Hello folks. Been to the docs today and saw a different doctor. He would like to put me on treatment for osteoporosis. He has asked me to go away and research it and come back and say which i would like. So i would like to know what others have found suits them. Do you get any side effects.
I think it is a good idea as i am on prednisalone so often recently.
many thanks
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hopetorun
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Have you had a dexa scan to ascertain the density of your bones. I have had two. It is probably a good idea before you agree to medication.
Had one a couple of years ago and it showed slught softening. But have been to the gym and watched the diet and shin pain went. I will ask again before accepting treatment
Sorry for the bad news. I had a bone density scan, I have osteopenia, the previous stage. I have 28% risk of hip fracture. I thought wow it is precise..I was recommended Vitamin D and calcium, weight bearing exercises.
There are many meds out there and injections. What did he suggest? Reactions are such an individual thing it is hard to say.
Littlepom is right, you should have a dexa scan first. Pete has osteoporosis and takes Risedronate once a week. He has no side effects. Hope that helps. Take care xxxxx
Hi HTR, I agree, get an up to date dexa scan though they often say that you don't see significant difference until three years have passed.
My experience was taking alendronic acid (Fosomax) many years ago as precaution for osteopenia. No-one thought to tell me that taking it with a hiatus hernia and reflux could cause problems, and I ended up with Barretts Oesophagus (precancerous condition of lower end of oesophagus) despite following the instructions to the letter (staying upright for half an hour after swallowing it first thing in the morning). There is now a version of this med which is injected, thus bypassing the stomach.
Many years later the bone density reading of my hip has deteriorated from osteopenia to osteoporosis though the spine is ok. I was recently referred to an osteoporosis clinical nurse specialist to discuss how to proceed as I didn't want to take any more medication. I think the bone density cut-off point where you have moved from osteopenia to osteoporosis is -2.5, and my reading for the hip was only -2.8. As I take Vit D3, remain active and eat a good diet, the nurse was happy that I don't take anything more for the time being but said that if I were to need ongoing oral prednisolone for the copd, or if I had a low impact fracture, then I should come back to discuss it further.
If I were you I would want to discuss your options with someone more qualified than your GP - we are all different and you mention a genetic possibility. There can be nasty side effects from the medication but not everyone gets them. There is another bit newer med called Denosumab (sp?) which is different to the bisfosphonate class of meds. Apparently this doesn't have the same risk of serious reflux but it is not recommended for people with reduced immunity and therefore the nurse said than given my copd she wouldn't suggest it for me.
It's a bit of a minefield and I wish you luck sorting out what to do; there is an osteoporosis HU page you could take a look at. If you are active and have good balance it is not by any means inevitable that you will have a fracture. A balance of risk if you like
Many thanks for the detailed response. I've a hernia and reflux and have been asked to think about Alendronic acid to tackle bone density (readings in red zone). My reflux is already made a lot worse by IPF meds so its good to know that this also risks making the reflux worse. This effect of Alendronate had not been mentioned before - though my doctor asvised me to wait until I've had some dental work before starting as there might be a risk of the drug making bone more brittle and resultig in jaw bone cracking during extractions !.
Glad it was helpful Salmo. Re the jaw, there are possible side effects from alendronic acid, called necrosis of the jaw. Ive no idea how frequent or rare this is but it was something I took into account. Good luck
Very interesting O2 I hadn’t read your answer yet. So sorry you ended up with such a disease. I have reflux too so I will watch out but I am only on vit D and a multivitamin and minerals supplement. As you mentioned to have a check-up every 3 years I will have another one in a couple of years and see then.
Yes the balance in my body is good most of rhe time. Being clumsy is a bit if a problem and being a bit of a lune also does not help. Not always good at recognising my limitations. Dont want to have limitations. Yes i will ask for another scan. I did break my ankle 7 years ago so not sure at present what to do. Get christmas out of the way i think. Thanks for your thoughts
I have a monthly ibandronic acid tablet I take and according to my last decade scan they’re working for me. This was after trying a daily and a weekly one. Just follow the instructions and you’ll be fine. Only 1 a month is a bonus x
Any number of reasons can result or be the cause of bone thinning, the time of menopause is a very vulnerable time for women, not to mention diet and exercise from childhood and any other possible cause, long term use of steroids, NSAIDs and other medication for instance. (smoking and cancer treatment)
Hi I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis in the red area. 3 years ago after Dexa scan and put on Alendronic acid tablets and Ad Cal Vitamins.
Took it for over a year an decided not for me. Made me feel sick and hair started to fall out ! Read up on internet and the reviews made up my mind to just stick to the calcium tablets . Hope this might help xx Kate
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