Decisions, decisions, decisions! Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you didn’t have to make them? The answer is no.
You should welcome being in control of your decisions because nobody is more qualified to make bone health decisions for yourself than you.
But because you may not be sure of yourself, you might become stressed and anxious.
So today, I want to give you the five main reasons why you are more than qualified to make your own osteoporosis choices – regardless of what anyone else tells you…
Because you are a truth-seeker
Nothing can stop you from finding the truth. The mere fact that you are on this website proves it.
You want to discover the truth about your osteoporosis diagnosis, about the drugs you were prescribed, and everything else you need to know, so you can make an educated decision. While others blindly accept what they’ve been given and told, you are willing to go the extra mile.
This isn’t to say that you will actively disobey what your doctor tells you, but rather you would like to discuss your findings with him or her in an open and pleasant dialogue. As George Lundberg, M.D., executive vice-president and editor-in-chief of Medicalogic/Medscape states in an interview, “physicians need to welcome the idea of patients being interested in their own health.” Amen, George!
Because you question everything
You want detailed, common-sense information and you won’t settle for the proverbial “because I say so.”
You want to get to the bottom of things. But did you know that unlike you, most doctors don’t research the latest health information?
The US Department of Health and Human Services reports that “once a new piece of scientific evidence emerges as a medical advance, it takes up to 17 years before doctors routinely incorporate that information into how they practice medicine” (Comparative Effectiveness Research: What It Means for You, Carolyn M. Clancy, M.D, April 7, 2009).
In light of this, it surely does not look like a good idea to rely on your doctor for the latest information on any health topic, let alone osteoporosis.
Because only you know what your “normal” feels like
You know yourself better than anyone else, so you know when you’re just not feeling right. I receive many emails from readers about how doctors denied the side-effects they suffered while taking osteoporosis drugs, and flatly transferred the blame to another unrelated condition.
For example, many in our community wrote that when they complained of acid reflux while taking bisphosphonates (a common side-effect of those drugs), the doctor would blame it on stress, and handed out yet another prescription for an anxiety drug. More often than not, stories like these don’t have a happy ending… As the saying goes, “practice makes perfect”, and you have been practicing at being “you” since the day you were born.
Because you did not study Medicine
You see, Medical students immerse themselves in a wide array of complicated subjects, and they also need to memorize information on thousands of prescription drugs. The Physician’s Desk Reference has information on over 4,000 drugs, and the number keeps growing every year. Clearly, doctors are exposed to an overwhelming amount of data.
So it is not surprising that Dr. Barbara Starfield of the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health writes that there are about 250,000 iatrogenic deaths (physician-caused deaths) per year in the USA. Plus there are 12,000 unnecessary surgeries, 7,000 medication errors in hospitals, 20,000 “other errors” in hospitals, 80,000 infections acquired in hospitals, and 106,000 “non-error, negative effects of drugs.”
Alarmingly, medical-induced deaths are the third leading cause of death in the USA, after heart disease and cancer (B. Starfield, M.D., Journal of the American Medical Association, Is US health really the best in the world? July 2000).
Fortunately, you have an edge over any doctor because you only have to focus on your own health issues. If you've gone through the Osteoporosis Reversal Program and read the articles on this website, you most likely are already more of an expert on the truth about osteoporosis than your own doctor is!
Because you are self-sufficient
You know that your body is designed for health and not for disease, so you trust its ability to heal itself. Even a single microscopic cell in your body has more chemical processes going on than all the chemical factories in the world combined. Now multiply that by about 75 trillion, which is the approximate number of cells in your body, and you’ve got yourself an industrial complex the likes of which you’ll never see on our planet.
Indeed, osteoporosis prescriptions drugs are no match to what your osteoblasts and osteoclasts can do.
And let’s not forget that Nature also gives you a helping hand to improve your bone health. For example, there are approximately 8,000 bone-healthy plant polyphenols that can help increase the production of osteoblasts (Garie G. Duthie et al. Plant Polyphenols: are they the new magic bullet? Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 2003).
These powerful antioxidants are found in every day fruits like apples, cherries, cantaloupe, pears and grapes.
