. Until she broke her ankle, she never had bad aches and pains, and her stomach was usually fine with just a couple of chewable antacids now and then. Strange, how aging is so cruel, she thought.
But her doctor is an optimist. He keeps telling her that as long as she takes her drugs, she’ll be fine and she’ll live a long life. Her thyroid, her stomach and her sleep are thankfully under control with those fantastic drugs. And she’s also working on her cholesterol with one tiny little pill that her doctor told her can do the trick. Amazing! Well, maybe not so amazing… her cholesterol is still too high, but at least it’s not getting worse. And it would be great if her T-scores would at least stabilize. The first couple of years there was some improvement, and then it all went back to where she started… A loud thunder brings her back to reality. She clears her throat and starts singing “Happy Birthday to me”.
Funny, she’s been noticing her voice keeps getting raspier lately, yet she was never a smoker. But her hoarse voice and the almost constant throat aches, especially when she swallows, is that also from aging? Could it be the flu, even though she got the flu shot this year? Doubtful, but she must remember to ask her doctor next time. And her appointment is coming up soon because her prescriptions need to be renewed yet again… Expensive! Even with her low co-pay she spends well over $100 a month for what she affectionately calls her “good health cocktail”. The osteoporosis pills alone cost her almost $40 for a one month supply! But it’s a small price to pay to REALLY be healthy and prevent dreadful fractures. She smiles, and limps over to her closet.
While getting dressed she decides to skip breakfast and treat herself to her favorite lunch: a double bacon cheeseburger, without the sliced tomato. Her gastroenterologist told her to never eat tomatoes or citrus fruits because they could aggravate her acid reflux. Thank goodness he’s watching out for her health! But on her birthday she’ll splurge and will have ketchup. Yes, she’ll order the cheeseburger with a diet cola and ice cream for dessert. It’s so easy to stay healthy!
The Story of I. M. Free
A loud thunder woke her up, and suddenly, a heavy curtain of water enveloped her garden, blocking its view and the bright yellow hammock she bought last week. It’s her birthday today! Has she really been in this beautiful planet for 55 years? She feels better than when she was 30!
Out of bed with a light and graceful step, she puts on her yoga pants, throws on a t-shirt and takes a deep breath. “Happy Birthday to me”, she hums, smiling as she walks to the kitchen to prepare her breakfast. She’ll definitely work from home today; no sense in battling traffic in this downpour.
Baam! Another deafening thunder shakes the house as if an underground train was riding beneath the floor. She remembers the fateful day, five years ago, when she got off the city bus and tripped on the sidewalk. By the time she arrived to the office her ankle had swollen to twice its normal size and it was hurting tremendously. She checked herself into the emergency room, and in a couple of hours got the devastating news that her ankle was broken, and worse, that she had osteoporosis. “Take this prescription and fill it right away”, the doctor told her, “your bones are crumbling and you’ll end up in a wheel chair if you don’t take the drugs to cure your disease.” She had a dizzy spell and cried for a few minutes. Limping miserably down the long hospital hallway, she finally found a cab to go back home and think things over.
As the shock of the news was starting to wear off, her thinking got clearer. So her bones were crumbling? She’ll end up in a wheel chair? NEVER! She is a fighter and she will solve her bone health issues without the useless piece of paper the doctor gave her. With her ankle hurting in the tight cast, she searched the internet and read that osteoporosis is not a disease, that there is a drug-free and easy way to naturally have strong and healthy bones. This is the osteoporosis solution I’ve been looking for, she thought, and for a little more than the cost of one month of osteoporosis drugs, she ordered the Save Our Bones Program.
The whistle of the distiller abruptly interrupts her day-dreaming. As she empties the water into the glass jars, she smiles, remembering how petrified she was when she decided not to fill the prescription. But the Save Our Bones Program she had gotten made so much sense. She immediately understood that drugs work against the body and that the Save Our Bones Program works with the wisdom of Nature. Good and balanced nutrition including the Foundation Foods and Supplements, the right type of exercises and specific relaxation techniques are the best bone “medicine” in the world. Soon after, her bones became strong, healthy, and most importantly, resilient and renewed. She has peace of mind, and her doctor is amazed at the improvement.
