Confused about osteoporosis treatment

[Manray11]

Hi all, in 2019 whilst lifting my suitcase at the airport I had a horrendous pain in my lower back. Fast forward a few months finally got a x-ray which showed a compression fracture of L2. Finally got a dexa scan in April 2021 and confirmed osteoporosis of the spine with a T score of -3.9. My doctor prescribed alendronic acid but had to stop taking them after 4 weeks as they made my stomach problems much worse as I have IBS and a hiatus hernia. A few weeks later I had to have 3 teeth removed, dentist raised his eyebrows when he knew I had been on AA. Nov 2021 I had a fall and fractured my shoulder, in the meantime I was referred to discuss having the infusion for my osteoporosis. My 1st appointment got cancelled then I had a letter from my endocrinologist (I have subclinical hyperthyroidism and a goiter) to say she is taking over my osteoporosis care and that I should have a full dental check up then make an appointment to see her ref the infusion. I know my teeth aren't in great condition so haven't sorted it yet.

After my osteoporosis diagnosis I was put on vit d3, 2000 daily as my level was only 23. I'm also on lansoprazole and famitodine for my stomach, atorvastatin and atenolol. Recently I've been feeling really rubbish so trying to work out if it could be any of my meds by the process of elimination but not having much luck as today I'm not good at all. So at the moment I'm in limbo and just crossing my fingers that my osteoporosis doesn't get any worse and don't know what the next step is going to be. Sorry for the long post.

[hjskev]

Hi I'm not much help with the osteoporosis treatment I'm afraid because I'm confused as well. I suffer from stomach and digestive problems too. Acid reflux and bloating had got so bad that I decided to come off the Alendronic acid although I had been taking it for years previously with no problems. I began to suspect it was the cause of my digestion problems. Since I stopped it I've been feeling much better. I don't like the idea of alendronic acid. During lockdown I had to have a tooth out and because of it my jaw took over 18 months to heal. To my mind that can't be good.I had a bone scan about 3 weeks ago. I haven't had the results yet but I'm expecting some deterioration and that the doctor to be advising me to have some treatment. In the meanwhile I am feeling better just taking calcium and eating well and taking Gaviscon before bed. So I don't know what the next step will be for me either. At the moment I'm just enjoying feeling the best I have felt in a long time. Hope you get some answers to you dilemma and I will be watching this thread with interest. Good luck

[dancingdragons in reply to hjskev]

I’m sorry to hear you are feeling so rubbish. I really hope you can get the help you need. I suffer from IBS too and was unable to tolerate the Alendronic Acid. I am on the annual infusions, have had two now with no side effects (apart from a day or so of cold like symptoms). I also take Atorvastin. I hate to tempt fate but I’ve had no further fractures since taking this. I wish you all the best in getting to a better place with it.

[Jumpey]

I have no advice about AA. But just wanted to empathise with you feeling awful. I have a hiatus hernia and Gord and the medications either don't help or make me feel really ill. I take other drugs for other conditions and the combination is so hard to cope with. Huge good luck. I hope you get the help you need.x

[walk21]

The Royal Osteoporosis Society is putting on an open webinar about choices of medication on 17th May at 6pm. If you could get on that you might find it helpful. I like to be prepared so that I can make better choices, hopefully

[Bongomad999]

Hi i have just joined this site as, I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis , I have IBS which ive had for many years, The AA tabs didnt agree with me as it affected my gastris, ended up with stomach errosives , Doctors want to put me on the injection called Denosumab, which im extremely unsure about,

The Specialist said i have got osteoporosis with not going on HRT, I wasnt offer this drug as i didnt have any night sweats of symptons of being on the change. Very unsure what to do.

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to Bongomad999]

I would be very careful with Denusomab / Prolia because if for any reason you have to stop taking it you will need to go on to some sort of relay drug which is often AA. You can have infusions of bisphosphonates which I think by pass your gut and a lot of people feel better doing that.

[Bongomad999 in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Thank you for your rely, are the infusions, yearly or twice a year.So confused about it all , The Doctor also said it would be a good idea to go on HRT.

She said i have got this condition through not taking HRT when going through the change.

I had no symptoms, no night sweats,

Nothing to do with your diet she said.

And i dont understand the scores from the dexa scan.

[Fruitandnutcase]

The people I know having infusions have them once a year but I think there are different types .You could speak to the ROS helpline - details on the right hand side of this page - either by phone or by email and they will point you in the direction of all the information you need.

Sounds good that your doctor is willing to prescribe HRT so you could ask about that too. Unfortunately I’m too old for that.