Oesteopenia and medications - update

[thomas62]

For IrishMollyO and others

Saw my doctor today re. oesteopenia. She said my lastDEXA scan reported low fracture risk even though my Tscore for my spine is -2 - it's osteoporosis at -2.5 I think . She explained that she could only prescribe Calcium/VitD and would continue with this as when/if the time comes that I need Bisphosphfomates I could only take them for 5 years as after this period of time the Bishosphfomates would make my bones brittle.So she recommended waiting until if/when I get a diagnosis of oesteoporosis. She said it was like a bit of a balancing act with the medics believing that doing things this way would maximise the benefit a patient would get out of the Bisphosphomates. (sorry about the spelling). So, in the meantime, she has referred me for physiotherapy to look at exercises to help my bones and also to a dietician for the same purpose. I hope you understand this message!! Best wishes. Gwen

[PhillipandBettykid]

Sounds like a good plan

[Tesla_7US]

Thom62, please, please research bisphosphonate

treatment in cancer patients! We are far more likely to get necrosis of the jaw bone from these drugs. This is a controversial treatment with a serious downside. Undertaking gentle weight bearing exercise can strengthen your bones without the hazards of Big Pharma Intervention. Follow the money! Taking this expensive med does more for the drug company than for you. Biomedical Publications has plenty of research on bisphosphonate therapy side effects for cancer patients. 😊

[Neona]

Thank you for this info as I have just had a dexa scan and am waiting for the results so very interested.

[thomas62]

Hi Tesla_7US

Thank you for your comments. I am aware of this problem of necrosis when taking these bisphosphonates. I will definitely be careful abt my decisions if these drugs are recommended. I am going to join the National Oesteoporosis Society Charity site here in GB - I am sure they will provide me with lots of relevant information. I have an appointment now with a NHS physiotherapist in a couple of weeks time and I will be asking a lot of questions abt suitable resistance and weight bearing exercises. I have just had a programme set up for me at my local gym for resistance training. I am awaiting an appointment to see a dietition on the NHS. In the meantime I am looking carefully at upping my calcium levels via my diet. Best wishes. Gwen x

[Tesla_7US in reply to thomas62]

Gwen, sounds like you've got a great plan! After my first re occurrence I developed osteoarthritis in about 3 months time! I am getting a full hip replacement next week while I'm still in remission. I'm grateful to even be here to get the hip replacement. I am a small person, so shocked at this development.

[thomas62]

Hi Tesla_7US

Thanks for the reply. I wish you very good luck and best wishes with your hip replacement and long may your remission last. I am also quite a small person 5!-4" and just over 20 on the Body Mass Index and weighing just over 50 kg. I think I do need a little more weight on - am trying! Gwen xx

[IrishMollyO]

Hi Gwen

Thanks you for posting your results and it’s good it remains at osteopenia . I do think bone strengthening exercises would be beneficial . I need to preach this to myself though but starting chemo again on Tuesday is concentrating my mind. I met a nurse last year who works in a US Oncology ward and in her hospital as soon as you are detached from your cannula you are straight up on your exercise bike !

By the way I asked the hospital pharmacist if I could continue taking Glucosamine and the answer was no. . I can keep taking the Calcichew . Also I see Tesla from the USA has a note of warning in her reply to you which I would heed . Take care

XXX

💚💕

[thomas62]

Hi IrishMollyO

Good luck with the Chemo. Gwen xx