‘Vivian Answers Day’ #1

Question & Answer #1

What do you think of Reclast? My Dr has ordered this for me to help strengthen my bones.

-Mabel M.

Dear Mabel,

Reclast (zoldedronic acid), also known as Aclasta outside of the US, is an intravenous bisphosphonate. So the same applies to Reclast (including their nasty side effects) as to any other bisphosphonate drug, except that the IV provides a 6 month dose. In fact, the large IV dose can cause severe flu-like symptoms right after it's administered, including aches and pains. So if you don’t react well to the drug, you are basically stuck with it.

But the bigger question is why tamper with bone metabolism and take a chance with the potentially nasty and even life-changing side effects? Especially if there is a natural and drug-free way to increase bone density such as the Osteoporosis Reversal Program.

Best regards,

Question & Answer #2

I have multiple myeloma and am on lose dose revlimid and decadron. Once a month I get and infusion of Zometa. I’m told it is the best thing to keep tumors from attaching to my bones.

What do you think?

-John N.

Dear John,

Zometa is the same drug as Reclast, but given in a different dose and approved for different conditions, which include myeloma. I recommend that you follow your oncologist’s advice.

Wishing you all the best,

Question & Answer #3

I have a knee replacement – total – and it works perfectly…only, I am allowed NO pounding motions or jumping and landing…I DO a lot of walking, but those heel-pounding exercises for the hip are not a possibility for folks with knee replacements…what do you suggest as another exercise for hip joints that does not require the pounding of heels?

-Carol H.

Dear Carol,

An exercise that you can do to increase hip bone density is called the ‘Chair Squat’. You only need a regular chair to do it:

Stand in front of chair with feet hip-width apart. With core tightened and back straight, squat toward the chair, raising your arms in front of you as you lower yourself into the chair. Without using your hands, raise yourself slowly out of the chair using the hamstrings and glutei until you are in original position.

Best regards,

Question & Answer #4

I’m 54 and diagnosed with severe osteopenia in the spine and hips – I exercise regularly, drink alchol moderately, don’t smoke and eat a healthy calcium enriched diet – my GP is insisting I take a low dose of HRT to prevent spinal fractures in the future same as my mother and grandmother before me. I’ve tried Protelos (strontium ranelate) and after reading your book came off it – I want to give myself every possible chance of a healthy skeleton without the use of drugs is HRT my best chance though? I have a vibrating plate machine (Galileo 900) am I likely to cause myself more harm than good as suggested by my doctor?

Many thanks.

-Jacquie W.

Dear Jacquie,

First of all, the word ‘severe’ next to the word ‘osteopenia’ sounds like an error. Remember that osteopenia is not a disease (even by mainstream medicine standards). And since you have the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, you must know that there is no need to supplement with hormones.

The vibrating plate is still shrouded with controversy. For example, people with spinal injuries, such as slipped discs or pinched nerves may increase damage by using the machine. Perhaps that is what your doctor is referring to. I recommend you discuss with your doctor why he thinks that the vibrating plate is not for you. I can’t determine that from a distance.

Warm regards,




Question & Answer #5

I am following the program to increase my bone density. How long does it take for bones to be rebuilt or at least when should I have another density test to check out the results?

-Lorene C.

Dear Lorene,

I understand that you must be eager to know if your bones are improving, but it is impossible to predict the timing of the density increase. There are many factors that may affect the time it takes for your bones to rebuild themselves. Anything from stress levels to previous drug therapies you might have taken could affect the timing.

But you can rest assured that you are doing what’s natural to your bones and to your body. Don’t forget that the goal is to prevent fractures… so by following the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, you are empowering your natural bone metabolism. If you wish to get another bone density test, I recommend you wait at least one year from the time you got started on the program.

I’m sure you’ll have excellent bone density results.

