It can be great fun to get spooked. A few years ago, my sons and I set up a makeshift haunted house in our backyard complete with strobe lights, fake fog, and Halloween background music. My middle son acted as the tour guide, and would walk groups of visitors through the backyard. Little did they know that my other sons and their friends were waiting behind trees and inside plastic chests to give a good haunting.
As the tour neared the end, I handed out Halloween treats in a witch’s costume, and sent the “trick or treaters” on their way. It was a big hit in the neighborhood, and the mosquito bites made sure that it would not be forgotten quickly!
The Trick and Treat Tactic
Much like a haunted house, your osteoporosis or osteopenia diagnosis can be a startling experience.
Unfortunately, most doctors rather play “trick AND treat” instead of “trick OR treat.”
The doctor’s “trick” usually goes like this: “you now officially have the disease osteoporosis, and if you don’t take the medicine, you will fall, break a bone, and die.” The doctor usually follows up his or her “trick” with a “treat”: “Here’s your drug prescription… just take it – it will treat your osteoporosis.”
Your heart is pounding (I know mine was), thinking that you’ll have to take a prescription drug for many years. And rather than you leaving a haunted house with tasty treats, you leave your doctor’s office with a scary disease you didn’t think you had before you entered, and a prescription to fill.
It's Time to “Disown” the Disease
You see, mainstream medicine wants you to identify with disease – to take ownership of “your osteoporosis” – so they can hold you captive to their treatment. The idea behind this is that you’ll surely rush to the pharmacy, fill “your prescription”, and come back for more. Because after all, you have a disease, right?
WRONG! Because as I wrote in a related post, osteoporosis is not a disease; osteoporosis is your body telling you that you have a nutritional imbalance that is easy to correct without ever taking toxic drugs.
So instead of taking ownership of a disease, I want you to take ownership of your health. Below I give you valuable tips to help you achieve this.
Take Responsibility for Your Bone Health
Conventional medicine wants you to rely on an outside source, such as prescription drugs, to “cure” you. And when one drug fails, there will always be another one. When you are in control of your bone health, you seek solutions where you are in control, not the drugs.
Focus on a Long-Term Plan
It’s so tempting to give in to the “quick-fix” that doctors offer. One little pill, one IV infusion, and you’re good to go…till the next one. In reality, these are only temporary solutions that don’t improve your health; they may actually worsen it. A long-term natural plan is the best way to insure success with your bone health.
Educate Yourself
Knowledge is power, and it is your biggest ally in the quest for your bone health strategy.
Be Willing to Make Changes
Be open minded and flexible so you can implement changes that can help you achieve your bone health goals. And it is not difficult to do it because even small changes can make a huge difference.
Have Realistic Expectations
Remember that it took you many years to get to the bone loss you have now, so don’t expect a complete turn-around in an unrealistically short time.
Be Positive and Believe in Yourself
Your attitude can make a big difference in the success of your bone health and overall health. Recently, researchers found a definite link between pessimism and its negative effect on health:
A study by researchers in the Netherlands has found that people who are temperamentally pessimistic are more likely to die of heart disease and other causes than those who are by nature optimistic.
Source: Yet Another Worry for Those Who Believe the Glass Is Half-Empty [New York Times Article]
Stay positive and don’t forget that the difference between can and cannot are only three letters. Three letters that determine your life's direction.
Share Your Experience
Have you experienced an osteoporosis or osteopenia “trick and treat” when you visited your doctor? Feel free to share it with us by submitting your comment below.
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I had the same experience that Vivian and others have had when they were told that they needed to be on osteoporosis drugs. My doctor knew how I felt about NOT taking the drug, but gave me the lecture and wrote out a prescription and handed it to me. I didn’t have it filled. I tried to convince my girlfriend on how dangerous these drugs were. She didn’t want to take them, but her doctor put a scare in her and had his nurse call her on the phone to let her know that she needed to take these. She had the injection , so far, so good, but its only been two weeks for her. Time will tell.
YouTube
I am waiting for my 1st infusion of Aclasta- after reading different comments; not so sure to go ahead now???
Hi all,
I am really interested to follow up any connection between Melatonin and Osteoporosis. I have lead a healthy life style, good nutrition and enough exercise and none of the risk factors. To be suddenly told I had osteoporosis of the spine when I felt like a healthy 65 year old was like suddenly zapping me into the frame of a fragile old woman. I’d had to have a scan because I had broken my ankle. I’d recovered quickly and was soon back into action and had congratulated my body for the quick healing. Things didn’t fit – my blood tests were all fine as well – it was just this new “disease” I had been given – it all didn’t stack up. When I saw the note about Melatonin, I thought – wow – is this the missing link? Guess what? I have always slept with a light nearby and never in the real dark!! I wonder how many other people with the same diagnosis have done the same? It would be interesting to find out.
