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.
I recently had a bone desenity test and was told by my doctor that I had osteo of the spine and my spine could collapse! She gave me a prescription for Fosomax. After reading about the side effects, I never filled the prescription. I decided to take calcium & magnesium and vit D. Still investigating.
I have been researching the effects of Boniva and Reclast injections. Scarey side effects! Especially Reclast. I finally decided that I would try the every 3 mo. shot of Boniva, so that if there are bad side effects, I can stop at any time. BUT! Just try and get a dr. to give the shot. I ended up having to go to an endrocrinologist, having myriad blood tests for who knows what, paying a huge lab and office fee, and then having the drs. office tell me that they would phone the prescription in to my pharmacy, I could pick it up and bring it to them and they would administer the shot. Fine, except that my insurance policy will only cover the cost if it is ordered from a specific pharmacutical house and delivered to the dr. himself. The drs. office refused to do that, saying they had never had a problem before with women picking it up and bringing it in. After 3 weeks of back and forth and worrying about what to do next, I called the insurance co. again, for the 3rd time, and was relieved when the person I spoke to said that he would just call my dr. and explain the situation. Which he did. I immediately got a call from the drs. office that they would order the Boniva, have it delivered to their office and then call me to come have the shot. They didn’t believe me when I told them the same thing the man from the insurance co. told them. I would love not to take the shots!! But, I am afraid of what the consequences would be. I’m 70 years young, I still ski and walk and exercise and I am afraid of falling and breaking a hip or other bone. I’m not sure that I have the patience or will power to follow a specific diet all the time. I’m thin and have always eaten pretty much anything I want to, altho, I do try to eat healthy and organic as much as possible. But, here I am with osteoporosis! I’m sure there are many women like me, who don’t want to take drugs, but feel that the alternative may prove worse.
Thanks for the forum.
I too went on Actonel. I got terrible acid reflux from it and had to stop taking it. I found out about the importance of getting a vitamin D3 serum blood test and I found I was quite low in D. As soon as I started taking D3, about a month later or so, I could feel my hip stop hurting. A simple vitamin can heal.
Taking calcium citrate, magnesium citrate and D3 made all the difference for me. I’m taking 4000 I.U.s of D3 to try to get my level up to 60, as the minimum. What a difference when there isn’t any pain.
It sounds like you are taking the same supplements that I have been taking. My doctor told me that my vit D was 28 and should be 32. She wanted me to take 50,000 of D ea week for a month. I thought that sounded like an overkill for being 4 points low. She also gave me a prescription for Fosomax, I didn’t have it filled. I would rather try doing the supplements. All we can do is keep checking it out. I don’t really trust doctor’s any more since they went into the drug trade. Plus they all seem to give a different opinion. They told my mother years ago that she had osteo. She never took any meds or supplements. She is 91. In the last couple of months, she has fallen 2 times, on hard surfaces, and she didn’t break or fracture anything? Luck? I am going to keep taking my supplements and have it checked out at my next physical and see what happens.
Hi Vivian
Thank you so much……..for all the information abaout Osteoporosis……..
Best Regards
CLARA
Well Vivian you always seem to hit the spot – Trick or Treat just about sums it up. I did go into the bone scan room feeling great and came out tearful after the Nurse told me – “Its in your spine” Be very careful if you wont take our infusion as we cant help you if your back goes – only give pain killers and you could live a very long life in considerable pain.
Having had a frightening experience after taking the Risedronate (one a week pill) I was too scared to go for the yearly infusion. So I visited the Osteopath lady who twice corrected my back previously. Her advice was “Get to a Health Shop and buy “good quality calcium”, and she told me I was not going to collapse on the spot.
I entirely agree with Vivian’s comments about taking care of our own health. We surely understand our own bodies best. Thank you so much Vivian for all your help.
