Newly Diagnosed

[Elaiworthy]

Hi

I’ve just been told I have severe Osteoporosis after having a Dexa Scan. I’ve started Adcal D3 and I’ve been given Alendronic Acid 70mg.

It’s my left hip and lumber spine which is affected, -3•5 in hip, -3•1 in lumber spine. I’ve been told I have a fracture risk of 36%. I’m naturally concerned about the side effects of AA. I also have Asthma and Bronchiectasis.

I’ve recently changed GP surgery and they’ve been great.

At my previous surgery I had twice asked the same GP if I could be checked for osteoporosis as my mum had this and had broken a hip. I was refused. I feel angry and upset as I feel my osteoporosis may not have been as severe if It was diagnosed sooner.

[Sunseaandsand]

Hi Elaiworthy,

Welcome to the forum, we have some lovely members who all bring a wealth of knowledge through experience, research, or both.

I am sorry to hear of the delay in your diagnosis of Osteoporosis.

It is good that you now have the backing of a new Doctor that is half the battle won!!

I can understand your anger and disapointment in your Osteoporosis not being found out sooner. There are many things that can contribute to osteoporosis, including medications we take for other health problems.

Perhaps it would be helpful to discuss your meds with the doctor to make sure you are not taking anything that could be making things worse for you.

The most important thing now for you is to do everything you can to prevent more bone loss, and having any fractures.

I have 7 in my spine now and my advice is take any help that is offered.

You have been given Aldronic acid to help with this, many people do well on it without any side effects ( on this forum you will hear of negative effects), people do not very often post about positive outcomes.

Please do not let it put you off, think of it as a trial and if it does not agree with you then you can try a different treatment.

It is always best not to worry over things that may never happen

Look at things like your diet and any vitamins and supplements that will be of a benefit to you.

Something really important is the NOT TO DO LIST.

DO NOT BEND FROM THE WAIST

DO NOT STRETCH OR REACH.

DO NOT CARRY HEAVY OBJECTS.

DO NOT TWIST OR TURN.

If you are still doing these things now, which you most probably are try to make a conscious effort not to.

Your bone density is low and this will help prevent you having fractures.

You will recieve a lot of very helpful advice and you can also contact the ROS nurses by phone or e mail.

Take care and I send my best wishes for the future.

[Elaiworthy in reply to Sunseaandsand]

Thank you for your reply. My doctor says my medications aren’t contributor to my Osteoporosis. So probably genes and post menopause.

[t1gernidster]

Hi! Sorry to hear of your diagnosis. Please ensure that your new GP has checked for hyperparathyroidism prior to staring any bone medication. If one or more of your parathyroid glands is misfiring it will need to be removed as it will be contributing to the thinning and taking mediation for that will not be effective in any way and can actually be detrimental. A simple blood test to check calcium levels is all it takes. Good luck.

[Joytomo]

Hi I was diagnosed in January this year with severe osteoporosis after having a dexa scan prior to starting medication for early breast cancer which can cause oesteoporosis, my score in lumbar vertebrae is -3.8 which is very low . I’m on adcal ad3 and alendronic acid which I’ve been on since January, I take the AA with lots of water every Sunday morning as I get up and then shower etc as you shouldn’t lie back down , I do get a few side effects like joint pain or achy feet and arms and acid reflux although not too bad , these are also side effects from my letrezole ( cancer drug) so I’m not sure what side effects are from which really ( I’m sorry not much help I know ) but do just follow directions etc . I’ve recently started Tai chi which is a nice gentle exercise as strenuous exercise is supposed to be avoided .

I hope you go on ok with your new new medication. Regards Joy x

[Fran57]

Hello.I would just echo what t1gernidster says; please ask for a blood test for hyperparathyroidism ( nothing to do with your thyroid).

Good luck.

Stay safe,

Fran 😉

[wisewoman108]

I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. It comes as quite a shock doesn't it? Out of the blue in my case and after I had already had 6 spinal fractures and was suffering as a result. Like you I was worried about the side effects of AA but my doctor agreed to prescribe me 10mg every day rather than 70mg once a week, as I was concerned what a large dose might do to my gut. So far so good with the AA and frankly I would rather take it than run the risk of more fractures. They are not nice! I do hope all goes well for you and that you reach the right decisions for you. Take good care always and try not to fall over! Ann x