By the way, I am refusing the Fosamax and started in earnest with the nutrition, exercise programme straight away and I thank “Save our Bones” for supporting me on this. I am looking at it as a wake up call and a new lease of life with more exercise and excellent nutrition following 80% 20% as well as food combining. I’m not forgetting some necessary extra supplements as well and from now on I am sleeping with the lights off!!
Felicity
I am writting to you due to the issue taht my mothe ris having L back pain which are moving from one side to te other of the back. As a medical history we went through an surgery for a disc on teh spine and in addition cimentation was done at three levels.
Under strontium + Ca medication, the bone density loss was more tahn 10% in a 24 month. We are now taking Bonviva and Ca but the pain is still there. Is it any advise that you can offer to us ? We are also having diabet and we are having 4 times/ day insulin treatment.
i was diagnosed with osteoporosis 3 years ago & was at first given tablets,then i went on to infusions & stopped the tablets.i have now been told by my doctor i have nt got osteoporosis ,but i have got osteropenia,have i done myself any harm taking the tablets & infusions?
I stopped taking a medication for osteopenia for two reasons: (1) I got tired of the time delay issue and how it threw off schedules for other medications which seem a little more pressing, and (2) I suspect that the medication was allowing bone thickening where I didn’t need it causing unnecessary pain in my hands.
I was at my GYN and she sent me for a bond density test because i am thin and light complected which i always was and i was low so she gave me sample of evista 60mil. i took one after i ate i had such pain in my right breast and back i could hardly stand it and it burned i have a heart murmur to begin with and a touchy system i can’t take a lot of drugs.
i called she said there is nothing in it that would cause this but that’s the only medicine i took i only take vitamins i am on vagifem the lowest dosage they tryed taking me off harmones totally and i doesn’t work for me i am a mess. than after the pain wore off i had the shakes i was a nervous wreck my heart was
racing, i don’t need this i am 58 5’6″ and about 130 i work in a warehouse and it’s a physcial job to begin with walking and lifting heavy stuff but i know my limits anymore, i exercise but i work third shift so i don’t sleep and eat normal and i am sleeping when others are out enjoying the sunlight is there anything i can take or do that’s natural i hate taking prescriptions too many side affects all they do is mess you up more.
thanks marilym
Has anyone used Protelos 2 grams a day?
What if any are the benefits or side effects?
yes, i have been taking protos (strontium ranelate) 2 gms a day for almost 3 months now for osteoporosis and vertebral fractures. i have not had any side effects and could not find any information that it is harmful.
I have recently been diagnosed with Coeliac Disease. This was followed by a DEXA scan as standard practice. I had a phone call from the doctor (not my regular unfortunately as she is on sabbatical ) and he more or less said “Your results say you have osteoporosis. Therefore you must take some tablets once a week for the next 5 years. Oh and you’d better have some calcium tablets too.” Well I was a bit upset and when I searched online about these tablets called “Alendronic Acid” I was shocked and dismayed at the possible side effects. I picked them up from the chemist, but have refused to take them. I am taking the calcium/Vit D though. The next day I phoned the National Osteoporosis Society Helpline and they did a Risk Assessment for me and I’m in the GREEN, only slightly osteoporosis and osteopenia and shouldn’t have been prescribed anything, just given advice and reassurance! The doctor didn’t ask me any questions about my health or background, just handed out these dangerous drugs. I’m so glad we have the internet these days and I have the common sense to be able to use it to research these things. I don’t gamble with money – I’m not going to gamble with my health! Anyway, then I found SaveOurBones and everything made so much sense. I am already making changes to my diet following my CD diagnosis, so this is just a step further. I have sent off for the pack but haven’t received it yet (you may have guessed I’m in the UK). Anyway that’s my story so far, it’s been a turbulent few months and I expect the next few will be interesting too!
Recently had a bone density to compare to normal one almost nine years ago after breast cancer & stopping hormone replacement. The report said I had ostopenia my Dr. shrugged & said the test was not all that accurate & I had not lost that much . We went over results together. Due to severe degenerative discs in back he had ordered bone density & keep doing Taoist Tai Chi . The more the better.He will order another density in two years so I would like it to show improvement. As a former nurse I do not trust mainstream medicine. Have read Kevin Trudeau books.I will be adding save Our bones book & programme to my library.
Hi Vivian,
I was diagnosed with osteoporosis in 2002/3. and have been regularly taking Alendronic Acid weekly. I tried to be very active, going to a gym, doing Yoga etc. (i am now 76!) but a dislocation in my lumbar spine has slowed me down, and i stick to exercises given by my physiotherapist.
