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[Some-Like-It-Hot]

Hello, I'm a retired person and have Osteoporosis. I recently finished a five year course of Risedronate. Every week I struggled with having to half drown myself to get the tablet down quickly, then sitting bolt upright for an hour. My new GP wants me to keep on taking it, but I'm not keen, because of the odds of having a femur fracture, which increase with the length of time taken. I'm exploring the options, but am getting confused. I'm back to tell my GP my decision in a couple of weeks, and don't know what to ask for.

How have other people made the choice of what to use, please?

Keep smiling

Some-Like-It-Hot

[Met00]

Has your GP explained why he believes you should continue taking risedronate? It's usually recommended to have a medication "holiday" after 5 years, so there need to be strong reasons to continue without a break. You might find the NICE patient decision aid helpful: nice.org.uk/guidance/ta464/.... If you search recent posts, you'll see I've avoided medication for 9 years, after not getting on with bisphosphonate treatment (post title "REMS bone scan results - density maintained without medication"); although I do realise going medication-free isn't an option for everyone, so am not suggesting you shouldn't have taken it for the past 5 years.

[Some-Like-It-Hot in reply to Met00]

Hi MetOO, I think my GP was disappointed with the increase in my bone density - I had a recent DEXA scan. We've compromised on me taking one year's holiday from Risedronate, during which time I'll research and come to a conclusion about what to do when the year is up.

Meanwhile, I'm looking to find a local gym, as the advice about building muscle up was new to me.

Well done keeping medication-free.

[Met00 in reply to Some-Like-It-Hot]

Do you mean you lost bone density, despite being on risedronate? Or that your doctor was disappointed that you didn't gain more than you did? Have you had any fragility fractures?

[Some-Like-It-Hot in reply to Met00]

I did gain bone density, but not as much as my new GP hoped. I had one fragility fracture 5 yrs ago, which started my osteoporosis journey - I broke a toe when I brushed it on the metal trim of my shower! Not impressive, but it did draw attention to an underlying problem.

[Met00 in reply to Some-Like-It-Hot]

I broke my baby toe when I collided with a door frame, but was told that didn't count as a fragility fracture!

[HeronNS in reply to Some-Like-It-Hot]

Have a look at my story which, although I was working to avoid taking medications, may have some ideas for you to help a) maintain your current bone density and b) possibly continue to improve it even during your med "holiday". 🍀

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Pebbleheath]

Hello, Well done for putting up with the method of taking Risedronate. So my first question would be has it improved or at least maintained your bone density? If they have not offered you a dexa scan then you should request this otherwise how do you know that it is working.

The second thing is are you following the natural path of exercise and supplements as well?

There is time for you to decide as they tell us that Bisphosphonates carry on working for a year after you stop.

[Some-Like-It-Hot in reply to Pebbleheath]

Thanks for your reply. I've had a Dexa scan, which showed some improvement. However, my previous GP promised me a 2-year holiday after taking Risedronate, which I'm a few months along. My new GP is pressing me to ignore that, and take on with Risedronate immediately. This has made me distrustful of my new GP, as it was only the thought of getting off R that kept me going to the end of the 5 yrs. I feel a bit betrayed. Seeing them after lunchtime, so hope we get somewhere.

[Some-Like-It-Hot in reply to Pebbleheath]

Hi, 5 yrs of Risedronate has increased my bone density - I had a DEXA scan recently. However, my new GP is not impressed by the results, and wants me to carry on taking Risedronate. We've agreed that I'll have a one year holiday from Risedronate, and at the end of it, I'll let him know what I want to do.

I'm careful of what I eat, making sure I get plenty of magnesium and calcium, plus Vit D3 and a general multivitiamin for over 50s. I wasn't really aware of the need to build up muscle mass, so am looking into a local gym to help this aspect. I get plenty of walking every day, as I have a dog - I call her my Personal Trainer!