Conclusion
Now that you know that you are your best bone health decision-maker, it will help you achieve peace of mind. And then, a beautiful thing happens: along with the peace of mind comes less stress, better decisions, and better overall bone health. As I mentioned before, this website is testimony to your willingness to take responsibility for your bone health and to the power in your decisions – I'm glad you made it here.
Vivian
This is a very good website as you continue to add to our knowledge with various information. It did not stop with the book I “copied” but you are wonderful support with more and more information. Thank you
Sue W. ( age 70)
You are most welcome, Sue. I’m glad you enjoy the information! You can trust that I will continue to provide you with new information as it comes out and keep you up to date with new developments in bone health research.
I had left heel pain and discomfort at my left hip joint. Interestingly, I used to carry my mobile phone in my left pocket… doctor told me that my left heel is a result of my poor posture, and my left hip joint is scarred as well. After a course of treatment, pain got slightly better and I had removed my mobile from my left pocket as well. So far, my left hip feels fine, as good as new.
I had wondered why?? after reading your article, I got my answer. thanks Dr Vivian
Hi Vivian. I was diagnosed with osteo’ about 5 yrs ago after a private scan. Had a DEXA with NHS confirming and took Actonel for 4 yrs. I had 2 breaks in 12 months and was put on Aclasta infusion. I’ve had 2 sessions so far but shall refuse the next one. I was alerted to the dangers of the drugs as a friend got osteonecrosis after taking Fosomax so i looked on the net and found your book so now I am trying to follow your guidelines. One question, “why is it best to eat Romaine lettuce in preference to others?”
I wanted to see the answer regarding the romaine lettuace.
dont see an answer yet but I bet it is due to the additional “green”. I stay away from the traditional “ice berg” lettuce and have for years. I understand we are seeking COLOR in our veg and fruit.
Hi Jenny,
Romaine is much richer in nutrients than most other varieties of lettuce. As a comparison, romaine contains more than 10 times as much calcium as iceberg lettuce, more than 3 times as much Vitamin K, and more than 4 times as much folate.
Hi Vivian,
I am doing all I can to stay on the bone healthy program. I am sure it will be effective,as I have some background in nutrition and public health. What a relief to be off the biophosphonates for the last 6 months. It took 3 months for the esophageal syptoms to resolve. Had my throat checked for cancer, negative. Vision disturbances have gone, etc. My next scan is due later this year.
I appreciate your program. Thank you very much.
Hugo
Dear Vivian: Just last April 13, I got “Osteoporosis Reversal Program” book. My daughter Angelica Urdanivia paid for it with her credit card.
I feel very grateful in the first place with the Universe because puts you in my life. And the second place with you, because you are my Angel. You are my Light.
I send you may blessings for shering with me and other women your knowledment. I know your investigation has been very hard. Thank you for your honesty.
I always read all the valuable information that you mail me and, of course, I will read Save Our Bones Progran book too.
My warmly regards.
Nina.
Dear Vivian,
I agree with you and am a seeker of the truth about my body. I try to keep up to date. I appreciate the information you give. I have just begun the save my bones program and look forward to the values of my next bone density examination in about a year.
Mary Blomberg,
Stockholm Sweden
You are write about asking your doctor.
I Relly agree with what you have said.
I relly want to ask my doctor to be sure it is ok.
Your friend Virginia parka
Keizer Oregon
Hello Vivian,
I received my copy of Save Our Bones. I haven’t gotten very far yet, but seem to remember you talking about a website where you recommend the brand of supplements you like. Would you please give me that website again? I’m not sure that I am absorbing my calcium supplements and you mentioned marine algae.
Nancy
Dear Vivian,
I recently read ” Save Our Bones “and am
already following the Program. I also did
“Rapid Cleanse”.Needless to say I stopped
taking Actonel two months ago and that
makes me feel good !
I enjoy all your reports as every day I learn someting new.Keep up the good work !
Thanks for all your help.
Helen.
Dear Vivian,
I have read your great book and am currently
following the program. I have also
I would like to know how blueberries cranberries plums and prunes affect your bone density.
