Biphosphonates

[michmurphy]

Hi there. I have recently being diagnosed with pregnancy related osteoporosis. My rheumatologist recommends biphosphonates as treatment . Any 1 had these and find them beneficial. The revies online are so mixed and scary . Feeling so confused rn.

[Met00]

Would I be correct in assuming you're no longer pregnant? I ask, because I don't think osteoporosis medication is recommended during pregnancy. As far as bisphosphonates are concerned, the evidence is that they reduce the risk of fracture but don't guarantee to stop fractures, and taken long-term can actually raise the risk of unusual fractures. Were you diagnosed as a result of a fragility fracture and, if so, how long ago did that happen? Was it during pregnancy or soon afterwards? My understanding was that osteoporosis caused during pregnancy often resolves itself afterwards, in which case medication wouldn't be necessary. It would definitely be worth asking whether this is the case.

[michmurphy in reply to Met00]

Hiya thanks for your comment.. yes your correct I'm 9 months post baby . Fractures occurred after baby . I also fractured after my 2nd baby but was never diagnosed as by the time I got mri to reveal fractures it was 2.5 years after baby so 2 and 2 were never put together. Assumed it was weight lifting (strange) when new fractures occurred 2nd time round was given diagnosis of pregnancy related osteoporosis. Rheumatologist wants to start me on biposhonates even though dexa revealed osteopenia.. I dunno what to do next as I'm in a lot of back pain probably chronic pain from spinal changes 😭😭😭

[Met00 in reply to michmurphy]

Unfortunately bisphosphonates won't help with the pain. If your baby's only 9 months old, and you only have osteopenia, it's possible that your bone density is improving without help from medication and a different approach would be to get help with the pain and look to increasing exercise as appropriate. I would get some more specialist advice relating to pregnancy induced osteoporosis, though I'm not sure how/where you'd get this! The ROS are currently researching this, so you might find it helpful to get in touch with Prof Stuart Ralston at Edinburgh University, who is leading the research. There's a mention here: theros.org.uk/osteoporosis-...

[Hidden]

Hi michmurphy, we have some information on PAO Pregnancy-associated Osteoporosis on our website. theros.org.uk You could also ring and speak to a helpline Specialist Nurse as they speak to people in the same situation as yourself.

[michmurphy in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for the info 😀

[MWZ3]

No way would I think the drugs for osteoporosis are a good idea for a young pregnant woman. Seems crazy to me!

[michmurphy in reply to MWZ3]

Thanks for your reply. I'm not pregnant anymore I'm 9 months post baby .. fractures seemed to occur in my spine weeks after delivery .

[MWZ3 in reply to michmurphy]

What were the results of your scan?

[Cappuccinobaby]

Go and get your blood calcium levels checked. If they are high normal then get your vitamin d and parathyroid hormone levels checked. Osteoporosis and osteopenia can be caused by hyperparathyroidism x

[Hidden]

Hi michmurphy, on the front page of our website, click on the Facebook link at the very bottom; as yesterday Prof S Roulston was talking to a lady that pregnancy-related Osteoporosis had happened to. There are some interesting bits there that may help.