I’m 61 and it had been a few years since my last well-woman exam. I went to the doctor and had all that good stuff done. Everything was good except a slight abnormal bone density. I went on line to read up on the subject and what causes it before I actually went back to the doctor’s office for the final follow-up. Of course she wanted me to start taking Actonel. I had already read that these are bad for you, so I told her I didn’t want to take it. She looked at me with a surprised look and asked why. I told her I prefer to take care of this naturally with diet and excercise. I also told her I had no doubt my bones are in better shape now than they were 5 years ago. I joined a fitness club and have been working with a trainer for 3 1/2 years doing all kinds of things to improve bone health, muscle and core strenth and balance. He has even started included additional weight bearing exercises. I had never even been in a fitness club before and now I’m doing things I never dreamed of. My trainer also has been very instrumental in changing my eating habits explaining which things are bad and why and what I should be eating. I also found that your diet should be more alkaline instead of acidic. So I have started paying more attention to that as well. I have found that the pointers received from Vivian are an excellant tool to use. And I have no doubt my bone density will improve. Thank you.
I have been treating my osteoporosis for almost 10 years -2.5 T score. I am now 56-post menopause. I use bioidentical hormones which an Alternative doctor prescribes in addition to high Vitamin D. I take 5000-10,000mg. Have your levels checked. Also read the studies on Vitamin K which is used in Japan-and Strontium. Also aloe vera and definitely the alkaline diet. I also lift very heavy weights twice a week. My sister took Fosammax and and ended up with horrible dizziness. My 82 year old mother had it, fell all the time, and never broke a bone. Keep active and healthy! Periodically I’ll see someone totally stooped over…and freak and think drugs…but we have to stay focused!
I was told that no amount of weight bearing exercise or nutritional supplementation will address the osteoporosis situation. Only hormone replacement(bio identical) will do any real good.
1) I hear that there are health risks even with bio identical hormones.
2) They are expensive – generally not covered by insurance.
What’s a gal to do?
I am 60 years old and have severe osteoporis.
I have been to three doctors in the past month and have been told that if i do not start on injections that i could break a bone just walking down the street or sneezing. I am -4 in lower spine and -3.5 in hips.
I am very organic in every way and anti meds but . I am really scared this time, I am really active and want to continue to do so without being afaid!!Is it too late for me to fix this naturally?
Have any of you heard of a product called OsteoDenx? It helps build bone density. I have been on the OsteoDenx for over two years. At that time my bone density test stated that I should be on medication. Being afraid of the medication I took the OsteoDenx, which is all natural, and cannot hurt anyone.
This spring I had another bone density test an the results were “No medication suggested.” I can share many testimonals– anyone intersted in learning more?
Yes! i’m interested in hearing more OsteoDenx testimonials. Did your dexa scan score improve with the OsteoDenx?
What is osteoDenx? I believe in going natural opposed to using drugs. Can you tell me more about the osteoDenx that you are taking?
Hi:
I too will only consider anything natural. I would love to hear more about the Osteo denx. Please let me know what it is.Thank you Anne
Yes, Myra, I would like to know more. I have never heard of this osteoDenx before and where can we get it?
Thanks a whole bunch.
Hi,
I want to share a nutritional fact that most people don’t know. Freshly made carrot juice contains about three times as much calcium as an equal amount of milk. Use a juice machine to make your own fresh at home and all that calcium gets readily absorbed into your system. For people who can’t tolerate eating dairy (I am one of them) carrot juice, and other calcium rich vegetables and fruit juices, can be prepared at home to provide the body with all those minerals and vitamins it needs. Store bought juices are nutritionally worthless. Hooray for carrot juice! By the way, cooking carrots and eating them is not going to provide the calcium because you have cooked it away.
I am 80 years old and I love my doctor. For years she has smiled at my decision not to take prescription or other drugs even though she does not believe in alternative medicine. However, during emergency situations such as shingles involving my eyesight, I take them. Thus since I felt my diagnosis of osteoporosis was a definite emergency. once a week Actonel was the plan for the next 16 months. Since I have some arthritic joints, I did not know whether more pain was a side effect or not, but my stomach sure needed more coddling during that time. A current bone density test came back worse than before medication. Then I was alarmed when my dentist said I had to be off this drug for 3 to 6 months before any extractions or surgery as I have some pending work to be done.