And she feels and looks great…nobody believes her age… Better yet, she is not afraid of falling and breaking bones because she knows that she is not meddling with her biology. Also, she never has pain anywhere, so she can stay in good shape and that helps her balance too. She smiles and realizes that she hasn’t filled any prescriptions for almost five years. Way to go, I.M.! She should pat herself on the back, especially today, on her 55th birthday.
Back to reality now… She’ll work for a few hours, then do some yoga stretches and go out to celebrate with her friends. While she has her breakfast, a delicious mixture of granola with strawberries and almond milk, she decides that next weekend she’ll visit her family in the mountains and they’ll go hiking for hours, as they usually do. It’s so much fun… Life IS beautiful!
Take your pick
So who would you rather be, N. Slaved or I.M. Free? Please write your comments below and let me know what you think.
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November 21, 2011
Thanks for that great story, and Thanks for your ;;SAVE OUR BONES,program, it is GOD SENT, BLESS YOU.
November 6, 2011
I am very afraid of more fractures, especially with winter coming. I am trying to eat better; allergies are causing limitations.
Your information gives me hope.
Thank you!
Brenda
November 7, 2011
I’m so glad to hear that, Brenda! There’s lots of hope!
October 19, 2011
How do you get off of a thyroid medicine?
October 19, 2011
Loved the two ladies totally different approach to wellness. One well,the other not knowing what she’s doing to herself.
The boomer generation are not all so naive and many of us do what we can without scripts often made in foreign countries with little or not regulation.
I’m fighting my way back from what my dr. calls styrofoam bones, didnt even qualify for chicken bone status.
Let your body and mind help guide you, most of those drs. will never consider taking the drugs they push on us…
Great article and story, those ladies are walking around and we all know at least one of them…
September 21, 2011
Great article. And, it makes so much sense. I am living with osteoporosis and have also chosen to take the natural route to strong healthy bones, mind and spirit. Thank you Vivian for keeping us sane in a world where we are told we have to take drugs to make everything better. My bones are so very happy that I found you on the web.
May 6, 2012
Great tutorial!I ditroaved it and applied it to my little character that’s starting to fly.Maybe it’s due to my english not so good (I’m italian), but I can’t understand what happens at 39 ca. when the eyeballs are parented to I don’t know what.Now my character’s eyeballs are still while the head’s bone is rotating, but rotating themselves. It’s very funny (like Groucho eyes) but not what it has to be.Thx a lot,Zannaman.
September 21, 2011
You are so welcome, Iantha, and I’m glad your bones found us, too!
August 30, 2011
I did leave a comment above, but doubt that Catherine will read it because these comments are so old.
August 25, 2011
I definitely would be the I.M.Free. My doctor gave me a perscription for Avista for my bones. I had reflux already and he did not think I should take the other drugs. I got it filled and went home and read the side effects and never took one pill, I tossed them in the trash. That was about twelve years ago and I have never had a broken bone and am doing fine. I do try to follow the save our bones program as much as I can. I do not take any drugs on a regular basis and try to stay away from them as much as possible. I see people standing in long lines at the drug store waiting for their meds and I don’t want to be one of them.
July 19, 2011
thank you 4 the striking analogy.i am one person who is reluctant to add drugs 4 poor kidneys to work on.hence i do agree 100% with your 2nd person in the example.once again thank you 4 your good work.have a happy good week ahead!cheers!
February 17, 2011
Thank you for all of your encouragement to not take “drugs” and giving us healthy options.
