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[Rathimata]

I was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis earlier this year but the process for approving my medication has been a long one. I’m about to start Teriparatide injections and am quite anxious about it.

[Craftycreator]

Hi I also have severe osteoporosis particularly in my spine. T score -5! I have just finished my 2 year course of Teriparatide and generally have been fine. I had a few side effects which settled after a while, but it did increase my heart rate for a while after each injection. I believe this is quite common though. If you do experience any unpleasant side effects speak to your provider. Once you get used to the daily injections which can seem a bit daunting at first, I’m sure you will be Ok. The needles are very short and very fine that you barely feel it. You should be given guidance by a nurse and in the UK I also had a book to log where I injected. The position needs to be varied. I have to say the nurse who went through all of this with me was excellent. The medication has to be kept in the fridge. I was given a little cool bag for travelling too. In the UK once you have been approved for Teriparatide a private company takes over in collaboration with our NHS. Perhaps something similar happens in Greece? I wish you the very best and hope you get on well with the medication.

[Rathimata in reply to Craftycreator]

Thank you for encouraging reply. I’ve heard from a nurse who is coming to see me tomorrow to show me how to do the injections. The system seems to be similar to in the UK involving both the health service and a private company. I guess like everyone else I’m worried about possible side effects and your reply is very helpful. I’d rather not have to use medication but with a T score of -4.5 and multiple spinal fractures at just 63 I guess there’s not a lot of options.

[Craftycreator in reply to Rathimata]

I’m pleased things are moving forward for you. Unfortunately I don’t think there are a lot of options. I have just had my first infusion of Zolendronic Acid as a follow on treatment to try and maintain any gain from the Teriparatide treatment. Again options limited as I cannot take oral medication for this condition. Once again good luck and I’m sure you will be fine once you settle into the treatment. I just tried to tell myself it was building bone and helping to stop future fractures.

[Rathimata in reply to Craftycreator]

I hope it works for you.

[Craftycreator in reply to Rathimata]

Thank you

[Mavary]

please don’t be anxious. I felt like you at first but it comes as second nature after a week or so. And it certainly helped my bones. I went from -5.5 to -4.6. O quite a big improvement. If I can do it then so can you.

[Rathimata in reply to Mavary]

Thank you for this. I experience so much health related anxiety and this is pressing all my buttons. I know I will get used to it and my bones should get stronger, it’s all the what ifs going round in my head. It helps to know I’m not alone.

[Rathimata]

Does anyone know how much flexibility there is with the timing of doing Teriparatide injections? Do they always have to be at the same time each day or is a couple of hours either side ok? For example if I usually inject at 8am is it ok on some days to do it at 6am or 10am? I’m just trying to work out whether mornings or evenings are going to be best but not everyday is the same.

[Craftycreator in reply to Rathimata]

Hi you should try and do your injection at the same time each day if possible. Good luck

[Craftycreator]

I should have mentioned that I did my injections before going to bed due to initial side effects making me feel a bit yuck for a while afterwards. I felt more comfortable in bed for them to pass.