Bisphosphonates

[MuffinFruit]

hi everyone! I have been diagnosed about 6 months ago with osteoporosis, I am 65. I saw a rheumatologist and he prescribed adcal d3 caplets and Risedronate . Initially I had a few side effects , mainly gastro as I have a sensitive stomach anyway and some bowel issues which have eased. I wanted to ask if anybody has felt a bit light headed on the bisphosphonate as I mentioned mine is Risedronate, and my BP went low and felt dizzy. So when I contacted dr he said to stop for a month and let him know how I feel - I honestly feel better without that tablet but that’s not going to help my bones , I have changed my diet also to include calcium and green veg etc and am exercising as dr advised!! Any feedback on this would be appreciated, thanks .

[Met00]

What led to you being sent for a DEXA scan? Had you had a fracture and, if so, was it a fragility fracture (caused by little or no impact, for example falling from standing height)? When you received your DEXA scan report, did it include all your t-scores and z-scores and your fracture risk score? Sorry for all the questions, but this might all make a difference to whether you could manage your osteoporosis without meds. I was diagnosed nearly 10 years ago, took risedronate for a year but then stopped due to side effects, and have been relying on exercise, diet and supplements since then to keep my bones healthy.

[MuffinFruit in reply to Met00]

Oh hi! Thanks so much for replying and yes I realise my message was bit vague so don’t worry I’m happy about your questions ! Yes I actually broke my ankle a while ago , I was simply out walking went over on my ankle and couldn’t believe it was broken … so quite some time later was sent for Dexa and the T scores are , spine -3.6 and left hip -3.3 I was told this result is quite bad for my age. That is fab that you are able to keep things under control by doing all the things you’ve mentioned, I wish I could try that, but with those scores I’m not so sure. I had heard that the Risedronate and similar drugs can have side effects and I’m guessing the doc will possibly change to a different drug which I’m certain will have the same impact on me and I can’t stand a light head so don’t know how things will pan out but I honestly feel far better off the tablet. I can take the Vit D and calcium tho not a high dose, he thinks I might be getting a lot from food. Can I ask you what side effects you experienced on risedronate? I think the exercises I’m doing should help a lot fingers crossed ! Thanks again and take care.

[Met00 in reply to MuffinFruit]

Sorry to hear about your fracture and I can understand your concerns regarding your scores. If risedronate doesn't suit you, there's always the option of an infusion, which is just once a year. It's fairly common to feel a bit flu-like for 2 -3 days afterwards, but then most people are fine for the rest of the year! Risedronate aggravated my IBS, which I didn't realise at the time, because it slowly got worse in the course of the year so I put it down to getting older! Once I stopped, everything improved almost instantly. I also kept getting ill during the year, as if it was affecting my immune system. Of course, that might have been coincidence (or might have been because of the worsened IBS causing poorer nutrient absorption), but after a year I'd had enough!

[MuffinFruit in reply to Met00]

Ohh sounds like it was awful for you at the time 🥲 well anyway thanks so much for all the info which is food for thought , really appreciate it !

[Met00 in reply to MuffinFruit]

You're welcome

[tcpace in reply to Met00]

My wife had the zoledronic acid infusion at the beginning of this year. All went very well, no side effects. Her DEXA results were similar to yours. She also now self-injects daily with teriparatide as it is apparently beneficial for people like her who have had spinal fractures.

[MuffinFruit in reply to tcpace]

Thanks so much for replying to my message! Oh that is very interesting to hear about your wife , esp as our results were so similar and good to know she’s feeling good with no side effects, that’s brilliant! If the rheumatologist doesn’t suggest infusions to me I think I’ll ask him if I’d be a candidate for them - thanks again very helpful!

[Met00 in reply to tcpace]

Was this reply meant for MuffinFruit?

[MuffinFruit in reply to Met00]

Hi again ! No I think you responded to correct person, it wasn’t me 👍

[Smittybear7 in reply to Met00]

Can you explain what your protocol is without medication? I’m trying to do the same thing.

[Met00 in reply to Smittybear7]

I wouldn't say I have a protocol as such. I just try to eat healthily, take supplements (Vitamin D, sufficient to keep my blood level over 100nmol/litre - 40ng/ml; K2-MK7; boron; zinc; magnesium body butter; low dose strontium citrate; collagen types I & III), plus a reasonably healthy diet, high in protein and calcium and regular exercise. I think exercise is the key, but I find it difficult to maintain - partly due to motivation, partly due to time constraints, and partly due to tiredeness, occasional illness and injuries! I'm currently doing home-based weight training 3 times a week, using an app called Caliber.

[PutneyGirl]

I didn't get on with risedronate (sensitive stomach). My rheumatologist switched me to zolendronate infusions

[MuffinFruit in reply to PutneyGirl]

Hi! Lovely to hear from you. I am wondering if maybe my doc will put me on infusions too🤔 yes I was the same sensitive stomach etc. are you feeling good on the infusions ?

[PutneyGirl in reply to MuffinFruit]

Yes, a bit aches for the first 24 hours after the first infusion but not experienced with subsequent ones. Effective too.

[MuffinFruit in reply to PutneyGirl]

Thanku - that’s good to hear 👍

[Siamang]

how long had you been taking the tablets when you first noticed side effects?

[MuffinFruit in reply to Siamang]

Thanks for replying! I was actually on the tabs for a few months before the worst effects kicked in and I do suffer with a bit of IBS anyway. It was the slight light headedness which concerned me the most and my rheumatologist said that’s an unusual side effect but it’s very real all the same! I’ve been feeling far better now that I’m off them for a while.