Vivien is right on the mark when she advises us to arm ourselves with knowledge and be patient with the results of any change in lifestyle we might make towards better bone or other health. For only one month now, I have made baby steps to this end reading, querying, trying to eat the acid/alkaline way, slowly incorporating more exercises, stopping the Actonel, even being taken off my blood pressure medicine by the doctor. I know that after Actonel and at my age, it might be a long time before my digestion will take all the supplementation needed – but I try to remember – baby steps! I am wondering if my more optimistic outlook is a product of the changes I have made or whether it is merely that I have more control of what happens to me (treat). Also, I wonder if I’ll live to be 90 when the Actonel’s effects finally leave me (trick).
Best of luck and health to all of you!
Fortunately, my docter said” try to correct this with diet!”
Have you done a survey as to the number of women who have had less hip fractures since being on your program as to taking medication? It’s like taking cholesterol medicine to help keep the numbers down but does it still prevent strokes.
There is a history of Osteoporosis in my family that dates back to my great-grandmother, so when my doctor told me that I had Osteoporosis I was not surprised, nor was I really upset. He gave me samples of the lowest dosage of Fosmax possible. I told him to give those samples to someone else, because I would not take any of those drugs. I told him that I would deal with this my way with excerise and diet. That is what I am doing and feel great.
I started your program Jan 1, 2009 after discarding Fosamax & Forteo. Slowly I built my pH from 6.1 to 7.0. A stronger spine enabled me to again carry full bags of groceries without removing items one by one. Then on 18 Oct while traveling by car a hard bump forced me to wear my back brace again to ease the pain.
I tried to share with a Dr. what I’d been reading about osteoporosis. He said those Drs. in the book aren’t going to be around when you break a bone. He went on to perscribe Fosamax. I never filled the perscription!
My doctor told me to take the osteo drugs; that I really needed them. To make a long story short – taking his advice proved to be very bad. The drugs caused shortness of breath, tightness in chest, and awful gastritous. This all led to taking drugs to counter-act the damage and so on and so forth!
Anyway, besides the terrible side-effect, the out of pocket cost have been bad, too. My advise to anyone whose doctor tells them to get on osteo drugs – RUN, DON’T WALK AWAY FROM YOUR DOCTOR.
I just hope and pray that the side-effects will subside in time.
Hi, I can relate to your comments re seeing the Doctor, being told, you have osteoporosis,take the pills ,if you dont and have a fall you are likely to die!!. You leave his surgery filled with horror,at least I did. Ever since I started taking his pills I have never really felt well,there have been a couple of occasions when I have had to leave them off and felt a lot better for doing so.
Recently I had an allergy test and it was found I had a dairy intolerance,lactose to be precise. I am wooried if I leave off the tablets and try to do it by diet it may not be enough, I was also given at the test some tablets called osteoplex, a mix of calcium and magnesium with beta caratene and vitamins D K and Boron.I drink soya have soya or sunflower spread eat lots of fruit and veg and flaked almonds, I also do your excercises you kindly advised. I cant talk to my Doctor about this as he wont listen I was wondering if you could advise me.
Thankyou Sandra
sandra,
you and another, here, have mentioned osteoplex and say it is calcium, [natural] as vivuan tells us..
wait aminute==right here–I have to say=–ONLY VIVIAN –TELLS US–
no body else!!!
and some try to squelch HER telling us.
okay.. back to the first subject-: OSTEOPLEX===WHO GOT YOU ON TO THIS AND WHERE DO YOU GET IT.
ISNT osteoplex WHAT WE ALL NEED==FOR OUR BONES AND JOINTs? tell us–we DONT know. how’d you get onto it and where can we get some.
i am new here and dont know just how to look for your answer. if it be by my email? be**@*****er.net ==? thanks.