February 7, 2011
Years ago I volunteered for a Fosamax study, and as a result, took a bone density scan. I was right at the borderline, but normal, and was accepted for the study. For some reason I don’t remember I took another scan a short time later, and it was slightly different. I was told it was within the plus or minus factor involving machines, and not significant. The paperwork on the study indicated the product was similar to what is used to clean the scale from the inside of an boiler type furnace, and suddenly I wasn’t so keen about being in the study anymore. Fortunately, the study was canceled, and I was quite relieved (although “saved” might have been more accurate)! I haven’t had a bone density scan since then, but feel O.K. I am 70. I find myself wondering if borderline would be considered osteopenia today? (Why does that feel like a made-up disease? I don’t recall ever hearing that term thirteen years ago.)
A few months ago I read that if one consumes an egg shell, which contains calcium, it would work wonders for people with teeth problems, such as loose teeth or teeth that break off easily, etc. So I grind up an “organic” egg shell in a Vitamix and drink it in a smoothie. (You can’t detect the egg shell.) My sister grinds it up with a small coffee grinder and puts hers in an empty capsule, and swallows it. Does anyone know if this type of calcium is a good form of calcium to use that is easily assimilated by the body? I should think if it is good for the teeth, it ought to be good for the bones in the body as well…but I don’t know this for a fact. I am wondering if anyone can comment on this? Thanks! This is a great site!
Regards, Patty
August 23, 2011
Eggshell is essentially calcium carbonate (CaCO3). The shell of one egg weighs 4000 to 5000 mg, which yields 1600 to 2000 mg of calcium. If your stomach is producing acid properly, you will absorb the calcium just fine. If you are concerned about insufficient acid just eat some citrus fruit at the same time. As a bonus, you are eating 40 to 50 mg of eggshell membrane which is good for your joints.
May 21, 2011
I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW IF THE EGG SHELL IS A GOOD SOURCE OF CALCIUM ??? I HAVE HEARD THIS BEFORE, BUT DID NOT BELIEVE IT……DOES ANYONE OUT THERE KNOW THE ANSWER..THANKS, PKING
July 13, 2011
This is interesting about the egg shell…Does anyone know if it works???
November 28, 2010
Loved the Tale of Two Ladies
But I do think the first lady’s Thyroid problem
put her at a disadvantage.
Any help with this problem?
October 26, 2010
Vivian, I would like to be like the I M Free lady.
I have stopped the Actonel, a couple of weeks ago.I would like to stop the other prescriptions, but a little worried about doing this. I take High Blood Pressure Meds, along with Potassium, Thyroid,Cholesterol, and Omeprazole for Acid Reflux. I have Osteoarthritis, but cant afford the prescriptions for it, so take, over the counter tabs, that have all the bad side effects, also.I received your book, today and anxious to get started on it.Thanks so much, for all your advice.
Catherine
August 30, 2011
Catherine, for arthritis pain, please Google CMO – cetyl myristoleate. It is an esterified fatty acid that lubricates the joints. It has changed my life.
The pain in my neck was so bad I could hardly reverse the car. I took a one month course and the pain was gone in about three days. The doc could only recommend Brufen 3 x a day, which didn’t appeal.
September 23, 2010
Vivian, this fun story line gives the perfect recipe to success for osteoporosis.
September 14, 2010
Some of these stories relate to me. I took Lipator for a few months for colestrol.In that few months i had really severe pain everywhere and could only shuffle around. I thought i was very ill until the Doctor told me it was a side effect of Lipator. I have never had another drug for colestrol since.
Catherine.
August 25, 2010
Hi Vivian
I’m well into the Save our Bones program, and its 2 years since my first diagnosis of osteopenia, disk degeneration and spinal stenosis, with severe pain. My diet and exercise is completely overhauled and I no longer have pain, anywhere. Your Program gave me great confidence in my self help choices.
The best compliment I’ve had is “well you don’t walk like an old woman!”. I’m 67 and still chop the wood, dig out the creek and doing all the garden maintenance. But I’ve adjusted my posture and strengthened my muscles. I’ve even found an algae based calcium supplement (Natural Calcium by Lifestream) made locally with Tasmanian sea vegetables.
