Scared to death .......

I have Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis. I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis in 2001 and refused the drugs because of the bad experiences I was having with my 5 year drug programme for breast cancer which caused other conditions.

I did a great deal of research and decided to go down the alternative route. A book I found very helpful was "Osteoporosis: The Silent Epidemic" by Marilyn Glenville, in which she gives plenty of information about both the drugs and alternatives.

I put together a protocol for myself and the 3 DEXA scans I have had since have shown no deterioration. I have had no fractures. I'm due another DEXA this year so will find out the situation then.

Years of high dose steroids, RA, osteoarthritis and a genetic element have impacted greatly on my bones and will continue to do so.
However, there are worse things which can happen, so I have never dwelt on it.
Everyone's circumstances are different. You have to decide what is right for you.

The list of side effects of these treatments (and indeed most treatments) is worrying - I understand how you feel.

But osteoporosis is not to be taken lightly. Maywalk's post gives you a very clear picture of the consequences of osteoporosis.

I am in a fracture boot at the moment, having broken my foot on Boxing Day. I only bumped it very lightly and - bingo! - another broken bone.

I would strongly advise you to grab any treatment you are offered with both hands.

I cannot take alendronic acid because of pre-existing gastric problems, but I have had several other treatments over the years and am currently on 6 monthly denosumab injections. I have had no side effects from this or any of the other treatments that I have had.

Go for it! Repeated broken bones is no picnic.

Granless

Maywalk - for 92 yrs of age I think you are doing very well.

Many thanks Granless.
It maybe because I am kept busy answering folks worldwide about the war years. Everyone is after living history since I wrote a book about the first 20 years of my life, over 17 years ago taking in the years from 1930 up to 1949 when I got married.
It takes my mind off broken bones and Epilepsy apart from Arthritis and Asthma. Not forgetting the pacemaker.
At the rate I am going I will soon be having board and lodging in our local hospital because I seem to be spending more time in there than at home.
Its a good job I can take my I-pad with me when I go. LOL

Maywalk - You soundca very interesting lady. I hope your local hospital is 5*!

Update: Visited GP today to discuss where we go from here. My Dexa score is not good so, it looks like AA is a definite. I did ask about ‘alternative’ medicine but my score is a bit late for that. I was taken aback to hear this.
So, thank you Gransnetter’s for your comments, they have certainly been helpful. OP doesn’t seem to be the gloom and doom I’d envisaged. I hope I don’t have to buy a wig!

I have osteoporosis and have been taking aledronic acid for 2cyears now without any side effects. I also walk 5 miles daily to try to keep my legs strong to hopefully prevent more falls. I had a fall previously and broke my arm in 5 places hence they found that I had osteoporosis.
Try not to worry. Do your best to stay strong.