A couple of months ago, my Rheumatologist said I have Osteopenia after having a bone density test…not Osteoporosis yet, but he put me on Fosamax saying that I was at a high risk of breaking bones. I took it for about 5 weeks and started having side effects. That’s when I did research on it online and read your articles on your site about bone loss, etc. Sure enough my side effects were all there so I stopped taking the Fosamax. When I told my doctor, he wanted to give me a prescription for another med, but I refused telling him what I had learned. He kind of poo-pooed what I said but I stuck to my guns telling him that I was going to stick with taking Vitamin D and calcium. He wasn’t too pleased, but it’s my body. I really like all of the information that you provide on this site and the fact that you are trying to protect people from these drugs. Thank you.
Very good and necessary wake-up call.
We really need to understand how much we can accomplish by taking care of ourselves.
Thanks for helping.
Thank you for this wonderful, uplifting, and encouraging post. It is EXACTLY what I needed to hear. Thank you for all that you do. Keep it going strong!
I am totally confused as to the difference between plain bone loss and arthritis. When anything in my body pertaining to bone loss occurs my doctor calls it arthritis. I have lost both shoulders which I am helping through exercise, now one of my knees is acting up. Again, bone loss (arthritis). I am confused about taking injections, etc. Should I wait it out and try to heal with your program or what? Marian
Hi Marian,
If you have arthritis, it has nothing to do with bone loss. With arthritis, cartilage (not bone) gets inflamed and eventually degraded to varying degrees. Although the acid/alkaline balanced diet in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program can be helpful for many conditions, the program is specific to osteoporosis or osteopenia.
Hi Marian and Vivian,
Interesting you say that Marian,I have been told the same from my Dr’
Maybe they are generalizing,to explain the pain, not going into the detail of the pacifics of what really does happen.
Hi Viv,
I enjoy all of your correspondence. It has provided me with some very useful information.
Cheers, Barry.
I have purchased this program, but I keep getting purchasing ads.
I would love to buy your book but do not want to do so via my credit card.
Could I order it and send a check?
thank you for your information on bone
health.
Sure Millie! Here are instructions for ordering by mail with a check or money order: https://saveourbones.com/mail
We always hear about women and elderly men getting osteoperosis and hardly ever about young men.
My husband, 40 yrs of age has been diagnosed with severe osteo. He has had all the main test with good results. They found only his vitD to be low.Of course they want him to take medication which he hasn’t yet and hopefully he won’t.
I just want to know, if it’s normal for a young male adult to have this.
I’m very happy to have found this site as it has given me more faith. I don’t feel scared anymore and i’m more determined to becoming more healthy.
Thank you
Adriana
There are many of the above remarks that I would like to see your answers to. I was on Fosamax for some 10 years or more and one year on Eclasta infusion which is finished. Not on anything now. Should I carry on with the 2 Calcium with Vitamin D each day? Read an article that says that a calcium build-up is one of the causes of osteoporosis! Says to stop for 3 months to allow Magnesium to buildup in the body???? I was also on Zoton (pump inhibitor?) for reflux. Have stopped that too quite recently. Have Hiatus Hernia which caused the reflux but the Fosamax obviously helped it!!! Would appreciate answers as is all very confusing. Have had numerous fractures and quite recently a crushed vertebrae from having an Endoscopy.
I think your blog is right on. I was stressing about what to do when I found your website and ordered the program. Also hada good discussion with my Orthopedic Dr. ans he agreed to giving this program a trial for a year to a year and a half. Thank you.
Betsy
Thanks.Extremely valuable and interesting figures on medical deaths,errors.
This was a terrific article. indeed, I do like to be in charge of my bone health and it has indeed caused me much anxiety. Thanks to your website, the decisions are easier. Bev
I have a ‘high risk’ fracture score and have taken biphosphonates for 5 years. I also have a scholiosis and following an accident have had three lumbar surgeries including a spinal fusion and am really afraid of relying solely on diet and vitamin supplements.
Hi Vivian;
I agree with Cate’s comment – it is hard to go against accepting what the doctor says
unconditionally – we need to know that others
make their own decisions about their bone
health too, and have good reason to do so.
I ordered the book but don’t think my address
in Canada was accepted.????
I especially need a push to exercise, I feel
fine and was always quite fit but to build my
bones I have to take actionand be more
motivated. ’till next time.
