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 DXA 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 Osteoporosis Reversal 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 Osteoporosis Reversal Program she had gotten made so much sense. She immediately understood that drugs work against the body and that the Osteoporosis Reversal 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.
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.
Concerning the Calcium issue. I don’t know how much you know about the difference kinds of Calcium supplements that are available, but, in case you aren’t aware that Calcium Carbonate (the most popular kind) isn’t absorbed very well by people whose stomach acid is weak (over 40 years old or so),you should only take CALCIUM OROTATE (much more absorbable; 85 mg of Elemental Calcium)at your age. Check it out for yourself!
Dr. Bolmarcich
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.
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.
I have also been diagnosed with osteoporosis in my hips, my doctor prescribed actonel but I am afraid to take it. Everything I read makes me unsure. I went to vitamin store and they suggested a tonic of calcium, vit d and a few others. I exercise and try to eat well, but they have told me I don’t have a choice but to take drugs. I want to be responsible for myself but I have my doubts. Any suggestions?
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??
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….?
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
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! 🙂
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.
Hi Mary,
Please check out the blog post I wrote on this very topic:
Calcium and Heart Attack Alert: My Take
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.
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!!!!
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
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.
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.
Thanks, enjoyed that!
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.
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
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
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 ?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thank you very much for your helpful comments.
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!
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” ???
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
This is for the lady who is taking Ostivone(also named Ipriflavone); not approved in the U.S. because the side effects lymphocytopenia.
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
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
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
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.
Hi Mandy, thanks for your commnet it is best to get medication for your mild case of Graves’ Disease, only because if you are experiencing anxiety/stress or depression, the imbalance of the thyroid will not make it any better. I also had anxiety but had a major case of stress. So as like you, my emotions were not intact and it was all over the place! But it’s good to know that you have a name to the problem and it can be managed. All the best.
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
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.
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!!!!!
Very good story, I want to be like IM Free
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
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
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?
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?
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!
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
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!!
Hi Vivian
I’m so thankful for people like you who take control of life situations. I’ve been on the program now for a couple of mos. and feeling really positive about it.
You have such a talent for writing along with your advice. I enjoy your stories. They are so descriptive and to the point. Keep up the good work. You are saving a generation of women. Sincerely, Elaine Vickery
Scientific evidece is hard to come by for alternative treatments … research costs a lot of money, which usually only the drugs companies can afford.So when considering drug free alternatives it is a case of allowing yourself to trust in the evidence of people who have reported success …. albeit not offically scientific evidence.
As an example of a different but similar experience I had, was to get help for ulcerative colitis(of 10 years duration) from a hands-on emotional release therapy.If I hadn’t tried it, I would still be relient on steroid treatment, which is not a cure but only releives the symptoms (until the next time) and has well documented (scientifically researched!)side effects.
The choice really is yours …
Dear Vivian:
How true those stories are! I Just follow
my own advice instead of taking those
harmful drugs. Keep up your good work!
Thank you.
I thought this was absolutely awesome!!
One of your best!! And how true it all is!!
I have been in the medical profession for years (RN) and couldn’t agree
with you more. I know from personal experience, that all these osteoporosis drugs are not the way to go, and am a follower of your program. Keep up the good work!!
Hi Vivian, I love your stories. Ideas are so much easier to remember is this form.
I have been on Boniva for almost 2 years. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis in May of 2008. I will have my first bone scan since starting the Boniva in May 2010. I have not had any side effects from the Boniva, but I would rather not be taking it. It is expensive, even with some drug coverage. I will be anxious to see the results of my next bone scan. Thanks for all your good diet and exercise information. Ellen
After being told I should be on fosamax because of my osteoporosis by two different doctors,I decided to follow the “save our bones” diet as best I can, and lift weights and exercise three times a week. After even two weeks, I feel an overall improvement in my health, and can’t wait to see the improvement in bone density when I get my next dexascan.
