I was diagnosed with osteoporosis earlier this year - early July. I had an DEXA Scan in late June! My osteoporosis is due to my age as I'm now menopausal - haven't had a period in last few years. I also have epilepsy & many epilepsy medications can affect how the body absorbs vitamin D as it depletes it from the bones! This is fairly common side effect of many epilepsy medications apparently unfortunately! I had a very nasty fracture to my right ankle after I my right foot slipped of the last step. I now have a steel screw in the ankle & a titanium plate in my lower right leg.
Due to being diagnosed with osteoporosis I'm taking alendronic acid. I have being taking a chewable calcium & vitamin D3 medication but because I hated the taste of it I was able to change over to a dissolvable version of calcium & vitamin D3 medication which taste much better!
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PurpleCurls16
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Please get your GP to rule out hyperPARAthyroidism as it is a known cause of osteoporosis which can be cured and lead to an increase in bone density. It caused mine and my bone density has improved by 25%
Like yourself I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis following a low trauma break to my ankle which required screws and plates about 3 years ago. My bloods showed up with high calcium and following various tests hyperparathyroidism was also diagnosed. Luckily the surgeon decided to operate and removed one parathyroid which immediately returned my bloods to normal. I would recommend you looking into this possibility for yourself too. I am also taking alendronic acid which I have been recommended to take for 5 years.
Hi No I don't think I have any side effects from taking the alendronic acid, I just hope it is having some effect on strengthening my bones which I won't know until I get another dexa scan. And as I've had the parathyroidectomy that should have helped get the calcium going back to my bones. It's a personal decision whether to take the medication but I think for me it's worth giving it a go.
Pleased that you got help and diagnosed fairly quickly, it is a bit of a shock when these things happen.
As your epilepsy medications may affect how the body absorbs vitamin D, is it worth asking for your Vitamin D levels to be checked, it may be it's already been checked as it is / it does seem to be a routine check for any one with Osteoporosis. It's done by a blood sample, I have mine done at the local GP practice. Sometime we all need reassurance and you need to know you’re doing everything you can to manage your bone health.
I have absorption issues due to food and oral medication intolerances – I worked my way through eight different Vitamin D meds over a period of 9 months, fortunately several of the earlier months I was able to sun bathe so kept the Vitamin D levels up as much as possible.
If you have not already had time to have a good search of the ROS (Royal Osteoporosis Society) website you may find that helpful, it includes vitamin D bone building receipts. Also they have a help line, you can speak with or email one of the specialist nurses.
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