Hi everyone I have taken Risedronate for 7 years after I was diagnosed with PMR I have also taken Calcichews but am finding these give me stomach pain so I have stopped taking them.I will tell my GP when I see her. I am taking Glucosamine daily is this a help or not . I value your opinion.
Thank you for your posts they are very helpful.
Glucosamine won't help your bone density if that is what you mean - it is possibly useful for cartilage in joints although there is no proof of that either really.
Is it definitely the calcichews that cause the pain? Has it stopped now you have stopped taking them - it is much better to take them along with lunch and dinner (not at the same time as pred) and that helps reduce the bloating some people say they have with calcium supplements.
Hi PMRpro
As I have stopped calcichews and am not getting stomach pain I just assumed that was the cause but I could start them again and see what happens. I will make sure that I do take them with food. Also so long as glucosamine doesn't quarrel with other meds I will continue with them as I have quite a lot of them in my stock at the moment.
Many thanks for prompt reply
Kathy
Seems a reasonable conclusion though doesn't it! If you do stop taking the calcichews - there are other versions that might be worth trying - do make sure you have plenty of calcium in your diet and get some vit D tablets to replace that part, both Holland&Barrett and Boots do reasonably priced ones. The risendronate won't work without a good level of vit D and calcium and if your calcium level falls it isn't good for your muscles, including your heart.
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Sorry but do painkillers help?