Louise
A key to many people’s attitude to their doctors is your use of the phrase “that you will actively disobey what your doctor tells you.” We need to realize that doctors are not the boss. Your doctor is your employee, one with certain knowledge, opinions and approaches, but certainly NOT the source of truth, and NOT a person to be obeyed. We need to grow up and stop being intimidated by doctors. We now know that a significant amount of what they consider truth is very much open to question.
I agree – doctors hand out prescriptions too easily. Enjoying “Save Our Bones” immensely.
Thank you.
Thank you Vivian for your dedication to informing us about the downside
of drugs like Alendronate like I had been on for c. 5 years. A week after considering your information I took myself off the drug. I feel fine and strong. I disliked being on the drug from the first and am open to trying to do without.I think you say that at first, our osteoclasts, which have been suppressed for so long by the drug will take awhile to kick in and that the osteoblasts will be having a field day. How long before the osteoclasts restart the regeneration process? How much Calcium and D vitamins should we take daily?
I have not yet consulted my doctor and a close friend is skeptical.
I’m going to keep on trying to do without the drug, watch and feel
how my body is doing and within maybe 10 months go have another
bone scan to check the effects on my bones–which over the last few
years have become more porous–I’m 2 inches shorter than I was at
50. (I’m 59 now) Thanks for all you do! Ciael
With only two month on Boniva, my right knee was in so much pain, I had to walk up the stairs backwards….when I called my dr. he told me to stop it and when it heals, we will take it from there.
It took several months to rid the Boniva from my body….By the end of August I was pain free. I am thanking my lucky stars I found this program…..I am just loving it.
Warm Regards to Viv.
I was told I have “Osteopenia” in the right hip. TheDR. started to say what I should take. I said sorry I will not take any RX for it. Oh was the reply! But did not ask what I was doing.
So thank you Viv for your book.
Vivian, your comments are so true. It was almost like hearing myself!!!!!!. I can identify myself strongly. My own GP actually is extremely good. She listens as well as just hears me. She accepts my comments and questions; she will also answer honestly if she has no answer and will investigate my question and get back to me. She does not mind me questioning her treatment and suggesting alternatives. She welcomes i!
I am very fortunate to have a general practitioner who deals with me in this way As a medically retired vsocial worker, I would strive [whilst working] to encourage and facilitate people to takle charge and be in control of decisions about themselves; also to accept responsibility for them.
Thanyou again. Your work/ time/ effort is appreciated greatly.
Julie
Yes I agree very much with the idea that people should take reponsibility for their own body health and that no one is more aware of how they are feeling in their own skin. Doctors are too ready to prescribe drugs especially new ones on the market. What is the real reason behind this I can only guess. Now after a visit to the Drs I sought through the advise and prescriptions he has given me and decide for myself what I consider will benefit me.
Interesting article, has anyone read the book yet?
I never have had a bone dnsity test nor do I plan to nor do I take anything for my bones I just try to eat right get plenty of sun and exercise and by the way I have fibro still dont take anything [ I used to but no more ] ..Pills kill not heal !
One cannot generalize about all medication killing not healing . Over the top remark I feel.
Generally speaking, I agree that pharmaceutical drugs are not a blessing; however,there are a few that are life saving and I would not hesitate to use them..AFTER I have read everything about them and determined if they are really what I need. For me, that’s the whole ball game: What do I think about a drug. It is my body that’s on the line, not the doctor’s. I also research the nutrients I take, and buy only from the most reputable companies. Ergo, I stay mostly pain free as well as drug free.
I have borderline osteoporosis and was put on Fosamax and Adcal D3 straight away. I took them for 5 weeks before giving up, and 2 months on I still have acid reflux and heartburn, though it is gradually getting better. My doctor said don’t take them – 100 people would have to take Fosamax to perhaps save one fracture! She will order another dexa scan in 3 years and if there is deterioration then we will think of something else, but she supports me in trying to rebuild my bones by diet and exercise. But now I have blurring of my vision and realise it is probably caused by the Fosamax, even though I only took 6 tablets. Very worried, but I doubt I will convince anyone!
