The risk of doing nothing

[Finnegan777]

, I have a cousin who is 93. She was diagnosed with osteoporosis many years ago started Fosamax and because of some side effects stopped taking the medication. I spoke to her recently about her osteoporosis and she told me that she was 5‘4“ in her prime and she now is 4 foot 11. She is legally blind because of macular degeneration loss of hearing, and she said that the worst thing she is dealing with with all her medical problems is her loss of height, because it affects her breathing, big-time, her organs are being squished. She blames herself for not continuing with some form of medication. It is a tough decision to go on medication for sure . but at this point I do not think I have a choice. My bone scan was -5 two years ago. The Forteo improved my bone density in my spine by 22% and hips by 7%. I would not be afraid to take Forteo,I wish I could do it for another two years. My mother also had osteoporosis severely, took Fosamax for a while, then stopped due to side effects. She had dowagers hump, etc. It’s a scary prospect either way, but hopefully the medication with the risk of the side effects is better than the outcome of doing nothing. I was told at age fifty five I had osteoporosis, and blew it off. I should have started w weights, etc.

[Fruitandnutcase]

Tell your elderly cousin that my elderly aunt who had very similar problems took bisohosphonates for years and still crumbled. My osteoporosis nurse said ‘she couldn’t have been taking them properly’ which was a load of rubbish because I knew exactly how to take them without being told purely because I had watched her for years.

My poor aunt took the bisphosphonates and carried on crumbling, she also lost height, her organs were also squished and she ended up needing oxygen into the bargain.

There are some unfortunate people like my aunt who carry on fracturing even though they take osteo meds religiously. I don’t think your cousin should blame herself, she did what felt best for her at the time and as someone who took bisphosphonates for four months and felt really ill I don’t blame her.

I can easily understand why your cousin stopped taking them, I’ve done the same myself, the side effects from osteo drugs can be really awful. Your cousin might have been the same as my aunt had she carried on with the Fosomax, who knows? Who knows if she would even have reached the age of 93 if she had carried on taking the drugs. So tell her not to blame herself - things might have been the same had she carried on taking her osteo drugs.

[Raleigh59]

My genetics are exactly like yours and I am 60 now only trying to get on top of this.

My t score was -4. 7 and -3.1 and -3.4 for the hip femurs

[Finnegan777 in reply to Raleigh59]

I had no problem doing Forteo. But I am a little apprehensive of Prolia, that I have an appointment for in two weeks but I figured I would try one shot just to lock in the Forteo and see how my body reacts to it my PA thanks this is the best medication for me.

[Raleigh59 in reply to Finnegan777]

I personally will choose forteo over Prolia . What is your age and dexa?

[Finnegan777 in reply to Raleigh59]

71 years old. DEXA scan very bad -5 in the spine did two years forteo. It was great. It improved my spine, 22% and hip 7%. My hips went from osteoporosis to osteopenia, unfortunately, they only allow you to do for teo for two years and then you have to do something else or you will lose all the gains. Not a great situation, i

[Raleigh59 in reply to Finnegan777]

and then what happened

[dcdream]

I am in the same situation as you. My mother, currently 91 has also on and off fosamax for 8 years in her 70's. Then due to drug complications from the side effects of it, went off. At 88, was given a reclast infusion, then a year later developed valve issues (needed a valve replacement, some research indicated this can happen after the infusion) and had her spine collapse and lost 6 inches. Yes, she's having a difficult time breathing and her lifespan will suffer. She questions if she should have taken the meds at all. So I'm uncertain and torn what is useful to do. I, too, was diagnosed at 58 with osteoporosis and have no underlying conditions to support it. Obviously, we need to understand more about this disease and develop drugs that actually strengthen the bones without causing fake brittle bones. Unfortunately the drug manufacturers aren't interested in changing. However, new research studies are demonstrating some success with diet, lifestyle changes. Either way, it's a difficult decision and I share your concerns about how to treat it.

[Finnegan777]

it is a terrible situation for sure putting stuff in our body that we don’t want

[Raleigh59]

I want to do forteo but idk if I should start with biophosphonates. I also am concerned with out of pocket cost for forteo. I don’t know how much insurance will pay. I will contact forteo tomorrow

[Finnegan777 in reply to Raleigh59]

Lily Cares has a program where if you qualify they will give it to you for free.they go by income. I received it free for two years. Your doctor needs to apply for you

[MayGodBlessYou in reply to Raleigh59]

i've read that bisphosphonates taken before forteo may blunt the effect of forteo

sciencedirect.com/science/a...

[Raleigh59 in reply to MayGodBlessYou]

Yes I know that about Bisphosphonates before forteo or other anabolics

[Raleigh59]

how old are you now? The forteo worked great for you!!