I was diagnosed two years ago. I had menopause at 39, after chemo, and probably missed out on a good twenty years of estrogen. I have been taking Prolia shots. It's twice a year, no big deal, no side effects for me, and my last bone density scan showed an improvement in the hip and spine, as well as a stable wrist. I can't tolerate calcium or vitamin D supplements. They give me digestive issues, so I am just winging it. My next-door neighbor had those monthly shots for a year (can't recall the name of the drug) and had no issues. But she had her arm just snap one day, with no warning. I think that's why she had to do that. She is on Prolia now.

The Prolia is quite expensive, but Medicare covers it. I have to go to a hematologist for the shot, but it's like getting a flu shot, except that it doesn't hurt afterwards at all.

I asked the orthopedist who gave me my new hip about the femur fractures, and he said that he had seen it only once in 40 years of practice.

Good luck!

I had zoledronic acid through an IV done once. i didnt have any side effects. Likely due for another.

I've had three infusions of zoledronic acid and have seen improvement in my density. My doctor thinks one more infusion next year, then a holiday from them for a few years. I'm usually pretty tired the day after the infusion and a bit achy for a couple of weeks, but not enough to keep me from any activities.

My concern with Prolia is that time can get away from me, and I could forget to get a shot, causing a rebound efffect. If you are good with keeping 6 month appointments, then Prolia could work for you.

Last summer I fell off my bicycle and shattered my lower left arm. Imaging showed mild osteoporosis. Since January I have been receiving monthly injections of something that if you told me the name I would remember it. This involves two injections at a time. They must be working because last week I tripped in the backyard, fell flat hitting the damaged arm and had not even a bruise. Medicare pays for the injections. I think there series is for twelve months.

I’m not a good example. Osteopeniak at 56 and full blown osterporoisis at 66. i took fosamax at 66 for 11 months and haven’t had a bone density test since. At 68 I should have another. But being always a slight build and fair my old gyn said ilong ago that it was ineviitable. i do workourt with weights twice weekly and have never had a break. i definenatly need a follow up. I am currently fit and active, but know I reaaly need to do something soon.

I’ll be 73 in a few days and have osteoporosis. I’ve taken Fosamax for several years now, and my bone density has improved- but since 2010 I’ve broken four bones: two spontaneous metatarsal stress fractures that occurred while walking (one in each foot, 10 years apart), and two left wrist fractures (different bones) from falls- the second of these was less than two weeks ago. Oddly all of these occurred while I was traveling! The spontaneous foot fractures in Paris and NYC; a fall off a curb in NYC in 2015 while looking at Google Maps (duh); a fall on the beach on Kauai 10 days ago when I tripped on a lava shelf hidden from view in the sand. Ugh. I’m interested in those injections!

Thanks, ladies! It looks to me that Fosamax and Prolia are the two 'biggies' in this treatment. There's also another new injection close to being available.

I fell flat on my face in a parking lot October 2022 and broke nothing, but I am small boned and have lost weight, and I'm sure some of that is bone. Tests two years ago showed osteopenia. I never took any oral meds for this because I've had kidney stones, including surgery to remove a huge 'staghorn' calc.

faftri -- Encouraging to hear that the femur fracture from this is evidently rare. I remember reading about that: The bone gets stronger at both ends first, leaving the middle section vulnerable to snapping. Unintended consequences!

chinacatpeekin -- We're going to have to 'ground' you! Sorry for all those fractures while traveling.

I broke my back without knowing I broke it and lived with severe back pain for 5 years that limited my mobility and I only found out when I was admitted to the hospital for pneumonia in 2021, had a full body CT scan to check for blockages and the Doctor asked me how i broke my back. They put me on 35 mg of Risdronate a week along with daily 1200 IU of Calcium to strengthen my back where the break was and it worked like a miracle. After 2 years of taking the calcium I stopped taking it because I didn't want a build up of calcium that could affect my heart. I get the calcium I need from the food I eat. I still take the bone drug. I can now walk without pain.

I messaged my oncologist, asking for pro's and con's of various injections. Instead, I just got a message saying he'd ordered Zometa and is awaiting insurance approval. This is given at three month intervals. I'm not going ahead with this until I know more about it, beyond what's online.