I am so interested in natural remedies of treating osteoporosis
Unfortunately I didn’t come across Vivian’s book until last year after taking actonel for over 4 years. With being 60 yrs. old last year, I had increasingly sore hips, other joint pain & digestive problems. I quit the actonel about a year ago & have noticed alot of improvement. No more digestive problems & joints are not as sore. My dr. recommended reclast, but I refused…especially after researching the side effects. Vivian’s book makes alot of sense & I continually forward information to my nurse practitioner now (who is much more open minded than my doctor). Also came across some good advice on http://www.drlark.com website along with some supplements.
I am being treated for breast cancer and the doctor says it is necessary to take an anti-estrogen drug for 5 years to prevent the cancer from returning. This drug causes bone loss. I already have osteoporosis so she wants to give me fosamax too. I don’t want to take either drug. What shall I do?
OTEOPOROSIS WITH ABOVE AVERAGE LEVELS OF CALCIUM IN MY BLOOD
I am all for healthy eating and appropriate supplements however recently I was confused as to why a blood test following diagnosis of osteoporosis showed an excess of calcium. Is this calcium leaching from my bones or the calcium in my diet not being absorbed ? I would be really grateful for an answer to this dilema.
Thankyou in anticipation …. Lynda
Lynda,
Have you looked into the possibility of having hyperparathyroidism?
lynda THIS IS IMPORTANT–WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR.
IN THE FIRST OF THE PARATHYROID TESTS==ARTICLE THAT I READ==IT SAID ‘IF YOUR DOCTOR SAYS THAT YOU DONT NEED TO KNOW YOUR PTH [PARATHYROID H0RMONE BLOOD LEVEL] BECAUSE YOUR CALCIUM DOESNT NOT SHOW THAT IT IS NEEDED—change doctors”
go on line and find DR NORMAN [and his clinic in florida] talking of PARATHYROID TESTS..
PARATHYROID.COM
LOOK FOR THE CHART THAT SHOWS THE ELEVATED CALCIUM–AND–ELEVATED PTH..
THIS IS THE P’TROID [of 4 little parathyroid glands] GLAND THAT is [calling for calcium]
enlarged with tumor and can be easily removed—-by the experienced surgeon==who will use the one and only test==[ tests type begins with S] the day of surgery–to locate and prove that the tumor is indeed there and exactly where it is==not exploritory==
the scans, ultra sounds by your locals will not detect the tumor and even its site—
the blood work gave you the elevated calcium-
that and the osteoporosis==indicates that you should also have the pth level tested==
if it ,too is, eleveated==[[somewhere above 60 to 100 ?]then it is calling up the calcium===causing the blood calcium to show elevated==
the chart is most interesting==tells who needs and who doesnt need dr NORMAN KIND OF SURGEON==
ON THAT
PARATHYROID.COM
SEARCH IS LOADS TO READ=-=
DONT JUST SCAN==DIGEST– AND MOVE ON= READ EACH SITE BECAUSE YOU MIGHT –BY MOVING ON–MISS THE chart== it is at the end of a long article… dr norman is talkAtive==thank GOD.
BE**@*****ER.NET
While your information sounds good, just like the drugs, it also costs money.
You are my heroine in the battle against osteoporosis. I was engaged in a horrible battle against a medicine that was not for me. I spoke to the dr. numerous times feeling the Boniva was not for me. I refused to take it anymore and read your Save Our Bones. I’ve been using Osteo k since June 2009. Slowly but surely I am returning to normal and the exercise I missed. I am still having problems but feel time will help. Thanks for your ongoing information
Vivian,
As always, thankyou for putting a realistic, positive spin on this so called disease, which is not a disease at all but something you can deal with naturally…I have had amazing results with changing my diet, taking my supplements and exercising…if you like Latin American dancing and like having fun, try ZUMBA!
Its weight bearing on your bones, you get a great workout and its a blast!!!