To your health,

Question & Answer #6

I am 67yrs. In 2008 I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis after a bone density scan determined an AP Spine T-score of -2.5 and Left Femur -2.1. After 1 year of hard work by attending a gym 3 days per week, taking extra calcium and being very conscious about a healthy diet, a further bone density scan today has shown no further deterioration. I believe my efforts have paid off.
My doctor is keen for me to take Protos as I have I also have stomach problems (acid reflux,
hiatus hernia and stomach ulcer) also and was recently on Nexium for two months. My doctor would like me to continue on Nexium and commence taking Protos. I am not happy about this as I’m very much against taking this medication and will only agree to take Nexium when it is absolutely necessary.
I have always been opposed to prescribed medication and always look for a natural therapy solution. Do you think I should start taking Protos? I would much appreciate your opinion on this matter.

I do not want to do this.

-Marion E.

Dear Marion,

Congratulations on your bone health efforts and results. In order to make a decision about taking Protos (or not taking it), keep in mind that to most doctors “curing” equals “prescribing”. This is important because you do have more options to increase your bone density than taking Protos.

Additionally, and this topic is covered in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, taking Proton Pump Inhibitor drugs like Nexium hinders the absorption of important nutrients and bone healthy minerals such as calcium. That’s because stomach acid is absolutely essential for proper digestion, and drugs like Nexium reduce its production. Here’s an idea for you: try the Osteoporosis Reversal Program and don’t risk ANY undesirable side-effects.

Always trust your instincts!

Question & Answer #7

With a hernia I am unable to take Fosamax, Reclast, etc., and am being pushed into taking a new drug (“Prolia” by needle) every six months … Prolia is VERY new in Canada, but I would be interested in hearing any feedback on that drug from anyone who has tried it outside of Canada … am still undecided which route to go, as I lead a very healthy lifestyle, eat well, exercise 3 times week, and take vitamin supplements. Am 55 with Osteopenia.

-Shirley L.

Dear Shirley,

Prolia is not indicated for osteopenia, which is a ‘precursor’ to osteoporosis. It sounds as though you may not have yet read my blog post titled Prolia (denosumab): My Review. I strongly recommend you take the time to read it.

In a nutshell, Prolia is a new type of injectable drug designed to treat and prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis for patients considered to be at high risk of fractures. Like bisphosphonates, but using a different pathway affecting the immune system, Prolia de-activates osteoclasts, which in turn stops bone remodeling. Common sense dictates that when bones don’t renew themselves (as they should), they can actually be more prone to fracture.

Now more than ever, knowledge IS power.

Question & Answer #8

Age is 87. Started on Miacalcin & last 8 years or more on Actonel. Nothing works as last score was -3.5. Now they want me on Forteo shots & I refused.At my age don’t think anything will work. Do you?

-Robert W.

Dear Robert,

Quite the contrary! I think that the Osteoporosis Reversal Program can help regardless of age.

You see, drugs work AGAINST the body. They interrupt and alter normal and necessary biological processes. On the other hand, the Osteoporosis Reversal Program works WITH the body and actually helps insure that all the necessary body processes take place. I can’t emphasize this enough.

Believe in your bones and believe in yourself.

Question & Answer #9

I notice in your comments on Milk you mention two products that you use. These products to the best of my knowledge are not available in Australia. If I were to purchase your book does it only contain products that are only available in the USA? If so how valuable would it be to me.

-Barry

Dear Barry,

The Osteoporosis Reversal Program does not require using products that only exist in the USA. It is a nutritional, lifestyle, and exercise program that gives you vast options and substitutions. For example, I am assuming you ask about almond milk, and perhaps it is not available in Australia. Well, you could make your own, or substitute it with organic soy milk or rice milk.

To a simple life!

Question & Answer #10

I am also very confused about the ‘milk issue’. Why are we encouraged to drink milk and consume dairy products from an early age if it is supposedly not good for us? Have generations of people been wrong?

-Trudy

Dear Trudy,

I am sorry to say that indeed, generations of people have been wrong. But then again, circumstances have changed. (Check out my very detailed blog post on milk titled ‘Debunking the Milk Myth: Why Milk is Bad for You and for Your Bones’).

In the not so distant past milk was neither pasteurized nor homogenized. Cows were grazing in the open fields and were not fed an unnatural diet of genetically modified corn. They were not given antibiotics or synthetic growth hormones. Additionally, people were not eating processed foods loaded with bone harming chemicals. So even if someone drank milk back then, it would not have the same terrible consequences as it does now.

Be well and stay curious,