Osteoporosis Community

1. There is not enough scientific evidence available at this time to support any benefit of electromagnetic therapy to the bones. Consequently, it is likely that insurance would not cover this.

2. If you had your ovaries removed, you are considered postmenopausal. Some of the osteoporosis medicines contain hormones or affect hormones, including raloxifene (Evista), calcitonin (Fortical, Miacalcin) and teriparatide (Forteo). Obviously, estrogen therapy and hormone therapy also affect hormones. Please read the following information to learn about the different FDA-approved osteoporosis medications that are currently available http://www.nof.org/aboutosteoporosis/managingandtreating/medicinesneedtoknow .

3. The best medication for each individual depends on each individual's medical history and other factors unique to each person. There is no one choice that is right for every person with osteoporosis. You can read more about these factors by visiting http://www.nof.org/aboutosteoporosis/managingandtreating/choosingtreatment .

Also, NOF lists the FDA approval year for all osteoporosis medications in the chart at the very bottom of the following page http://www.nof.org/aboutosteoporosis/managingandtreating/medicinesneedtoknow .

Finally, you are not alone in feeling that you have lost control of your life as a result of a disease you have. This frequently happens to people with cardiovascular disease, cancer, or Parkinson's. Women with osteoporosis often feel this way as well although it rarely gets articulated because of the belief that weak bones are a consequence of old age, with no opportunity to do anything about them.

Congratulations on recognizing that this is a serious and debilitating disease that can have negative consequences. Until we recognize these challenges, we can't do anything to control them. You are several steps ahead of many women who just ignore these feelings. What you now need most is to talk with other women with osteoporosis, hear their stories, learn their tricks for coping with it, and know that they still have very high quality of life.

A support group would be ideal. There may be local support groups for osteoporosis, so ask your physician or check with NOF. If you can't get to a face to face group, the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) has an online community for this purpose (http://www.nof.org/community/otherevents ).

In addition, you should probably consider short-term counseling with someone trained to help you with coping with chronic illness. In my opinion, you would be best off with a clinical social worker. Again, your physician might be able to provide a name of someone who can help. Also, NOF has some online resources to help you at http://www.nof.org/aboutosteoporosis/positivethoughts/qualityoflife .

Although none of these will make you feel better instantly or alleviate the challenges of osteoporosis, they should help you start down the path to good bone health and to cope with these problems.