My “Trick & Treat” experience was really backwards, and a blessing to have occured that way! I was scheduled for a Same Day Surgery for a rare kind of hernia; called a Lumbar-Iliac Hernia. I was having problems with a degeneration of connective tissue, resulting in this hernia development, and an umbilical hernia which had been repaired only five months before. I had also been experiencing muscle degeneration and numbness in my right leg and foot for some time.
I had been sent to several specialists who insisted my MRI’s and xrays were normal, though there were a few herniated discs, and I had arthritic problems in my neck above and below a fusion done several years before.
Being the independent type I had begun searching for reasons why these things were occuring. I have always been a strong believer in healing through the foods we eat, and I had already rejected hormone therapy during my pre-menapausal time of life, as well as my present post-menapausal time, opting for nutrients in my diet to naturally ease the symptoms. However, during the time of my neck fusions I had been given some strong cordiacosteroids which affected the lining of my intestines and caused a chronic gastritis, which I was also controlling with diet. Over the years after the last fusion I often had a low red blood cell count, but my doctor felt it was unimportant. I was slowly becoming tired more often than feeling lively, and then this numbness and muscle degeneration began. When the umbilical hernia became very painful and bulging I was sent to a surgeon.
My surgeon is extremely observant, and also believes in diet. After he repaired the first hernia I became symptomatic in another area. He went over some old CT scans and found this rare hernia. He scheduled the second surgery.
What he found was something far more involved than anticipated. The connective tissue between muscle fibers was very weak. The Same Day Surgery turned into 11 days, and a 5′ incision. My blood pressure bottomed out at one point, my red blood cell count was very low, but finally the incision began to show signs of connectivity. He sent me home with a visiting nurse, and a visiting physical therapy technician to help me walk again. The numbness in my leg was worse, and the pain in my hip was almost unbearable. Slowly we began blood work, and I started hunting on the Internet for some kind of clue as to what was going on with me.
Somewhere in my studies I found a connection between Cordicosteroids and Gastritis which could cause a malabsorption of certain nutrients. Vitamin B12 was mentioned as one of the nutrients which could be lost by this problem. In searching B12 I found that a low level was connected with muscle degeneration, weakness, tiredness, and numbness in extremities.
I printed out this information and gave it to my surgeon and primary doctor. My primary doctor looked through my records and found one from the year before with a B12 level. He said it was low but within ‘normal limits’. At my follow-up with my surgeon I showed him the blood work and he sent me immediately to a Neurologist.
The Neurologist confirmed a severe B12 deficiency, and with the information from my surgeon confirming the problem with chronic gastritis and muscle and muscle fiber degeneration prescribed weekly B12 injections. He told me it might take up to 6 weeks before I felt any change, but once the numbers increased I would begin to feel better. He told me at that time I could drop to once-a-month injections.
I did begin to feel stronger after about 6 weeks, but I continued to have severe pain in my hip, which spread to my back. A bone scan and bone density test showed active arthritis in several joints, throughout my spine, and osteoporosis. My primary doctor started me on Boneva and cacium with Vit. D, as well as continuing monthly B12 injections as I still am not retaining any in my liver.
It’s been 9 months now and I’m back to work full time. I started reading your column a few months ago and it was very good for me to have confirmed alot of the connections I have made over the last year concerning B12, Bone health, and diet. Your column is helping me decide when to stop, (and the fact that I can stop!) taking the Boneva, and helps me with healthy diet choices. To me, Osteoporosis is a temporary condition that I can control with diet. Thank you soooooo much!
Sincerely,
Jeannie B. Smith
gee whiz jeannie B Smith
you will never know how I HUNG ONTO YOUR EVERY WORD.. when you said spinal iliac hernia==the light went on=-=for me==
a long story too- like 8 years!! a knot left of spine middle back –was by my primary called ‘hernia’ not the kind that is groin –frontal=hernias–i DETERMINE THAT- with online study=-= [all about British clinic–studied in Britian–and found here in u.s in only four locations?’]