My doctor and I are going head-to-head over what she thinks is a good ‘fix’ for my osteoporosis as I’ve taken myself off Alendronate do to its many side effects. With the recommended supplements, eating right and doing the specific exercises from your site, on top of my regular exercises, I hope to prove her wrong in my next Dexascan. Keep up the good work.
Thank you so much for informing women about osteoporosis and all the “ramifications.” We need the truth that we’re not getting from our Drs., unfortunately. I haven’t personally taken any of the drugs, but my friends have and one’s legs broke out horribly after taking Fosamax. Plus, her Dr. had told her to stop taking all her vitamins before putting her on it! We live in Florida, and in the heat, she really suffered till it went away! Thankfully, she stopped taking Fosamax instead!
Thank you for this article. I did need to have someone tell me that I was on the right path. Doing what your doctor says unconditionally is a hard habit to break. I felt there was some thing not right about actonel and refused to take it. I will continue to be boss of my own bone health!
When I was first diagnosed with osteoporosis I took the drug Evista for 3 weeks, before I decided that this was not the way for me. Over the course of the next few years through diet, supplements, resistance weights, walking, and a progesterone cream, I reversed my score from -3.4 to -2.5. Unfortunately for me 2 years ago I became ill and then developed a cancer. My bone density became worse, and I have taken arimidex for 8 months. Due to the awful side effects this drug has had on me, I have stopped it, and am hoping that once again exercise and a good diet will reverse my osteo.
That was very good Vivian.
Seventeen years . . ??? that’s incredible. Still, especially elderly patients are very reluctant to question their physician’s pronouncements, prescriptions, dismissive attitude. Since it’s almost impossible to find a GP nowadays, I try not to anger my (opinionated) doctor; she might refuse to treat me on account of my “non-compliance” . . .
I hear what you are saying! When I told my PA that I was no longer taking Boniva, and what I had learned about the drug, she totally disagreed with me. I told her I was going with supplements and a healthy diet to try to improve my bone health. By the time my appointment was over I felt that she was angry with me! But that is her problem not mine. I still like her and value her opinion, but not in this particular situation.
I was taking Calcium Citrate and then read in the Save the Bones book that inorganic calcium was better. I bought Garden of Life Bitalmin Code Raw Calcium because it is supposed to be algae based. Since then I have read negative things about this product. What is the best possible calcium to take?
Sorry – Typo – it is Vitamin Code Raw Calcium.
The depots I have been reading are very informative. I was diagnosed with osteo approximately 6 months ago and was given a prescription I discontinued the prescription 4weeks ago I am so glad I did after reading what the side effects are. Thank you
Thank you for your reassurance. I have been diagnosed with Osteoporosis and for the past 1 @1/2 years I have been dealing with my treatment plan. I was unable to take boniva after 6 months, because of bowel problems, which I discovered myself and refusing to take Reclast on the suggestion of my physician. Now, after exercise suggested and checking my diet, and taking the vitamins and Caltrate as suggested am feeling almost back to my normal lifestyle. I am 79 years old and loving being alive and mostly healthy again. thank you.
Thankyou Vivian for your email. Perhaps one day hopefully Doctors will become more educated on natural health issues and not rely on the latest research by scientists and the pharmaceutical corporations promoting such medicines. I can at last talk to my doctor quite frankly about the decisions I have made regarding my osteoporosis and I hope that he may perhaps one day recommend natural solutions to his patients rather than those awful bisphosphonates. I think perhaps the general population have been brought up to think that doctors are like a god and not look to their own health. Very kind regards, Barbara Guthrie
Dear Vivian
I am rather dissapointed in that I order your “Save your bones” programme on 1st July and I still have not received it despite the fact that the money has been charged to my credit card. It is hard to understand why it is taking so long. I know I live in England but hat is no excuse for waiting for nearly three week. I hope you will be able to look into this and resolve it as soon as possible. Thank you
Best wishes
Andy Leonidou
22 Burcorr Road
Purley
Surrey
CR8 4AA
United Kingdom
I too waited six weeks and no book came I got in touch with the support team and they are sending me another hope it arrives soon.
I AM NOT INTERESTED IN … *FACEBOOK
Armed with all the information you have given in your book, as well as online, you have given me the courage to go on without Fosamax. Thank you.