I really liked this article. The mention of the water distiller reminded me that I haven’t seen any mention on your pages of using rain water as an alternative. I had a tank installed to avoid fluoride in the municipal water. I live in a country area hundreds of miles from any industrial fallout, next to pristine forests (no sprays). There must be others in rural areas where rainwater is a valid source of clean water. Or am I just lucky.
Huge thank you for your wonderful network.
Jilli
August 9, 2010
I am 78 years old and after doing my research, refused to take any of the prescribed “bone drugs” even after listening to the doctor’s scare tactics. I prefer to get most of my calcium through food and I don’t overdo the calcium supplelments. The RDA for people over 50 is 1200 mg. Find out what each serving contains and take it from there. I haven’t seen this written about anywhere.
August 7, 2010
Hi! Vivian,
I LOVED This Article! Very Cleverly Written!
And I Agree With ‘Molly’ (March 17, 2010).
I Want To Be FREE Also, From Prescription Drugs. As I’ve Told You Before, I Haven’t Been Diagnosed With Osteoporosis, But If I Ever Am I Will Try Your Program. Right Now I Can’t Afford It. I Think I Mentioned To You That I’m Paying Off A VERY HEAVY DEBT, That May Take YEARS! I’m Not Quite As Bad Off As ‘Beverly’ From Barbados (March 18, 2010), But I Still Can’t Afford It Now. I Hope You’ll Find Some Way To Help ‘Beverly’ From Barbados. My PRAYERS ARE WITH ‘BEVERLY AND HER FAMILY’, AND WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AS WELL!
LOVE, MS. L.
August 5, 2010
Thank you for your E-mails. They are interesting and informational. Since ,March that I was diagnosed with osteoporosis on the hips my doctor prescribed Fosamax, I took only 1 pill because of the worst side effect I got. Then he changed to actonel, but I refused to take any osteo drugs. I,m trying my best to follow your instructions in your book. I,M Free lady.
August 4, 2010
article sounds to good to be true! I have a compression fracture of T7 in my spine which I received Oct. 2009 and still have pain from it. Do not know how I got it!! My T score in my spine last Jan was -3.4 and now on calcitonin, but my Dr wants me on alenronate or forteo, but am afraid of the side effects. Does your program really work??
August 3, 2010
I’m 56 and have been told that I have severe osteoporosis in my hips (-2.5) and spine (2.0). I was “Told” to take boniva once a month and be diligent in taking calcium +d 3 times a day or I will break my hip and possibly die from the break. I said I would do what she said like an obedient child and got off the phone so fast because I was in shock from what and how she told me this news. I don’t even know what kind of calcium to take or how much! What is 3 pills? 3 pills of what? I don’t want to call her back because I don’t even want to see her again. How could she prescribe this to another woman knowing the side effects and the bad press on Boniva? However, how do I know that your program works? What are the long term results of your program? Where is the proof? Do I have to purchase your book to find out? I’m sorry to sound so skeptical, but lately, I just don’t trust anyone. If my own doctor doesn’t care about me then….?
November 20, 2010
Finding someone to trust was difficult, until I realized that it is me I have to trust. I’ve researched both sides and concluded that, for me, exercise and eating right make the most sense. I bought the Save Our Bones book and found that, since I’ve done so much research already, it didn’t contain much that is new to me but it has everything all in one book. That is valuable to me because sometimes I don’t remember where I’ve read what so I can’t always go back and re-read. Also, it sounds like you’re new to all this – I think you’d learn a lot, and following the program would put you in the thick of everything that is natural, non-chemical and non-threatening. I will die someday but I will not die sick and tired.
Lori
November 21, 2010
Wonderful response, Lori! I really have nothing to add.
Yes, you have to do your research, form your own bone health philosophy, and then make your decisions. Knowledge is power!
July 30, 2010
What do you think about the new study that was on CBS evening news that calcium supplements caused a rise of heart attacks by 31%? They said your Dr should be telling you to get calcium from food rather than supplements. I would appreciate some guidance. Thanks. Mary H.