doc began to say later -that there was no hernia and that he never said there was —
this all came to my sons attention–who is knowledgeded-not– of me and mine– but good friend with DOC. he TOOK IT up from there and for these years–I have been ‘labeled by son- as making up–that and all of my conditions==most due to twenty yr with ADDISISON’S.. [ADRENAL GLANDS BURNED OUT]
NOW YOU==MY NEW BEST FRIEND. LOL
CONFIRM AND DEFINES ME AS NOT in need of physiciatric evaluation-
-no joke—son would not hush==sound familiar [anyone]?
and all that–which went with your surgery–was just extensive and not necessarily due to the kind of hernia==but complications- I get what you are telling us!! then the b 12==pernicious anemia==weren’t you plainly p00ped exhausted tired–and that be evident — some time earlier==by you ==your fam and friends?
another—good subject that is in-our-face==these days. ]
to susupect b`12 deificiency when and instead of dementia.. altsheimers [sp that–]
Except that the iliac valve is on the lower right abdomen– my ‘hernia’
is probably the same as yours..it interferes with bladder and colon –i contend that it is — pressure crowding the intestines.. even bloat–all interdependent.
did I make clear here HOW MUCH your long letter– I needed to read? every word.
I am new here to comments and don’t know how
I will find your reply.. so I will put my email here be**@*****er.net
we all need this exchange==thanks JBS…..
I have had 2 bone density tests, 3 years ago and this last July. 3 years ago my doctor suggested Actonel and I began it for a short while and was noticing considerable hip join pain. I stopped taking it after very short while. This time with my bone density test worse I have come across your program to SAVE Our Bones. I have been taking calcium and a multi vitamin but not much vitamin D for adsorption. I have now increased the vitamin D considerably.I saw my doctor this week and my bone density is -5. He is open to listening but concerned with an alternative method. He just keeps on saying to do you research and not to just trust one thing that I read. When I mentioned a few things from the program there was really no response and I really do not know how much he knows about it! He is stating actonel will increase my bone density to -1 or 0 but that is not what I read. Basically what I have read is that drugs just maintain your bone mass and will not increase it. Any opinions on this?
Still need an answer from Vivian as to whether I should do the heel lift routine which she demonstrates. I have had 3 spinal fractures. I am 78 years old. I feel the intermediate and advanced would do more harm to my bones. I use a rebounder for 2 to 6 minutes about 5 times a day. This is a more gentle routine. I do handweights and take Vitamin D contained in an Osteo K Formula.
Could you please reply.
i say that those little heel jump exercises are for those who have osteopenia…
the rest of us who have osteoporosis -3 tscore and worse should only do any exercies with extreme caution and care. You should not do jarring exercises to the spine nor exercises that are like sit ups bending the spine
also with gym work outs…take baby steps…protect your spine at all costs.
Hi – Dr N. Naidu who has given us the solution for e-coli also has produced the natural answer for osteoporosis & joint health. His double blind study has been published in the “Osteoporosis Journal International” as will be his more recent study with this same natural product for inflamation. The product also produces very positive side effects.
You can find information about him & his product on our http://www.ybhurtn.com web site.
Sorry, I got the prescript in May and started it in June 2009, I erred in first comment. What do you suggest?
My doctor told me in May of 2009 that I have osteoporis in my hip;2.9 and osteoponin in my lower spine. She presrcibed Fosomax but I didn’t start taking it until May because I looked up all the side effects and wasn’t happy. She and others suggested I take it and stop looking on the internet. Since then I went for a dental cleaning and my dentist told me I couldn’t have work on my lower teeth since I take Fosomax because of jaw rot, thankfully I don’t have any cavaties. What do you suggest.
Hi – We’re on a campaign to share the news of a very natural, but effective product from Dr. N. Naidu who also solved the e-coli problem (and some others). Everyone must learn of this double blind, studied & proven Natural product. See our web site, http://www.ybhurtn.com.
Scripture tells us that a merry heart does good like a medicine, but a broken heart dries up the bones. We are repeatedly commanded in Scripture to rejoice. Still, for years I lived in grief and mourning, drying out my own bones. I got a diagnosis of osteopenia for all of my trouble (and disregard of Scriptural wisdom).