I am worried about difficulty in swallowing.
Will it be safe for me to go off Fosamax at this stage, continue with calcium, exercise and a good diet?
Sujatha
After finding your program online, I went to my doctor with a plan that didn’t include osteoporosis drugs…and much to my relief he was fine with it! Without the knowledge you share, I wouldn’t have known any better and probably would have filled that Rx…thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.
Hi Vivian I am reading a lot about this condition from you. Mine isnt very bad Thank goodness. But my Dr, put me on Fosamax and it wasnt working so i read your letters and they were telling on the news that all of these pills were bad for your body so i went to my Dr. and told him about it and i ask him if it would be alright to quit taking Fosamax He said sure so i havent for two months now. and i feel a lot better by not taking it. I stayed on 1200 mgs of calcium and 400 mgs of vitamin D. So i feel better knowing i am not puting Fosamax in my body. I want to THANK YOU Vivian for puting your expieriences on the Internet. It sure made me think. I only took Fozamax for four months. Thanks again Norma.
Hi Miss Vivian, I read your book on Osteoporosis Reversal Program I found it very informative. I too was found to have a moderate esteopenia. I do not believe of these findings. I am 75 yrs. old and in the best shape. Even my MD when I went for a routine (phisical)every year. I just got back for my 4 mile walking I go every 2 or 3 days, also I own my house and when it comes to clean it is a big job. My problem is that I have IBS and dairy products,do no like my body does not absord them. I just started drinking Almond milk, I try to eat cottage cheese very low in calories and then I start to have a gassy stomack. Also I just started to take Strontium Bone Maker that one of my girlfriends is taking it, she has Osteoporosis, Miss Vivian I have never smoked in my entire life I do not drink coke, pepsi, al those drinks will rub bone from your body. That’s why I was shocked in my findings, I know I am 75 years old my weight is only 136 and I am tall 5/6 and a half so what is the problem?.
Thank you for reading my problems.
I am a 53, post-menopausal woman. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis 3 years ago. At that time I was taking a multi-vitamin and calcium supplement. Last Sept. (9/09) I fell over a rope in a parking lot and ended up with an acetabular fracture (pelvis cracked three places) hip is slighly pushed in now. I was put on fosomax but couldn’t tolerate it. I have had many fractures in the past, but this one was the worst. 4 months recovery/2 months PT. I want to prevent further fractures, but I’m afraid to take osteo medications. I’m ordering your book and hope it will help me get this under control
Yes, I am on Prednisone for the remainder of my life to prevent a solid organ transplant rejection. They put me on bisphosphanates to prevent osteoporosis as a side effect of Prednisone and ending up in a wheelchair.
Will The Save Our Bones program help me even though I take Prednisone?
Thank you for all of this information and help!
Christy
On 27th November I had an Aclasta Infusion. Since that date I have experienced increased pain particularly in my right hip.
My friends all say that it is cruel to deny poor little old ladies their tea, chocolate, and krumpets, etc. Cruel to be kind, I suppose. Because, if we are to be healthy we must eat like rabbits. That is very hard to do for women with families that do not believe that nutritional prudence has any effect; and most people do not. I spent a weekend explaining to my husband and his mother how important it is to avoid bad foods. The responded by bringing me a chocolate moose and whipped creme cake. My mother in law who is 80 says she does nothing for her osteopenia and she is still going strong. So, it is hopeless to convince some people; and it is a lonely battle to travel this disciplined path. Altho, I sometimes fall off the wagon, I feel the effort and striving is worth it.
Thanks Vivian for this brilliant article.
I also believe that bisphosns drugs are dangerous because they are inorganic compounds similar to industrial cleansers; and also no one knows the effect of taking bisphosns for 30 years. The women taking them today are the “guinea pigs”–big pharma has sneaky ways of making humans experimental subjects with virtually no liability. If I understand right, bisphosns actually make bone weaker over time as they prevent healthy new bone from forming. Who wants bones like caked up Ajax cleanser?
So, I agree that the best way is to treat this problem nutrtionally. However, the entire society is anti health; just go to any mall, grocery store, even coupon specials and ads and there are temptations galore. It takes an iron will and discipline to abide by the rules; and what is one to do when there are birthday parties, holidays, etc. with acid treats galore? Very difficult indeed.
Two years ago I broke my hip. The operation went wrong and I had to have the pin taken out and another half hip replacement put in. The doctor at the clinic said I probably had osteoporosis. He made me an appointment. Fortunatel, the appointmet had to be cancelled as the clinic was closed for the day, so I took this as a sign from above and never went near the place again. Instead I read Vivian’s book and am so glad that appointment was cancelled. A friend of mine told me how ill she felt and I asked her if she was on Fosomax by any chance, she said she was. I gave her Vivian’s book to show to her doctor and he took her straight off the tablets. He said she would not begin to feel better for quite a time, but she felt better within two weeks.
