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,
Hi Vivian,
Thanks for the forum. I’ve been following your program for a few months now and am really hoping for good results! I too, have Celiac disease and am wondering about the correlation between that and my osteoporosis. I am gluten free, will my intestines absorb calcium? My Dr. gave me a prescription for Calcitonin, to bypass the intestines. Is there anything extra that you could recommend I should do in addition to following your basic program already? From your book you don’t recommend the Calcitonin, but I’m wondering in my case would it help?
Thank you, Karen.
Vivian: Wrote to you and lost the first, due to the fact that Icouldn’t see the bottom area. I took Forteo and since have had many problems. Pain in the right leg bones in my buttock area. I have severe pain in my back rib cage next to the right shoulder blade. I have 7 fractured vertebrae. The pain moves around to the front to the left side also below the ribs
Had an Xray – they saw no fracture in the spine. Today, Nov. 13, 2010 has been approx.
11 days of sever pain. I wonder if I have a Fracture in the rib cage on the right side between shoulder blades and alone with that perhaps Fibromyalgia. Neither one has been present before. When I stopped Forteo after 18 months my Doctors insisted that I get on Reclasp. I did not want to. I prefer a wholistic approach. I have received your book the other day. Any other suggestions as to what to do about the servere pain when I get up out of a chair or turn the wrong way or lie down? If it is a broken rib (on the right side between the shoulder blades) what can I do?
Open to any suggestions you can offer. Thank you. Barbara S
Hi Barbara,
It’s important to consult a medical professional about unexplained pain. If it’s a fracture, your doctor or naturopath can advise you. There’s no way I can diagnose you remotely.
Also, please be aware that I’m not a doctor. 🙂
Dear Vivian,
I want to switch my calcium source to organic and algae as you have recommended. I am currently taking calcium from inorganic.
However, I have hyperthyroid and have to avoid algae which is a rich source of iodine for thyroid hormone.
Is there any other organic and a good source of calcium instead of organic or from algae?
I await for your answer.
Please also reply to my email so that I won’t miss your post for the answer.
Thanks so much,
Marie
This is a comment to Barry. I live in Australia as well and you can find the Almond milk here. It is at the Coles in the health food section of the store. It is not with the long life milk or the chilled milk. It comes in organic or non.
I noticed on another website that someone recomended NOT drinking “fizzy water”. I drink soda water regularly (carbonated water or club soda). Is this acidic? Should I only drink tap water? I hope someone can help. Thanks, Juliet
My question is about vitamins. Do you prefer one brand over another? Who makes the best with the highest quality available? I hope you can state your preference on vitamins. I have heard different things about vitamins and would like to know if I am buying good ones. Thank you.
I love your information and want to conform to new healthy habits that’s been described in your program. I find that I really need to belong to an active group in my area that is doing the same program. I so need the encourgement to stay on target. If you can help me with this, THANK YOU! I live in the Lansing, MI area
Because organic milk should not have the hormones and antibiotics as regular milk does, do you still feel that it is harmful?
Dear Vivian,
You stated that you wrote an article on Prolia. How can I read it? My doctor really wants me to take it.I am also taking stontium citrate. Am I hurting myself? Also what about calcium and heart attacks. Thanks for any info you can give me.
The questions were very interesting and I would not have thought of at least half of them. the answeres bring to light many of the things I had not thought of. thank you
Sharon
Enjoyed reading all the comments but a bit shocked as i am taking Actonal a year and a half now don’t have any problem with it at the moment and hoping my next scan will be better interested in your book how do i get it and how much dose it caused.
Joan
There are always so many conflicting reports tht it becomes difficult to know what is good and what isn’t. I try to follow your program but sometimes cheat a little. I mostly eat plenty of vegetables and sometimes some fish and I think this is a pretty sensible diet. I was taking calcium tabs but having read reports of the ineffectiveness and also the side effects _ sometimes serious, have stopped taking it. It seems that taking supplements can only help to a degree, but the best way to live is to eat natural foods rather than chemically produced tablets. I do hope I am doing the right thing.
Do you feel it is a waste of time to have bone density test taken?
Should i take STRONIUM RENELATE and or ALGAECAL i beleive these are good for bone building. I am not on any medication. I am following Osteoporosis Reversal Program. My Dr does not agree that it will work. I will not takle drugs.
Catherine
I see this book jacket and it confuses me. I have already spoken to one of your CS Reps, Jan about the fact I don’t have this book. In reality I do but the cover is different and it is paperback where the yellow one with the orange flower covering the human body looks like a hardback. She confirmed the yellow one is just for advertising purposes. Well, as much as I like your program and what you are doing for us, this picture of the book jacket I have just previously described is misleading. She assured me I have a current book though. Why don’t you eliminate the yellow one and put a picture of the actual one?