November 21, 2010
Hi Mary,
Please check out the blog post I wrote on this very topic:
Calcium and Heart Attack Alert: My Take
July 18, 2010
I definately would take the IM free lady.
I was diagnosed with ostheoporosis a few years ago after being diagnosed with PBC. I went and had a scan and was told to come back in a few years for another scan but was prescribed Actonel and calceos, I took two Actonel and didnt have a good feeling about taking them so I stopped, continued with the calceos for about a year but I always had a dry mouth so I stopped taking that too. Now I take calcium and mangnesium vitamin D tablets plus fish oil from the health shop. The ursogal tablets that I had been taking for the PBC I cut down on that too. I walk quite a bit and try and do some weight exercises, feel a lot better, just
have to put on a bit of weight though. These pills I am sure make you worse not better. Thanks Vivienne I do want to get your “Save our bones program” soon.
June 28, 2010
Thanks to you IAM FREE! I took Fosomax and developed bad leg pains and a hiatal hernia-after reading your info I quit the Fosomax and the leg pains are finally going away. I am exercising and eating better and can’t wait to take the next Dexa to show the doctor how well I am doing without the Fosomax. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!
June 26, 2010
From today’s Wall Street Journal…Article
By CHAD BRAY
NEW YORK—A jury in New York on Friday awarded $8 million in damages in a product-liability case over Merck & Co.’s osteoporosis drug Fosamax.
The verdict is the first loss for the Whitehouse Station, N.J., drug maker as it faces hundreds of lawsuits in state and federal court over allegations Fosamax can cause a jaw-destroying condition known as osteonecrosis. The cases are being heard on an individual basis.
The lawsuit, brought by 72-year-old Shirley Boles, resulted in a mistrial last September. The retrial lasted about three weeks.
Her case was one of three so-called bellwether cases being heard in federal court in Manhattan. One case was thrown out last year, and a jury found in favor of Merck in another case last month. A fourth bellwether case is set to go to trial in federal court in November.
After nearly four hours of deliberations, the jury on Friday awarded Ms. Boles $8 million in compensatory damages and found Fosamax was a “defectively designed” product, said Timothy O’Brien, her lawyer.
“She felt very vindicated,” Mr. O’Brien said. “She felt like she’s done something very important.”
Merck said Friday that it plans to challenge the jury’s decision and believes the awarding of compensatory damages was unjustified and excessive.
“We disagree with the jury’s verdict. We believe the jury verdict was a result of plaintiff’s counsel’s inflammatory and prejudicial remarks,” said Paul Strain of Venable LLP, outside counsel for Merck. “The plaintiff was at increased risk for dental and jaw problems even if she was not taking Fosamax.”
Merck has argued in part that Ms. Boles, a long-time cigarette smoker, has a history of dental problems and health problems.
U.S. District Judge John Keenan, who is overseeing the federal cases, set a briefing schedule and is expected to hear post-trial motions to overturn the Boles verdict in September. Merck is likely to appeal if it doesn’t succeed with its post-trial motions.
As of March 31, the drug maker was facing about 1,039 cases in state and federal courts, generally alleging that use of Fosamax can cause osteonecrosis, and that Merck failed to properly warn of this risk
Osteonecrosis is a condition where the bone dies and can eventually fracture. It can lead to exposed bone in the jaw.
Fosamax was once one of Merck’s best-selling drugs, generating more than $3 billion in annual sales. However, the drug lost its U.S. patent protection in 2008, exposing it to competition from cheaper generic versions of the drug.
View 4 replies Reply
June 13, 2010
I like I.M.Free. First, I thought Osteoporosis was a disease, in your book, it’s not. In my mind, the doctors are well-educated and I am not, I also didn’t want to get a hurchback, so I listened to the doctors to take the Foxamax.
She said:” you have to take it for 5 years at least basicaly.” and he said: ” You have to take it for all of your life until you die.”
