Re is it a flare and alendronic acid.

[Deemar]

Had consult with GP and X Ray shows fracture in vertebra, not compression. Pain when he felt the vertebra was minimal compared to when he last examined there. In view of fact that it is six weeks since injury was sustained he thinks this is normal. Pain there is now only a concern when I get out of bed in the morning. He doesn't think that I am having a flare. What he is concerned about is osteoporosis. I was prescribed alendronic acid meds three years ago but discontinued them due to to severe heartburn and was not happy about the side effects over a sustained period. Bone density test was good last year. GP explained that being at risk of osteoporosis due to sustained use of pred I should think again about taking meds for this as I have now sustained fracture. I have Rdv with rheumy in two weeks and will discuss with him as well as having bone density test. GP suggests treatment with yearly injection. Looking on line all these osteoporosis treatments scare me but maybe there is no option?

[Patience_1]

Hi Deemar,

I suppose this is an issue many of us dread. I've refused alendronic because of concern about potential side effects, and after the scan I requested showed good levels of bone density. In your situation, I'd certainly want to see another scan before deciding - and even then, I believe there's some evidence that taking meds like alendronic acid can actually trigger some types of bone breaks.

I really feel for you, and hope you have good medics you feel you can trust. Problem is, I think sometimes they play safe - my GP continued strongly to advise that I take alendronic, even after the scan. I guess all we can do is as much independent research as possible, and then try to balance the lesser of evils. Have you managed to take all possible self-help steps (weight-bearing exercise, increasing balance as much as possible, calcium-rich diet, calcium supplements)? I wish you the best of luck in reaching your decision.