Joan
Dear Vivian, Thank you for the opportunity to share and get information from you and the Save Our Bones Community.
A year or two ago I spoke with you and bought your book which I was very impressed with and TRIED to follow the diet you perscribed. I must admit I did not stick to it as I’d hoped. Instead I thought my doing the “Be Bone Wise” video put out by the Osteoporosis Foundation, my walking 3 miles a day 5 days a week and the supplements I take 2X daily(including strontium, bone-up, Vit K,C,E D3,Bcomplex,flax and fish oil, coQ10 magnisum,lysine,boron,red yeast rice, folic acid, methyl caps(for homosystein)and bone jointw/chrondriton,glucosamine and Msm, would be enough. I WAS WRONG!
When we spoke my hip T score was similar to yours,-2.75 & -2.84. Now it is -3.76 & -3.72 (spine still not too bad at -0.55.
Well, as you can imagine, my Doc wants me to start taking the drug Forteo and Prolia since the bone loss is so great I need to RE-BUILD bone and she thinks the drugs are the only way.
Since 1997 I have had bone density scans every year or two and for awhile there was an improvement but since 2/08 there has been a drastic loss.
I know you don’t approve of strontium and would like to hear your comments re that again. Thinking I’m may be taking too many supplements that could possibly be causing me to lose bone (killing my bones with “kindness” or should I say ignorance).
I have never taken any of the drugs that have been perscribed to me over the years(fosamax etc)thank Goodness! Have read the infor re Forteo and Prolia and the side effects I’m reading about from patients taking it is very scary.
I AM APPEALING TO YOU FOR YOUR OPINION OF WHAT YOU WOULD RECOMMEND I DO. I expect you will continue to veto taking these new wonder drugs but wondering if by committing myself to following your food diet WOULD THAT ACTUALLY BUILD NEW BONE or is the bone loss too great. As you have heard many time before the Dr. says I will end up in a wheelchair soon.
Thanking you in advance for your attention to this matter and all of the hard work you are doing.
Sincerely,
Patricia Miller
I only drink organic milk because I LOVE MILK. I was born and raise on a small dairy farm in Wisconsin in the 50’s and my dad prided himself in keeping a “pure” herd. I drank unhomoginized, unpasturized milk during my childhood to age 18.
Is organic milk acceptable?
What do you know about EZorb calcium????
Hi Vivian,In your comments you mentioned that it is best to not take any of the OSTEOPOROSIS DRUGS.I almost died from a Boniva shot.It was not fun.I had a terrible reaction,so I would emphasize the danger of those drugs.Go on Vivian’s Osteoporosis Reversal Program.It is a whole lot safer.My best to you.Janet
leo todos los comentaerios que puedo y algunos alpican a mi caso, tengo osteoporosis hace anos, y quisiera saber como encontrarel calcio de algas rojas que mencinonan, segun parece de NUEVA ZELANDA,o si hay en otro lugar por favor necesito la direcion o lugar donde encontrarlo, tengo el libro de Vivian pero no refiere donde.gracias a todos por su ayuda. elizabeth
The questions and answers have made me more aware of the problems from using perscription drugs.We were all born with plants surrounding our land,NOT with chemical drugs clinched in our tiny fists.
When the questions/answers stopped 4-5 months ago,I stopped reading this newsletter.Now that they are back…SO AM I !!!!!
According to Wikipedia, there is an association between the intestinal damage done by gluten and the body’s inability to absorb calcium.
Please discuss the association between, coeliac disease, a gluten-free diet, and calcium absorption.
Living at present in Queensland, Australia. Last week I bought Almond milk from “Go Vita” No doubt it is also available in other Healthfood stores.Just keep looking.
I have read my copy of the Osteoporosis Reversal Program
and forgot what you said about calcium. I have
acid reflux and stayed off the medications for one month and I developed burning in my throat. I cannot eat any spicy foods. My doctor wants me to take Prilosec if my symptoms worsen. I really am
not willing to do this. Vivian, what remedy do you suggest? I have tried Bragg’s apple cider vinegar, taking digestive enzymes. I have never
taken bisphosphonates for my osteoporosis. I take Vitamin D and other supplements. I did not
know you had a question week because I have been pre-occupied with my Mother’s health care. She
is 98. I feel like I can only eat bland foods.
What do you suggest?
