Severe osteoporosis

[Radars]

Hello, I have just got my results to my gp that I can't have any testosterone for my locally advanced prostate cancer, and my osteoporosis looks severe and I have had a referral back to hospital for bisphosphonate therapy, but I have hiatus hernia and they are not good for stomach, any help please.

[BobD Volunteer]

Testosterone is what the cancer feeds off so the less you have the longer you live.

[Radars in reply to BobD]

Yeah thanks but I am only 8st that's why I have got osteoporosis, no test,I have read stories with people the same diagnosis as me given testosterone every 3 months and doing ok,osteoporosis medication I've read horror stories.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Radars]

The medication I had was to STOP the testosterone.

[CDreamer in reply to Radars]

I would echo Bob’s experience - my husband also had testosterone inhibitors for prostrate cancer.

May I suggest that you pose your question for osteoporosis on Bone Health forum - I took AA for six months but then decided to stop and now use supplements, exercise and diet, not a fan of biphosphonate treatment, even though I was incredibly careful in taking tablets. You can ask for infusion? Did you have a DEXA scan? If so what were your numbers?

[Radars in reply to CDreamer]

Hi ,don't really understand it,the lowest t score lies in the osteoporotic range (<2.5).the lowest total t score is -4.1 measured at the lumbar spine. The bmd(g/cm2 at the femoral neck is 0.593.we understand the patient will has not suffered a previous known insufficiency fracture. However, vfa shows superior end-plate deformity at t12 suspicious for an insufficiency fracture, do you understand that, all I have been told is that its severe.

[pusillanimous in reply to Radars]

Did you not get a report with the scores for all the important bones spine, hip, etc plus images taken from the scan and graphs, plus the radiologists report suggesting when the scan should be repeated (you should get several A4 size sheets)? I've been taking a Boniva tablet which is only once a month, so not too difficult (I'm now due a 'holiday') and a monthly Calciferal tablet which is a Vit D compound.

[Radars in reply to pusillanimous]

I just got a print out from gp surgery, I am waiting for a letter from hospital that might say more, I hope so.

[CDreamer in reply to Radars]

I really would ring the Osteoporosis Society nurses and talk to them. Here is the website with all contacts and lots of info. theros.org.uk/

If your DEXA score is -2.5, -4.1 then that is a measurement of the density of your bones. Anything with a - in front of the number = osteopenia or osteoporosis, the nurses nurses will advise. The abbreviation vfa = veterbrae fracture assessment - looks as though there is some ambiguity as to whether there is a spinal fracture at t12 (number of the vertebrae that looks a bit suspicious) so that will need clarifying.

Severe is such an ambiguous word but it does sound as though you need to talk to someone who can explain fully and no one better than the ROS!

[Awldgranny]

Hello Radars …I have osteoporosis and also have a hiatus hernia and Barrett’s Oesophagus so can’t take the drugs orally, either. However my GP surgery is able to administer the bisphosphonate drug by injection …can’t recall whether it’s monthly or 3 monthly as I’ve only just been diagnosed and not starting treatment till next month. Evidently I have to have a blood test the week before the injection every time to check calcium levels. So there is a way to get around things if you have a hernia or other issues with the digestive tract. Hope that your GP can sort this out for you, too and that there will be another effective route to take for the prostate cancer.

[Kasscat]

Hi Radars,

I have Osteoporosis and high risk of spinal fractures . I had the Zoladronic Acid infusion last February like you I read google and nearly refused to have it . I rang the Osteoporosis Society and spoke to a nurse who reassured me . The only side affects I had was flu like symptoms just for a few days . I hope this helps . Take care .

[Frances123]

I am unable to take bisophonates orally due to GERD and got awful side effects. I now have yearly infusions at local hospital of Zolendronic acid/Zometa so it bypasses the stomach and I have been fine with that. Including the flush they put through afterwards it takes about 30 minutes. I’m in an out of the unit in under an hour……and that includes complimentary tea and biscuits!

[Lilypocket]

HelloHas there been any talk of removing the prostate? My father had prostate cancer and had hormone patches to inhibit it.

On the other hand my brother had his prostate removed at the age of 69 because of cancer and made a good recovery -(he was a widower but now has a lovely girlfriend who is 20 years younger than him).

Wishing you well.

[Radars in reply to Lilypocket]

Thanks,I had ht and radiotherapy because I had seminal vessicles invasion.

[Lilypocket in reply to Radars]

Ah ok. I wish all the best and hope things improve for you.