Now I feel lucky and I feel lucky to meet you.
Thank you Vivian, great job.
June 7, 2010
Vivian,
I love your story of the two women, the different roads we can take.
And the Saturday night skit hit the nail on the head, too!
Thank you and keep up the good work.
June 2, 2010
Thanks, enjoyed that!
May 31, 2010
IM free is my chose. I love all the mail and the book but because I have 7 fractures I still haven’t been able to really “hang loose” and forget about it. I only took Actinol for 10 weeks and will never touch it again. I just have to get my brain around my problems as my body has lots of aches and pains.
May 29, 2010
I have been eating based on Vivian’s 80-20 alkalinic/acidic plan. It’s made it so easy for me, I have four different vegetables and fruits in containers, and dish out from each four, then add a small piece of fish or tuna salad, and it’s the easiest dinner and the variety makes it a lot of fun. I look forward to it every day.
Thanks, Vivian
May 23, 2010
I am presently on a job in Boston and just as soon as I return home I plan to order Save your Bones ,,,Increse our bone density…
I have started with some of he tips I have recieved from you and I have decided not to take the medication because I am very healthy …I am 70 and take not medication of any kind….little disappointed that I have osteo…but I still feel with your help I can reverse….Thank you ….Virgie
May 15, 2010
Hace tres meses que el doctor queria iniciar un tratamiento con ZOLADEX, para combatir el diagnostico de OSTEOPENIA que resulto de un CT SCAN. Al conocer el Programa SAVE OUR BONES, determine que seguiria ese camino, lo cual estoy cumpliendo con mucha disciplina. Me queda una sola duda, que tiempo debo esperar para solicitarle al doctor un nuevo estudio, para saber si he superado la deficiencia en la densidad de mis huesos ?
August 22, 2011
esperate un ano por lo menos. pero mejor para to doctor son dos anos. yo me reviso cada ano. si tienes hasta un poqutio de resultado positivo despues de un ano, quisa no es suficiente para tu doctor, pero si es suificiente para ti porque vas a saber que esta sirbiendo el plan. hasta un poquito de resultado positivo despues de un ano es bueno.
May 9, 2012
I kind of want to start watching it again, but I don’t think I can egngae with it in the same way, because the overarching storyline is gone. They’re not going to get together until the last episode of the last show ever, no matter what. It takes all of the suspense out of it when the writers are such wimps.
May 10, 2010
Thanks again for keeping in touch! Your Save Our Bones program is sooo much more than a book. I was like the first patient and went straight to the pharmacy to fill my Boniva prescription. 13 months later my bone scan is worse and my joints and stomache have suffered immensely! The nurse immediately wrote me a prescription for Fosomax with no further conversation! I stopped all medication and I am enjoying my new bone health diet. Afer just 3 months I can sit crossed legged without pain and my stomache has recovered! I am looking forward to my next bone scan about a year from now. The 80/20 diet is easy for me as I have always been addicted to fruits and vegi’s. Please keep sending out your e-mails and I wil spread the word on your wonderful, heakth way to stay pain free and happy.
May 3, 2010
Thank you, Vivian, for letting me read your e-mails, others’ comments, which I very much enjoy and appreciate. I am 85 years old, work full time, take no medications whatever and seem to be blessed with good genes.
I am in full support of your recommendations and agree that healthy food and excercise are the answers to good bones.
Thank you again.
April 29, 2010
In 2004, I got Fosamax script – didn’t fill it until I had supplemental coverage 2 years later. In 2007 it was not refilled due to news of jaw problems. Next year Dr. said that had been disproven and put me back on Fosamax. I chose to change to Boniva. Took it 4 months and went back to Fosamax. I never had an stomach upset or heart burn from any of this, but 1 year ago suddenly had extreme pain in hands & shoulders – thought it was from exercising too vigorously.Saw Dr. wanted to do shoulder surgery. Went for 2nd opinion, was again told of osteoporis. I have taken Fosamax for 1 year again and quit for good!Shoulder pain is finally subsiding!