Vivian, I forgot to tell you I feel like I.M. FREE!!!! AND KEEP WRITING YOUR STORIES!!!! BLESSINGS Kelsey XXXX
Thanks for all your great information Vivian – I just typed you a long comment – and my network told me that it was interrupted , and I see that my comment is not there – so I’ll make it brief – I fell down my laundry stairs (4) onto a ceramic tiled floor – as I flew through the air I could hear my doctor’s words “only 1 in 3 people who break their femur lives more than a year”. I am 78 years old and was told last May that I had osteoporosis (high risk of fracture in my femur)- as I was airborne I knew that I was going to land on my head – so I put out my right forearm and landed on it and my 2 knees – I have had a painful shoulder and two painful knees and a sore neck – my chiropractor has made me feel much better with very gentle treatment – I have not even had the need to take a pain killer!!!! never do!!! I’m continuing to eat the greens (as well as all the mixed colours in salads) – drink my ruby red grapefruit juice – sweetened with apple juice – and I can’t wait to have my next bone density scan. Many blessings, Kelsey XXXX
You know I would rather be I. M. Free and I’m getting there. I quit taking Fosamax last Oct. and I’m doing so much better. I don’t feel heaviness on my legs and I’m moving much faster. I exercise on the treadmill and have for a lot of years (about seven now. My joints are feeling so much freer now. I will have my DEXA scan probably in the summer and I expect to see my T-score much better. The score was up the last time. I think it was -1.5. I don’t have osteoporsis. I have osteopenia.
I thank you for the Save Our Bones newsletters and I have shared them and the Bone Building Guide with my doctor. He appreciated my bringing them to him and he is in complete agreement for my taking myself off the Fosamax. I had taken it long enough he said. Over five years. I’m 72 years old.
Vivian,
Very good article. I M Free is definitely the woman we all want to be. I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis last year and my OBYGN gave me a prescription for Fosamax. Before filling it I read up on it and came upon your article. Thank God I did not take it! You were so right – I hear there is a debate going on now in the news about it and other drugs for Osteoporosis (just like you said would happen). I am following your program Save Our Bones and hopefully when I have my next bone density test, there will be an improvement or at least it will read the same. Thank you again for all your time and research to help so many women with this.
Good story Vivian,
But what if your bones also ache from osteoarthritis as well as osteoporosis, any means of relieving the pain from that? It also makes it somewhat harder to exercise as one would like!
Mary
I have osteoarthritis also Mary. It would be nice if we could learn more about this illness or is it treated the same as osteoporosis? I read every letter sent in. Vivian is doing such a wonderful job
of informing the people with the information they need to know. Thank you Vivian!
Flo!
It would be great to find out what would work for someone with osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. I also have both and it’s very painful but I’m not taking anything. I also have spodylitis and scoliosis. My spine is twisting and turning. Ouch! Any recommendations?
Dear Vivian:
I definitely be I.M. Free.
I was on actonel for about 3 years; and I had an awful lower back pain and my tooth were becoming separeted from my gums; I thought it was a result of chewing nuts.
I will never thank you enough Vivian for all your Articles that help people have a better life. I am glad I bought THE BONE HEALTH REVOLUTION !!!
Hello Vivian, I too was on Actonel for 5 years. During that time, my gums started bleeding and my right jaw hurt all the time. I also was diagnosed with IBS. Well, one year ago this month I decided that something was terribly wrong. I went off my Actonel and within three months my jaw didn’t hurt anymore, my gums weren’t bleeding and my IBS problem was decreasing. Now one year later, I’m feeling fine. However, I was diagnosed with RA last August, and am having trouble finding a drug that I can take. I read all your e-mails and follow your advice. I haven’t bought your book, maybe I should. I take calcium w/D for my bones and eat lots of Vitamin K foods. For my RA I am taking Alleve and Tylenol for my pain. Thank you for your advice. Katye
I can relate to that story in my own life just in the past year: Strange how my doctor/staff did not even catch the stress fracture near the pelvis on the first x-ray; even though it was in two places, but they did not even notice it until an MRI a few weeks later. Strange how only then did they then notice that I supposedly have osteoporosis. Strange how only after that blood test did they then have to supposedly take another one and find out that I have low testosterone level. Strange how that supposedly required a $300/month perscription. But where did I read that all this shrieking about low testosterone level means bad health and requires bank-breaking perscriptions is not even based on solid research? On a Mayo Clinic website itself!
No, I do not fill the osteoporosit medication nor the testosterone perscription; other than with tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, bananas, apples, . . .
Joel M. Wilson