If you need dental work is it safe to use aa

[Donna03]

I need dental work doing and just been prescribed aa is it safe to take it but I am scared if I don't I will fracture another vertebrae does anyone know what's the best thing to do

[t1gernidster]

I think you should discuss this with your dentist. I had the same dilemma and did just that. My dentist pointed out what could happen as a worst case scenario. He didn’t advise against taking the drug but he didn’t exactly enthuse about it either.

[HeronNS]

If you have known dental work to be done my understanding is you should have that completed before starting any bone medication. Yes, discuss this with your dentist. In the meantime do what you can to start improving your bone health through diet, a few supplements (Vitamin K2 and Vitamin D3 particularly important) and appropriate exercise. There is a lot we can do beyond relying on the medication. And any medication you may choose to take will have the best chance of working well if you are already working on that. Good luck!

[Donna03 in reply to HeronNS]

I agree with you and thank you for that advice at moment wish I could exercise but due to fractures of my spine I can't do much

[HeronNS in reply to Donna03]

Yes, you will have to wait for healing. I think, however, that the main problem would be with impact which makes even walking problematic. There are exercises which can be done to strengthen muscles. I know there are some on-line but it would be best to get a properly designed program from a physiotherapist who can evaluate your needs. I know this isn't always feasible, but I imagine as long as you avoid the obvious things - lifting, twisting when standing, impact - you should be able to find something appropriate. The back exercises I have (I have no fractures but have lost height because of the spaces between the vertebrae shrinking) are designed to strengthen the muscles which support the spine. I think there are also gentle exercises to help counteract the bending of the spine caused by compression fractures. Not going to offer specific advice as this is way beyond my ken, but don't give up hope, I'm sure you can find something which will help you, once you feel ready.

[Donna03 in reply to HeronNS]

Thank you I will speak to my g p and see if they can suggest some yes I crazy how much height you lose when I had dexa scan I was measured and I used to be 5.6 now 5.2 so let 4 inches

[HeronNS in reply to Donna03]

I remember reading something Doris Lessing (author) wrote about how she woke up one morning and discovered she'd lost x number of inches. I don't know if it really was overnight, but when it happens it does take us unaware. Who wants to be a "little old lady" or "little old man" especially if you're used to being tall or even average?

[Donna03 in reply to HeronNS]

Yes I was really happy being average height!! But yes it does make you feel scared especially when you can't stand up straight and doesn't matter how hard you try to you are bent over then some stranger says you walk funny it's hard for someone to understand unless they are going through it too☹️

[Sungolfer]

hi Donna I was diagnosed with PMR about a month ago just before going abroad for just over 2 weeks so was on 15mg for 3 weeks - now 12.5 for last 2 days and feel a little “yuck” today - just been given AA but GP said to check with my dentist - I had a check up yesterday and need a large replacement filling. So dentist asked me not to start AA until after treatment and X-rays. So I won’t!