Hi Vivian,
I really have a question. In your book Chapter 9), action step 5, you advised that fluoride is a pesticide fed to rats. Is fluoride in toothpaste healthy/good for use? If I use toothpaste without fluoride, would my teeth be damaged or weaken? I found a natural toothpaste which does not contain any flouride and want to start using it. Please advise.
thanks….Nirmala
Hi Nirmala,
I recommend using toothpaste WITHOUT fluoride.
The many letters could have been condensed. I am wondering about Fosomax and Forteo. The side effects are alarming. What other research has been done on these two drugs?
Hi Vivian 🙂
Sorry for delay in responding, but we have just come home from our holiday in Lanzarote.
There I got the BEST MEDICINE EVER without taking drugs…. continual sunshine AND dancing until the wee sma hours 🙂 Vitamin D and exercise, good healthy eating, nothing can beat it.
I stopped taking meds for my osteoporosis and have never looked back. Like many of your readers who leave comments, I too was prescribed… Alendronic Acid, Fosavance and then went on to Bonviva.
I only wish that I had heard in 2006 when I was prescribed these drugs exactly what they were doing to my body, then I could have saved myself a lot of stress and heartache when I went to the dental hospital. There they refused to treat me for the insertion of Titanium Implants until I went through many tests to check my bone density and ability to have the procedure done. It took almost a year. Now I have started this procedure… thank goodness… and I am healing well.
Thank you Vivian for your continual help to take more control of our own bodies, and not rely on those terrible drugs.
as always
best wishes from Bonnie Scotland 🙂
Marysia
Hello everyone – especially those in GB – I would like to be in contact with those in UK community fighting osteo without drug companies using us as their trials! I have done a lot of research and nearly all independant trials back Vivian’s work.More power to your elbow – and other bones! Thanks to her I am more confident in takling my GP who was very alarmist. I have changed – you don’t have to take the drugs! If anyone wants to make contact in GB – let me know. Thanks Mary
Hi Mary, I’m in G B and would like to relate my findings with others with the same diagnosis.
Felicity
I was diagnosed with osteopenia at age 52, and was told I had to take Fosomax. Being leary of drugs, I started researching it and found your site. I did not fill the presciption. I am very active and exercise regularly, and have made a few changes to my diet. When I went back to my ob-gyn a year later she asked how I was doing on the meds, and I told her I wasn’t taking it. She gave me a lecture, and insisted I HAD to take it. I told her what I had researched and what I was changing to try to improve my bone density, and she basically told me that this information is all false and if I don’t take this medication I am headed on a downward spiral, etc. I finally told her if it makes her happy, write out another preciption and I’ll think about it. Well, I still haven’t filled it, and I think next year when I go for my annual exam I will request a different doctor. I think after two years they will send me for another bone scan, then we will see if there has been any change.
Thank you for giving me the knowledge and courage to resist taking these drugs.
My son-in-law lost a kidney to cancer 10 years ago. He also had an auto accident in 2005 that caused a compression fracture in his back. He kept complaining about his left hip hurting but his doctor would not order an x-ray. It turned out that his hip was “dead” and he needed hip replacement surgery. Two months after the hip replacement, he had a seizure and had to have the hip redone. Three years after the first auto accident, he passed out or had a seizure on his way to work and crushed both legs and his left ankle. He was then diagnosed with osteopenia. He kept having seizures, even passed out in the doctor’s office. His wife couldn’t wake him up Christmas morning. They ran all kinds of tests on him at the hospital but couldn’t find out what was wrong. When they gave him a magnesium drip, he woke up. It turns out that his doctor had him on blood pressure medicine that was robbing his body of magnesium that caused the osteopenia. He had another seizure several weeks ago and broke his femur. He is full of metal and in a lot of pain and he is only 44 years old. He has been taking magnesium, calcium and vitamin D. I don’t know why his bones are crushing so easily and what he can do to strengthen them. Any suggestions?
I was prescribed Fosamax about 6 or 7 years ago after osteoporosis was confirmed, with the T score in my spine being -2.5 or slightly under. After being on Fosamax for several years this was changed to Alendronic Acid which I believe to be the cheaper alternative of the same drug. Some time after being on this I began to get aches and pains in my left side. I went to see my GP who couldn’t find anything wrong and dismissed my concerns.
I tried two other doctors in the practice with the same result and began to feel they thought that I was imagining this.
