Thank you so much for your answer. I have to admit that I knew nothing about T scores.   This past Nov. I had caught my foot on something and fell backward very hard onto my butt and fractured my wrist.  The orthopedic specialist suggested the bone density test since I am post menopausal and had that fracture.When I went to my regular doctor for my physical, he told me what the norm was and then said my score was 11 for my spine. I guess I was too shocked to think clearly enough to ask him the right questions. He told me oral meds would be of little help to me since my score was so bad.  I have to wonder why I didn't fracture my spine with that fall since I fell so hard that my back and head hit the ground.  My doctor said he's afraid my bones will cave in on themselves and that I should go for Reclast or Forteo.  I'm waiting to see how much my insurance will pay for the Forteo.  I do not want to go with Reclast. I may not be able to affort Forteo.  I am sick with worry. I have an app't scheduled for 2/22 with the orthopedic doctor who treated my wrist fracture.  I want his opinion.  Meanwhile, I am a basket case waiting for my spine to crumble!

Hi Jenna829,

I have osteoporosis but I'm not an expert! I've learned a lot about osteoporosis in the last 1+ years. I, too, am more than just a little surprised by your T Score! To be sure all is in the right perspective here, perhaps you can ask your Dr to send you a complete copy of the test results, so you can see for yourself what it says. If they can send it right away, this may help you get your bearings a bit more before your next Dr visit.

Also, if you "fell very hard" and as a result fractured your wrist, is this still considered a "fragility fracture"? Having a "fragility fracture" (fracture under conditions that wouldn't cause a fracture in healthy bone) is an important clue about a person's bone health. Sometimes there's no clear answer to whether a fracture is a "fragility" fracture or not, but it's a good question for your Dr.  Evidently your orthopedic specialist was concerned about the fracture, but still it wouldn't hurt to revisit this topic.

Did your Dr do any other tests to find out if you have other underlying causes for your osteoporosis? For example, have you had a Vitamin D test? It's important that this and other possibilities are checked, regardless of medications! It's not a good idea to take the medications without regard for underlying causes that should be addressed. These helpful Share Posts discuss other possible causes:
http://www.healthcentral.com/osteoporosis/c/76444/100119/osteoporosis
http://www.healthcentral.com/osteoporosis/c/76444/100506/osteoporosis
http://www.healthcentral.com/osteoporosis/c/53591/101402/osteoporosis

Also, there's things you can do starting right now to help yourself avoid fractures! The National Osteoporosis Foundation provides a helpful handout about safe ways to do "everyday" things. These are important to know, and they are simple measures. See: http://www.nof.org/osteoporosis/Guidelines_for_Safe_Movement.pdf

If you'd like more help with this kind of thing and exercises that are beneficial for people with osteoporosis, look into seeing a physical therapist with experience in osteoporosis.  Learning how to safely use your body and how to avoid falls can make a huge difference!

I can understand why you're sick with worry!  It's especially frightening when the Dr makes comments like what you mentioned, about bones caving in on themselves!  But I'll say to you like I say to myself, we need to get a grip on things.  We need to learn, and to take charge.  Stress is bad for bone health, so we definitely need to de-stress as much as possible.  If you haven't already, you might read the following posts for "words of wisdom" shared by others who are dealing with osteoporosis:

http://www.healthcentral.com/osteoporosis/c/76444/92533/comments

http://www.healthcentral.com/osteoporosis/c/76444/88733/comments

Regarding the cost of Forteo, you might want to check into what Eli Lilly offers in terms of assistance:

http://optrum.com/responsibility/servingpatients/programs/

There's a lot to learn about osteoporosis, and it never hurts to consult another Dr if you have concerns that you feel aren't being addressed.  I don't have the knowledge to answer your drug questions, but I hope you can take the time and find the answers so you're able to make the decision that's right for you.  Meanwhile, please don't let the fears make your spirit crumble!

Take care and good luck!

You might also think of seeing a specialist who treats osteoporosis.  Either an endocrinologist or a rheumatologist or both.  Then ask to discuss your report so you understand what's going on.  Ask your dr for a copy of the dexa report.  Don't take no for an answer, it's your test and you paid for it.