I have always eaten well, taken supplements,and exercised, but was on Prednazone for 1 year. I am 75. I feel there is hope and want to buy your book.
April 18, 2010
Thank you very much for your helpful comments.
April 18, 2010
I am always reading your comments, just to reasure myself that I made the right decision when I decided not to take fosamax pills. I strongly believe that eating the right food, taking natural supplements, and exercise should be enough for bone improvement. I am very afraid of all those chemicals they put in medications. Keep up the good work!
April 6, 2010
Wow , Do I feel great !! I stopped taking Fossmax , get the right am’t of cal and D. I stopped having reflux problems and my blood pressure went down. I’m joining Zhomba next week and I know I don’t get as much excercise as I should. Taking swimming lessons too. I am a ‘young’ 64 yr young person and I refuse to get “old” Now , what do I do for the “brain” ???
March 29, 2010
I was diagnosed with osteoprosis about 3 years ago (hip and lumbar spine) doctor gave me a prescription for foxamax. I took about 3-4 pills and stopped taking it, as I was so constipated. I am trying to eat healthier by taking herbal suppliments and eating yogurt, eggs, greens, whole grains and whole wheats.
I have doubled up on my calicum, I am also taking an herb called Ostivone that also helps to strengthen bones plus extra vitamin D. I am now experiencing alot of pain in my back, legs and hip area. Not sure but I may have arthritis. I did go into the internet and looked up those drugs and read all of the side effects and what it really does do to your bones. I want to get back to my gym soon, but havent been there for about 5 months because of my joint pain. I do walk with my husband each day for at least 30 minutes or more and when I don’t feel like walking I put on the golden oldies and dance in front of the TV for a while. I know that dancing is also good exercise. By the way I am 67 years old, but most people think I look great for my age. If you have any suggestions regarding my situation please write back and let me know if there is something else I can do.
Thanks,
A. Schell
April 18, 2010
This is for the lady who is taking Ostivone(also named Ipriflavone); not approved in the U.S. because the side effects lymphocytopenia.
March 28, 2010
I have bone loss so my doctor put me on Actonel. I have taken it for four years. I would like to get off it but my doctor says NO. I bought your book, I exercise and do weight bearing exercises. I eat well most of the time. I take vitamins. How much vit. D & calcium do you recommend? Thanks.
Pat
March 28, 2010
I think the second lady was a little over the top on positivity. i’ve met those types before and they wont even admit to pain when its there. I agree with her treatment though.
Beth
March 28, 2010
I just received my latest bone density results and I am so happy to tell you that there has been a significant positive change since my test in 2008. I am only able to have one every two years. I attribute this improvement to my diligence in exercising, light weights and good diet. I have always refused to take any of the drugs. I, too, am I.M. Free thanks to you, your program and your countless emails helping all of us. God Bless you.
Anne
April 26, 2010
Anne, congratulations on your success in increasing bone density. Were you diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis? I would like to know more. I am praying for better results with my next Dexa scan. I have read some articles that state it is impossible to improve bone density with diet, exercise, etc. I still refuse to take drugs and will continue to take the healthy approach.
March 27, 2010
I would prefer to be IM FREE. My only xoncern is, am I too far gone? I had been on dilantin for my epilepsy for 40 years, when my doctor changed me , he told me it would be better for my bonesbut, is it too late?
Jill
March 26, 2010
Hi Vivian,
as usual good hearing from you and as usual you bring the best infomation for our bones even if it’s in the form of a question. I will definitely be the one that’s I.M. Free.
Janet Talley.
March 25, 2010
I loved your stories. Hope people will listen. I have osteopenia and not on any of the drugs. Had a bone density but haven’t gotten the results.