Two years ago I had a flare up of inflammation of the bowel and because I had experienced this years ago after the death of my father(and incidentally had cleared it up with diet
after reading a very helpful book) I was put on
steroid enemas for 3 months. I said to my GP that I believed this drug had caused the problem. She said she was unaware of any problems relating to the bowel but knew of the possible digestive problem!!! I was under the impression that I could not come off this drug without a serious loss of bone and was extremely anxious. I then asked if I could have Zolendronic Acid infusion instead as this would bypass the problem of digestion. What a huge mistake this has turned out to be as I had my second infusion in July this year and was very under the weather with exhaustion and then a stiff neck. Needless to say I won’t be taking this again but feel the damage has been done. I now have pain in my ribs and under my left breast, also my right side is aching but not so badly.
I’m trying to gather all my resources to challenge the GP’s – who are really not interested. I kept thinking I had broken my ribs but of course hospitals do not x-ray ribs but simply hand you a slip of paper saying you have probably broken or fractured a rib, and to take pain killers!!!!!
Sorry to be so long winded.
Alice Gibson
check out shingles – this causes pain that you may be experiencing
I think it’s so sad that a whole generation of women has to spend their collective time–what should be their good years!–thinking about osteoporosis! Our mothers and grandmothers never had bone density tests, and ignornace truly is bliss. Now this test, that so many women are bound to “fail,” comes with a big BOO!–If you don’t take the drugs, three different doctors told me, you’ll fall, break a bone, be in a wheelchair in 10 years. I had just retired when I heard this news. Because the docs really did scare the bee-jeezus out of me I did try the Fosamax for a few weeks until it made me sick, like it does so many women. Same old story! But here’s what I find interesting: I fell off my bike not too long ago and thought–Oh, boy, this is it. Surely, with this “disease” I must have broken a bone. But no! Bruises only! However a friend who IS on Fosamax fell not too long ago, and she DID break a bone. Hmmm! What is not right in this picture?? I believe Vivian is on to something with all she says in her book. I’m trying to concentrate on nutrition and daily exercise, which really I’ve been doing my whole life anyway. I do the calcium and vitamin D, take a multiple vitamin. But I refuse to give up all fun; I enjoy my wine. By the way! Biking is good for those hips. I’ve read this, and it has been my own personal experience; my bone density tests show improvement in that area since I started biking 10 miles a day every other day (easy rides, flat roads). But I’m done with bone density tests. I’m ready for some of that blissful ignorance our grannies enjoyed.
I have multiple food and substance [chemicals, chlorine in water etc.] allergies, was diagnosed with osteoporosis in 2004. I took Fosamax for 4 years until my stomach yelled a big, ‘No more!]. Had an Aclasta transfusion in April this year.[Couldn’t walk for 2 weeks. Consultant said it was dehydration]. Lost a couple of teeth! Now also have arthritis in neck and shoulders. Have started the arthritis diet: basically a lot more alkaline than acid food. Have a healthy diet. Could you tell me please if the arthritis diet would be ‘good enough’ to also treat osteoporosis. I take calcium, vit B complex, Evening Primrose oil, fish oil and Vit C. Am still on HRT. When I stopped also could not walk, as sinovial fluid had stopped being produced naturally. Knees were dreadful. Am eating loads of vegetables [terribly windy!], fish, [do not tolerate chicken], some fruit. Have already discovered plantain and yam. Herb teas, chicory, dandelion teas, a small ‘real’ coffee rarely now, although I adore it. Any advice will be welcome. Am 61. In pain. Never had any pain before I started osteoporosis treatment! Could walk miles, carry heavy rucksack etc. Now even a small shoulder bag is intolerable! Thank you in advance. Sue Best wishes.
I forgot to say that there was improvement when taking Fosamax. I went from having osteoporosis to having osteopenia. After the 8 months of no Fosamax I was found to have gone back to having ospeoporosis. I have not bought your book, but note in an email below mention of 80;20, so I guess I’m on the right track with trying to reestablish a good alkaline:acid balance. I do Pilates and Yoga once a week each and do loads of walking. Because my shoulders and neck are so sore I cannot weight lift at present. But where there’s a will, there’s a way. XS
I was advised by a MD who is also an alternative practitioner to stop taking Evista for osteoporosis as I had blocked arteries in my leg My regular Doctor prescribed Actonel one a month, I took the first tablet on 1st Sept 2009 the next day I was limping on my left foot I had an operation on my foot about 3 years ago and had fully recovered until then. The next day I had trouble getting out of bed as my back felt like it was compressed and the pain was unbearable, nothing I took would dull the pain and I was on crutches in the mornings to move around the house. The pain got worse I went back to my Doctor who told me to take panadol, this did no good so after about 10 days I went to the local hospital, the doctor gave me painkillers while I was there, they didn’t work, he also took a large amount of blood for testing and some heavy painkillers that finally gave some relief I could not function each day until the painkillers kicked in. The blood test showed that my body was inflamed and was attacking my joints. It is now 2nd Nov (64) days. The medication I was given for the inflammation worked in lowering the pain and I am gradually lowering the dose but on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the worst pain during this time) I still would rate the pain I am in at 7. I just have to hope there is no permanent damage and that I can lead a normal life again soon. I am 67 years and was a very active person until that fateful day 1st Sept 09.