I have since been improving my bone density with a practice of joy, faith, confidence, and love. (Got the numbers to prove it, too.) I speak out words of faith, love, joy, and healing. I have also been supplementing minerals, and eating better. I am now beginning an exercise program as well.
After taking the bone density test at the local hospital, I was sent the results by my doctor in the mail, telling me I had osteoporosis with a prescription of the generic brand of Fosomax. After taking a few doses, I just didn’t feel right. I had a lot of problems with my stomach and heartburn, which I never experienced before. I ordered Dr. Williams’ (Mountain Home Nutritionals)Osteobuild, which is a natural supplement. I’ve also been doing some streching exercises, and try to remember to use the weights on my ankles or hands when I am home and doing things. I have seen improvement. My bones don’t creak as much. I have also recently received a note from my health insurance company stating “You are not taking your prescription.” The insurance companies are also getting into the act. The insurance companies are also getting into the act of harassing people into taking dangerous prescriptions.
I do believe that our thoughts make us.
Always great info. Thank you for sharing in these continuing emails. Drugs like Boniva are not the answer. I stopped taking it several months ago and following a lifestyle of vitamins, calcium, daily weightbearing workouts, good nutition and feel better then ever. Thank you for this update.
Look forward to more.
I was diagnosed in May of 2008. Of course the doctor said I NEED to be on medication. I went on the awful drugs and within nine months my health was compromised: tightness in chest, troubled breathing and stomach problems. I am currently taking PPI’s to correct the trouble. (I waited to take the PPI’s to see if I could get better on my own – I did’nt.)
I wrote a letter to my doctor telling him how sorry I was that I ever followed his advice to take the osteo drugs.
I hope and pray that I can get my health back. No one should take these drugs!
I am 76 years old and have heard for a few years that I had first osteopenia and last year osteoporosis. Not too much pressure for the meds, but after I slipped on ice in January and broke my arm, my doctor said it was time for Reclast. I looked it up on the internet…and decided to go ahead with it…then looked it up again a few days before my appointment, and found your website. When I returned to the doctor with my decision to try the bone health way, that wonderful man patted me on the shoulder and said “go for it”…so sometimes, you do find a “trick OR treat”!! Thank you for all your work on this subject!
My comment is actually a question. A friend of mine was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. Two things happened prior to the diagnosis. She was put on Fosamax and six months later had a knee replacement. Could eiher of these things have triggered her UC. Her doctor told her that herbones would shatter like glass if she didn’t take the medication.
My mom was told she had bone density problems about 3 years ago, about a year ago she was given
a prescription for forteo injections, since this time she has developed dementia, shaking, and she no longer can walk or stand by herself, she also is incontenent. please give me info on this drug. could this be causing some of these problems. Terri
When forteo is looked up under Google, the website http://www.drugs.com
comes up. The information there might help.
I have been to three different Drs. about my osteoporosis diagnosis. (-3.3 T score). All have insisted I MUST take a drug, that going the natural route will never be enough to overcome my significant bone loss. I have to say, I’ve resisted so far but am still terrified of future fracture and also terrified to try the drugs. Vivian, can fairly severe osteo be turned around, really????? Forgive my skepticism but I’m scared! I am 56 and worried that I have a long stretch (hopefully) ahead w/precarious bone health.
I have been to three different Drs. about my osteoporosis diagnosis. (-3.3 T score). All have insisted I MUST take a drug, that going the natural route will never be enough to overcome my significant bone loss. I have to say, I’ve resisted so far but am still terrified of future fracture and also terrified to try the drugs. Vivian, can fairly severe osteo be turned around, really????? Forgive my skepticism but I’m scared!
I read your recommendations. I stopped taking Actonel 6 months ago and I feel better now. I didn’t tell anyone cause I know my family opposed it. Your book is my reference when needed. Thank you very much I take supplements not prescription drugs. I exercised daily and watched my diet.