I saw a lady in my doctor’s office yesterday and she had taken Fosamax for 15 years and said her bones are brittle. She had broken a bone so she is now on calcium and vit D. She also had had bone cancer in her leg. She takes 5000IU/day of D. Is that too much? I take 2000/day. She looked great and said she feels fine. She advised that NO ONE should take the drugs. She also thought taking the bone density test is a waste of money. Is she right? Help!!!!!
March 25, 2010
Very good story, I want to be like IM Free
March 24, 2010
It’s been three years that I have been off Actonal after being on it for seven years. I do not care what my next bone density says, I will never take that medicine again.
Thank you Vivian for Bone Health Revolution.
Arlene
February 28, 2011
I chose not to take my dr’s advice to take actonel a few yrs ago and I’m glad. Although, I have osteopenia in my spine and osteoporosis in my hips. I’ve recently found this program and am a beginner, but I already did most of the recommendations. My main problem is that I have to take thyroid meds. I recently backed off the levothyroxine, although my dr wanted to add a higher dosage, I went back to my previous 34 tabs a month from 38. I feel so much better (less body and extremity pain) that I’m tempted to go back down to the previous 30 a month except at that dosage, I started having some heart palpatations that indicated that I probably needed a higher dosage. I am not discounting my dr.’s wishes, just listening to my own body. My sister- in-law is having many of the same experiences, but she is also diabetic. She is 65 and I am 59. I feel like having thyroid disease does pose more problems, but with this progam a lot of other symptoms can be elimanated! Thanks, Vivian Debb
March 24, 2010
Great article. I have learned so much in the 9 months that I have had Vivian’s books. I have followed the 80/20 diet, walk, lift weights and I am feeling quite positive about all the changes I have implemented. However, I am due for my yearly physical and the doctor is going to want me to have a bone density test. Should I have the test? I would be severely disappointed if my bone density had decreased again. I would be thrilled if my bone density improved but I am a little scared.
What do you think are my chances that my bone density has maintained or improved?
June 26, 2010
I feel the same way. I don’t think I will have anohter.
Yes, if it is better I will be extatic but if it is worse I will be so depressed plus I still would not take drugs for it so what’s the point?
March 23, 2010
Great article!I started your program May 31, 2009.I write down everything I eat, making sure I have 8 Al and 2 AC at each meal. I am drinking Distilled or bottled water. I exercise 1 -1 1/2 hours a day making sure I am doing weight bearing exercise too. I am postponing another bone density until next year with insurance. I had one in 09. I take no meds.I am on the Mannmatech Nurtition Program. I will be 68 in May. I am healthy and happy! Thank you for your program Vivian!
March 23, 2010
Another great story, Vivian.I relate to your second character, IM Free. I have steadfastly refused any of the medications for osteoporosis, but I do take Thyroxine as I have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. I also take a calcium complex and a Vitamin D tablet, while keeping to the 80/20 alkaline programme and walking as often as I can. While one of your respondents has asked for references for your assertions, I feel the current medical model of research, that of the double blind study, can still be interpreted to the advantage of an interested party in the method of writing up the results. This can be by omission of data which is not advantageous to the key stakeholder/s, for example. Empirical knowledge is downplayed as being subjective, not “scientific”, but if a large number of people over a prolonged period of time, obtain relief from pain, increase their mobility, and generally improve their ability to enjoy life, that has to be taken seriously, I would suggest.
Keep up the good work, and thanks for all the information.
Nancy
March 21, 2010
I tried the boniva for one month and felt like I had lost all the ground I had worked to gain with my stomach, my fibromyalgia and my chronic fatigue. The first five days was worse then anything I had experienced in my life. For the next two weeks after that I walked around like I had been hit in the stomach everyday. I am getting myself off of the little purple pill, never to have it to come into my life again. I have started the program and I am feeling better. I like being the person in charge of my own health decisions. Both my husband and I have changed our eating habits and we are losing weight and taking control. I am 58, but some days feel worse than a 90 year old. Your program has helped me to take charge, if I had not found you I would still be wondering what I can do to take care of myself. Thank you so much!!