There is a class action in the US against this product for ONJ (osteonecrosis) or dead jawbone. An internet search for Actonel Class action will give all details.
Why is this drug still being prescribed when the side effects are so dreadful?. I also found a blog relating to side effects suffered by other people. I will be using only natural preventatives such as fish oil calcium and exercise (if I recover)in future.
Merl Stuart
Vivian,
I’m a 55 year old male and took a DEXA last year because my height dropped from 6′ to 5’11”. The result showed a T score -3.8. Virtually without any further tests or diagnosis my doctor wrote a script for Fosamax. I was admitted to the hospital 3 days after my first dose with crippling pain. After pressing my doctor for a better reason as to why a 55 year old male, weighing 155 lbs, who is on a vegeterian diet and exercises regularly has severe osteoporosis he decided to take further tests. The additional tests indicate primary hyperparathyroidism. My question to you is, can your method help build bone density for people with my diagnosis?
I just received a follow-up bone density test, and was shocked that I still have osteoporosis in my hip. I have been lifting weights regularly for two years and expected to see increased bone density from it. Also I took Fosamax for 1 1/2 years until the side effects bothered me too much. My doctor has been away and of course the temporary fill-in doctor wants me to see her as soon as possible. I dread going to the doctor because I know it will be doom and gloom.
I have been on actonel for a few years now and just found out that after pushing for an x ray, I have infiltrates going on in my bones. I had a fall last February on the left hand side and only got one shoulder x-ray. The multiple fractures showed up seem to be on the left hand side only. I have not been the same since that fall. I am an aromatherapist, and treating my leg myself. It will never be 100%. I am currently awaiting results of blood and urine tests to see what is infiltrating my bones. I have had my tears, and now want to fight back. I am having dental work done and tackled my doctor about this jaw thing, and he suggested I should not take actonel for two weeks before the dentists and two weeks after. That told me a lot! I have actually given your website details to this particular doctor. I shall let you know the results of my tests when I go on Thursday next.
WE SHoULD BE WORRIED …. my dentist would not say anything outloud, but his hygenist told me thay have gone to many conferences about what these drugs are doing to people and they were smiling and happy that I have chosen to go off the actonel. the problem is what is better? I am getting scared.
I read a drug leaflet recently that
said if my T score was -3
that I have already had “fractures”
Of course i have complained in the past of back pain, but only was given pain killers.
I started exercising and I have pain in my back again and i suspect a fracture. This is very scary.
I have osteoporosis and arthritis. I took Fosamax for over 5 years and my oteoporosis worsened. Even worse, when I had my last dexa scan, there was a type o; 4.0 percent bone loss was typed as 40 percent and my gp sent me straight to an RA doctor who laughed at the type o, but tried to talk me into a daily injectable drug I would have to self administer for 2 years. When I refused this after reading about the possible side affects, he ordered all kinds of expensive labs then put me on prescription vitamin D for 3 months. I have low back pain, but I do not want to go to the doctor, cause it will mean the same run around all over again. I am active and I keep my weight down. I take extra calcium and vitamin D and I eat a calcium and iron rich diet. I also walk 2 miles 3 times a week. What else can I do?
Thank you! I will be off to my local health food store in London, England and hope they stock Juice+!
Vivian
Thanks for your upbeat and empowering e-mails. Thanks for sharing what you have learned with others. You have inspired me!
What do you think about “Reclast” (zoledronic acid)?
My doctor says he rarely uses this med. He still wants me to use Fosamax, I said no!
Newton
Hi Newton,
Zoledronic acid is a bisphosphonate administered intravenously. Most of the osteonecrosis cases reported are linked to it. And if you have bad side-effects, there is nothing you can do because it is a one year dose.
YES! Even though I had no obvious reasons for severe osteoporosis at 52, it was recommended by my PCP and GYNO to take Actonel. I suffered a severe reaction to the drug, which I describe as “not being able to move after 30 hours due to intense muscle tightness.” Neither doctor even asked about my reaction and just described Reclast!! When questioned again about not having obvious symptoms, my GYNO said…”you’re a woman.” I now see a new GYNO who has discovered that I have an abnormal parathyroid and referred me to an endocrinologist. After reading the parathyroid website I have 50% of the symptoms, including a high level of calcium in my blood. Neither doctor knew what that meant or bothered to learn what it meant.