Hi Vivian
Thank you for another great article. While I was on Actonel I had developed a great deal of pain in both hips and my leg muscles to the point I couuld barely walk. On a scale of 1-10 it was an 11.The doctor took x-rays and ultra sounds and found nothing other than a bit of arthritis. No explaination for the severe pain. I read your book and stopped taking it and the pain is all but gone. I walk several miles a day as well as roller blade eight miles home from work with very little pain. I had a saying for a while that pain was my new best friend. The pain hurt so much I new I was alive because dead people did not hurt this much. Thank you for this. I can not figure out why I have Osteoporosis. I have been doing most of the things in your book before I read it and still have this imbalance and according to my last bone density scan a couple of months ago it is still getting worse. What else can be taking the calcium out of my bones? I have found no help on the internet so far.
Yours truly
William
I am a man of 56 with osteoporosis and there is a lot of overwhelming information on the Internet.
As a biochemist, I came to this ‘recipe’ multivitamin and minerals (the best being mercola.com or douglas’ ultrapreventive X or Usana’s Essentials.
Then I add vitamin K2 100 mg (NowFoods at iherb.com), also I make certain I get 1000 mg Calcium and about 500 mg magnesium, completing what is already present in the multivitamin and minerals, silicon in organic form Biosil is good, Milk Basic Protein from AOR, onions every day, and finally X-Factor Gold from Green Pastures.org (concentrate of butter oil from organic butter from grass fed cattle).
Also I measure my urine’s acidity making certain it is not acid by choosing food that is alkaline.
Exercise : walking 1 hour per day with weights in each hand, increasing the weights, plus stationary bicycle 15 minutes each day.
I am now adding a new kind of exercises : warm up 3 minutes so the hearts beats at about 110 per minute then 8 cycle of 30 seconds high intensity so the hearts beat at about 220- age, it feels as if you could not do more than 30 seconds, then 90 seconds recuperating with moderate intensity. This is makes the body produce growth hormone, but to get that the 8 cycles must be done. And do not eat carbohydrates for the next 2 hours after these exercises as they will shun the hormone production.
Checking with your doctor for this before.
I have definetly made my decision about drugs for bone building. No more fosomax, boniva, or forteo for me. Heal thyself.
After 2 years, 3 vertebral fractures, 2 inches height loss, & an increasingly severe osteoporosis BMD since 2003 (which actually began many many years prior with dental problems), today at 2 pm the nurse will come to instruct me re: Forteo injections. This was NOT an easy decision. Having studied nursing & been previously “abused” by medical profession, having a doctor step father who was addicted to drugs & a distrust of pharmaceutical companies added to one month of inept, inefficient uninformed personnel at the Eli Lilly Foreteo Connect office. However, having found 2 doctors who understand, share & compassionately tolerated my 2 years of very technical questions combined with an insurance company willing to pay the cost and a economic lifestyle that causes me to live month to month after having once come from a wealthy background, I made this choice. For those interested in my progress, please feel free to communicate. I plan to keep a daily journal & am attempting to connect with other Forteo users. This is a difficult task, since there are HEPA privacy laws & at the moment no osteoporosis support groups. However, a woman I met at a seminar, contacted the Osteoporosis Foundation in Washington & discovered it will assist us in setting up such a group….I am soliciting for a as many prayers as I can get and am trying to manifest that this drug will help to grow bone, not make me sick or kill me.
It’s your choice but do you really want thicker bones which may become more brittle in future? If they actually interfere with bone building why take these, as this is the source of the problem. You can stop taking things which break down bone but the main thing is to build new bone surely? Carole.
Interesting comments…the major impression is that everyone’s situation is different. The Osteoporosis Reversal Program provides a good deal of useful information and this article reinforces the concept that each individual can take from it what works for her/him. I am working toward dicontinuing Actonel as well as an acid reflux medication…my doctor has a balanced, common sense approach, as does my dentist, and both have been most helpful. It might be that the medical profession here in Canada has a bit different attitude to drug prescriptions from their US counterparts? Thanks to Vivian for interesting articles, which send me onto further internet research.