My son had a really horrible case of acid reflux for years and nothing he tried fixed it. Then he read about green juice fasts (you make juice from greens and a piece of carrot or apple several times a day and drink it) and their alkalizing effect and decided why not-he had nothing to loose. He chugged through, got himself a juicer, bought organic greens, juiced them for a week and noticed all sorts of benefits…such as his acid reflux much improved. He felt so much better he kept it up, started eating alot of salads and improved his PH along the way to the point where he never has bouts of it any more. Youl can read more aobut this idea on the web- and if you are signed up for roku should watch the documentary Forks over Knives which will open your eyes in many ways.I watched it and have given up my favorite food; cheddar cheese for the sake of my bones.
Vivian, I am trying to go on your suggested diet. I am using your book and another book I have just puchased. Are you familiar with this book: BUILDING BONE VITALITY by Amy Joy Lanou, PhD. and Michael Castleman? They agree with everything you say in your book THE BONE HEALTH REVOLUTION except they don’t think we should take calcium supplements, but should get calcium from food. They do talk about taking Thiazide Diuretics instead of other osteoporosis drugs. what do you think of this drug for osteoporosis? Thank you, Mary Lou Vitek
I have purchased all the supplements in your book and have been on some of them for a while after my own research and before purchasing your book. I do not see you recommending DHEA which is also good for bone growth – why not? Also, I read above that someone stopped taking Strontium after reading your book, I only saw that you shouldn’t take it within four hours of taking calcium – is there a problem with taking the Strontium?
Dear Vivian,
I’m glad I found you on the Internet,your info gives me knowledge and power to share with friends.
God Bless.
Adding to the interesting comments I would like to say that positive and early diagnosis is the most important factor and taking the right drug-free programme right from the start if it works for you. I never dreamed I would get osteoporosis having taken lots of exercise, never smoked, moderate alcohol, little milk as I’ve always disliked it. I was diagnosed finally 10 years ago at 74. After taking two post menopausal type drugs in turn, which I couldn’t tolerate because of side effects, I have been taking Actonel for the last five years and endured at least five spinal fractures and a large hump. Obviously the drug is not helping in any way. Where do I go from here?
Hi Vivian,
I ordered your free handbook a few weeks ago and still haven’t received it. Can you please send it to me as I am anxious to read it. May even purchase your Osteoporosis Reversal Program.
Sincerely,
Ann Schell
P.S. God bless and keep up the good work that you do informing us about saving our bones.
Anne,
Go to top of this page, right hand side, enter your name, your email address (if you don’t have one, get some one to help with this). Then press the “Get it free” button. You will find it in your email inbox.
Thanks Vivian for the 10 answers – I tried several times to ask a question but something was happening and my question didn’t stay on the page. I told you that I was going to have a bone density scan soon – I am booked now for 23rd September – so I’m hoping and praying for a great result – I’ll let you know !! Many blessings – Kelsey Fickling, AUSTRALIA.
ALthough my mother had severe osteoporosis, my bones were fine until I reached menopause and experienced major life changing shocks which resulted in depresssion and a nervous breakdown. I believe the stress was responsible for my bone loss. I feel like a Magnesium sponge, as though i cannot get enough of this mineral. I have been taking large amounts of Orthoplex OptiMag which is predominantly magnesium in powdered form. I take 1000 mg of Calcium citrate and double that of magnesium along with all the co-factors Vit B complex, D, zinc, boron etc and I still suffer from cramps. I also take digestive enzymes. This concerns me as it indicates either magnesium or calcium deficiency. Not a good indicator for my bones. Any ideas??
My diet is good, lots of green leafy veges, vege juices.
I was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis and had several rib and thoracic fractures and a lumbar compression. I have been riding my bike to work and increased my hip bone density by 5% but dropped in my spine 0.05%- obviously not enough jumping!!! When I ride pushing down on the pedals creates cramps in my toes which will not go away while i am riding. I do not know what to do anymore.
Cathie
Barry asked about Almond Milk in Australia (answer/question no. 9).
You can get it in Australia. I buy Pureharvest organic almond milk manufactured in Victoria. It is sold in health stores throughout Australia. I haven’t seen it in the big supermarkets though my local village store in southern Tasmania sells it.
Dear Vivian,
What do you think of the sugar substitue – Xylitol? Is it more acid or alkaline? And is it any good for us?
Thanking you,
Tracey
Thank you for your great answers to the above questions. I hope everyone reads your blog as it is one of the few that tell it like it really is.
I am very concerned about the fact that doctors are not educated in natural remedies that could save many from the horrible side effects of the dangerous so-called “bone density” drugs.
Thank you, Vivian, for continuing with Q & A, I always learn something new from this.
Shula