Hi Vivian:
I, took am a very positive 77 year old and have been following your book which as I said is my Bible. I also have Scoliosis and fortunately do not have any pain. I saw my specialist last week and was so pleased to hear that my curvature has not worsened since my last xray in 2008. He told me to keep eating well, take calcium, Vit. D and continue with my weight lifting and stretching exercises which I do three times a week. He feels, as I do, that this practice has kept me pain free. I am not pleased with my appearance but keep a very positive outlook. I am due for my bone density test in Feb. 2010. Keep your emails coming. I do enjoy hearing from you. Anne
First I want to say “Thank You” for making time for so many of us that need your expertise.
I
I’ve read it in magazine ads and now see it on TV:
“After the age of 50, about half of women will have a fracture related to osteoporosis in their remaining lifetime.”
How can they make this statement, as it certainly conflicts with all that you’ve said in your book and emails. How do we respond to our doctors when they give us this information?
Warning: that statement is based on a fracture risk assessment, relying on short-term studies, not on actual number of fractures. The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) writes this information on its website, so it is considered “reliable”. Never mind that they don’t give the source for it…
To give you an idea of how ridiculous a fracture risk study can be, here’s one example, published in no less than the Journal of the American Medical Association (National Osteoporosis Risk Assessment, December 2001):
“Risk factors for osteoporosis included a history of previous fractures, mother’s history of osteoporosis or fracture, cigarette smoking, and use of certain drugs, such as adrenal corticosteroids. On the other hand, reduced risk of osteoporosis was found among women who were heavier, were current users of estrogens, or WERE REGULAR ALCOHOL USERS.”
I highlighted the most ridiculous statement in caps. First, it wrongly states that osteoporosis is inherited, while reliable scientific data clearly shows that it is not. I will cover this important topic at a later date.
The incredible statement in this study is that women who drink alcohol on a regular basis are at a REDUCED RISK of getting osteoporosis????
This shatters all possible credibility. Meanwhile, studies show that most hip fractures happen in people who don’t have osteoporosis, regardless of age. (You can read about this study in my free Natural Bone-Building Guide).
And guess who are the corporate funders of the National Osteoporosis Foundation?
Here’s the list:
Amgen
BioScience Communications
Edelman
Eli Lilly
General Electric
GlaxoSmithKline
Hologic Inc.
Merck & Co.
Novartis
NPS Pharmaceuticals
Pfizer
Pharmavite
Procter & Gamble
Roche
RSZ Orthopaedics
Wyeth
Interesting tidbit, to say the least…
In August 2009, my doctor told me that fozomax was not helping me any more. I was scared. she told me that she could prescribe another, actonel. I researched this on the internet and found Vivian and her story. I decided to try and ordered her book. I had a second apt. with my doctor when she told met that needed another bone density test. l and l/2 months later I had my test. I met with my dr. 3 weeks later and she told me that she couldn’t believe that I had not falled but that I was stable. I have continued to weight lift, and I try to follow the 80/20 recommendation. I sometimes fudge but get back on and I feel great. I also take a greens supplement and that helps to I think. It is great to know that we can have control when it comes to our own bodies.
pat
I stopped taking Actonal in 2007 after taking it for seven years. “I FEEL GREAT”. I excersize four times a week and stick to your diet as best as I can. Can’t wait to see the results when I do my next bone density.
TREAT 🙂
I had a bone density, January,2008.
My pimary doctor, sent me the report that said thst I had osteroposis and osteopenia. He also sent me a prescription for fosamax 70 mg, to be taken once a week for a year,with no explanation. I am a Registered Nurse, so I am thinking, that he thought I knew all about the condition, and the medication.I thought for him to do that was very unprofessional and calus. I did not take the fosamax. I looked it up on the internet, and what I read about the drug, was shocking! He has been treating me for GERD and IBS for years.That would be ONE reason for not takng it. I have increased my exercise and strength training.My Chiropractor put me on natural supplements of magnesium and biodent. what do you think of this?
Thank you for the info. i just now getting to both email and doing the leg exercise. I like to jump rope so this is a good exercise i am finding even thou i am just starting. Got to 25 starting w/warm up and beginners. I forgot to mention my friend came off the osto medicine she started and i would not.thank goodness.
I am almost converted to your approach about the medication for osteoporosis.
The big problem for me with your approach – there are too much explanation.
Could you give a simple explanation with nos 1,2,3, etc.
thank you.