Thanks for your input. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis about a year ago (i am 81 years old) and at the time given a prescription for it. Since I am very leary of drugs, I searched the internet for the drug and found the reactions very scary. Didnt take the drug. Instead I have been taking food and vitimins containing Vitamin D. Since the diagonosis, I have taken two pretty bad falls, and didnt break a thing. If indeed, I have osteoporosis, I would have thought I would have broken a bone.
I recently was told that my T score dropped too much in the last 5 years for my age-58. I was told that I need aggressive treatment in the form of Boniva or Evista, but I do not take drugs. I am hoping to get more exercise, like weights to get me started and I know eating better will help.
I am 46 and was diagnosed with osteopenia last summer. My family dr. and gynecologost both suggested prescription meds, but after reading Vivian’s book and the help ourselves remedies, I have joined the YMCA, excercise 3-4 times a week, continue with my 1300 mg of calcium supplements per day, and eat properly. Making a point to eat broccoli, bananas, cashews, and the many others Vivian has suggested. Remain positive LADIES! On the cold days! During the lonely days! When you feel like giving up! Remember you are not alone! Be STRONG and remain POSITIVE!!! Our cells inside our bones are living and continue to change. They may become weakened or sick (that just means they need nurturing and loved).
Thank you so much for all your good advice
Doctor great reading as allway keep it up Doctor .Best regards Ralph Australia.
I was unable to tolerate the Fosamax so stopped taking it after a month, since then I have been offered Bonviva but have refused as it is just another biophosphonate and has the same side effects as Fosamax. However I have discovered there is another drug undergoing clinical trials in the UK, Denosumab, not a biophosphonate, which is administered via twice yearly injections, with none of the side effects associated with biophosphonate usage. This new drug has reached Stage III of the clinical trials and it will be interesting to see how this new drug performs in the clinical trials.
Meantime I am avoiding any biophosphonate, and keeping to a healthy diet, high in Omega 3 and calcium plus adhering to a weight bearing exercise regime.
Elizabeth, I’ve seen some news reports on Denosomab and, unfortunately, heard it will cost $10,000 a year per person. I don’t have insurance, but maybe a generic version will come out in the next decade. I hear it has miraculous results!
Hi Vivian,
I went to the doctor last month and he said that I needed a bone density test, so I had the test. Two weeks later I was schedule another appointment with him, and he told me that I had Osteoporosis, that I needed to start on the pill. Well I started on the drug foramax,I could not get out the bed in the morning. I took it for a month, I new that something wasn’t just right it make my bones so soar that my husband had to get me out of the bed. Then the doctor change it to once a month boniva. It did better but I can’t walk in the morning, the bottom of my foot hurts all the time. So I sign up for your e-mails and I reading the mail that you send to everyone. Its the food that we eat and if we do our best to eat good , our bones will be save and we will have a better life. Thanks you so much for the trick or treat e-mail.
That is the exact experience that I had at the doctors office. I went on a drug for a few years although I really had my doubts about its safety. A visit to the dentist informed me that some of my dental problems may be due to that drug. Needless to say I stopped taking it and started searching the internet for more natural solutions. So glad I found you!! Thanks for all you do.
I absolutely agree with your remarks “be positive and believe in yourself” because I had already made the decision that, with the help and support of positive people, I do NOT have a problem with osteoporsis!
i lead a very healthy life style…fell last year and broke my hip..it was not replaced by repaired with aa plate and a pin….bone density test show osteoporosis….Dr. prescribed Evista…I am 78 and do not take any meds….what is your take on Evista.
Dear Vivian, Thank you for the trick or treat mail. Yes I was tricked into taking Actonel. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis and started taking the drug on May 1st. It is a once amonth pill. I immediatley had neck stiffness and back of head pain. At the end of the month I felt better and took another pill on June 1st and the same symptoms started so I stopped the drug. The pain has not stopped and is even more severe now almost 4months later. Now I was told I have severe arthritis of the cervical spine with bone spurs. I am 66 years old and do not want the live the rest of my life in pain. Any suggestions?