Just had a letter re my 3 yearly dexa scan bone density report. This is my 5th scan since 2001. so far I've only had osteopenia & a high rate of loss of bone density. Before my lupus was recognised & treatment begun 4 years ago, my previous rheumatology clinic had me try oral bisphosphonate treatment with ibandronate (bonviva) which aggravated my chronic upper GI conditions, so treatment was stopped. Instead I got away with managing my bone density issues via nutrition & weight bearing exercise.
Now my new Rheumatology clinic has written to me briefly, only to recommend I now go on the bisphosphonate alendronate (fosamax). because of my chronic upper GI conditions, the clinic is also offering me bisphosphonate treatment by IV at the hospital's metabolic bone unit. Does anyone have experience of IV bisphosphonates? I'd be very interested how others have got on with IV bisphosphonates...i understand only ibandronate ((bonviva), disodium pamidronate (aredia) & zoledronic acid (aclasta) are given by IV
My other issue is chronic osteomyelitis of the upper jaw, which is a long standing antibiotic responsive condition in my case (so far so good) but of course this makes me wonder about my susceptibility to bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw
I see my gp on weds early, when I hope to see the fully detailed dexa scan bone density report, and discuss rheumatology's recommendations....