Marie
Hi Marie,
A simple explanation is that you should:
1. Get informed
2. Understand the information, so you can make intelligent decisions
3. Not rely on others to tell you what to do
4. Take responsibility for your actions
The bottom line is that NOBODY can take better care of you than YOURSELF. So if you want to be healthy, you should try to find the time to get educated. Nothing beats getting well informed, Marie!
Dear Vivian,
I mentioned to my primary care physician that I had read that the drugs such as Boniva and Fosamax make the osteoclasts stop working, and eventually make bones harder and more brittle, easier to fracture than if the person had not taken the medication at all. He told me that waS NOT TRUE. Would you be so kind as to tell me what source you derived this information from? Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Maritza
Maritza,
The information on the action of bisphospnates on bone remodeling is available from many sources. For example,the late Dr. Fleisch,who was a pioneer in the discovery of bisphosphonates to “cure” osteoporosis, writes:
“The action of the active bisphosphonates appears to be the same for all, i.e., a reduction in bone turnover. This is shown by a decrease in both bone resorption and bone formation, as assessed in animals as and humans by calcium-45 kinetics (55, 56), biochemical markers (59), and morphology.”
Here’s the link to the complete study:
https://edrv.endojournals.org/cgi/content/full/19/1/80
And you should ask your doctor to read it, if he finds the time. Of course, as with any study, there can be variations of interpretation.
So, for another qualified opinion, let’s read what Dr. Susan Ott writes in her letter to the editor (Annals of Internal Medicine, Volume 141, Number 5, 9/7/2004):
“New Treatments for Brittle Bones
TO THE EDITOR: The recent article about treatment of osteoporosis makes several excellent points but perpetuates an important common misconception about the action of bisphosphonates. The author states
that “bisphosphonates slow bone resorption without lowering bone formation” (1). In fact, bone biopsy studies from patients treated with risedronate or alendronate show that the mineralizing surface, which is
forming bone, decreases 80% to 96% after 3 years of treatment. The bone volume, however, does not significantly change (2, 3). Many people believe that these drugs are “bone builders,” but the evidence shows that they are actually “bone hardeners.” The mineral inside the bone is more densely packed, and therefore the bone density as measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry increases (4). This may have implications for the long-term effects of these drugs, because they deposit in the skeleton with a half-life of more than 10 years. With continuous use, the drugs will accumulate. It is possible that the bone will eventually become brittle or will be unable to repair microdamage. One-year animal studies using doses 6 times
higher than recommended for humans show decreased bone formation in both spine and ileum and increased numbers of microcracks (5). Physicians must consider these facts when prescribing bisphosphonates
as preventive agents.
Susan Ott, MD
University of Washington
Seattle, WA 98195”
Here’s the link to her letter, with all her sources:
https://www.annals.org/content/141/5/407.1.full.pdf
Happy reading to all!
You speak of preventing or even reversing osteoporosis/osteoporenia. Will your plan do that regardless of the cause of the problem? Mine is due to a drug, Femara, rather than just natural causes. I take this as adjuvant treatment for breast cancer & will need to take it for another 2 1/2 years.. It’s goal is to eliminate estrogen from one’s body, so naturally bone density loss is a definite side effect. Are you familiar with this scenario? I am anxious for your reply. Thank you.
Having read Vivian’s book, I would say that she would give you a definite “yes” to your question. According to “The Bone Health Revolution,” drugs of any kind have an acidifying effect on your system which causes your body to use its own calcium, found mostly in the bones, to neutralize and correct the body’s natural ph balance. If you were to eat a diet that is far more alkaline than acid, your would diminish the acidifying effects of the drug, and go a long way toward minimizing its long-term effect on your skeletal system. Best of luck and blessings to you in your fight against cancer.
Love receiving your e-mails. These give me the strength to resist taking any medication and the deterMINATION TO CONCENTRATE ON EXERCISE AND DIET TO TREAT MY OSTEOPOROSIS. MANY THANKS
A friend was prescibed a high dose of vitamin A, the synthetic type found in vitamin pills, she fell broke her hip, and eventually passed.
Vitamin A keeps us from absorbing D. Had the neuropath she was seeing only took the time to know about vitamins, especially the synthetic types, my friend might still be with us.
Natural A, coming from foods, won’t do what synthetic A does, but I still hold it down and enjoy freshly juiced carrot juice. Supposedly the carrot juice sets our bones up to absorb the minerals of calcium, magnesium, potassium that they require.
Drinking green tea also helps Asians with smaller bones then ours, be stronger then ours. I love freshly brewed sencha from Japan. If it works for them, I feel it will work for me. Plus, it tastes good.