Alendronic acid

[GrannyDi]

Is there a search facility on here....? When I first found this forum I seem to recall coming upon a discussion about alendronic acid. I'd like to read more about it or perhaps just get some advice. GP gave it me to start 4 weeks ago but before I took first dose I'd read the info on here and decided to have a think about it. Probably my main issue is something I read about teeth. I do have problems with receding gums and dentist has said there is some bone loss ( can't get appointment with her before I see my GP) but still managing to hold on to enough teeth to keep me happy. ...I really don't want any more problems. ..Di

[Insight329]

You'll find this discussion comes up a lot!

Regarding a search engine: Yes, up in the right hand corner by your icon you'll find a Search PMRGCAuk box where you can type in the key word. After you've done the search, underneath that box where you typed in the key word will be 'related posts'.

I've done part of the work for you and typed AA in the search box. Here's what came up in this community. healthunlocked.com/search/a...

Here's a link to how I came to my decision not to take it. healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk....

And a link to a word doc on things I want to keep track of. Scroll down to bone health for articles that you might be interested in. healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

Hope this helps.

[GrannyDi in reply to Insight329]

That's brilliant Insight326 thanks...should have spotted the magnifying glass symbol...was looking for the word "Search"...I'm not the savviest when it comes to technology but learning... ☺Di

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to GrannyDi]

It says search PMRGCAUK when you are on a computer.

[GrannyDi in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks PMRpro..I've been using a tablet...I really should have noticed the looking glass !...have now found lots of info for when I see doc...Di

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

You should also find related posts on screen as well. Depends if you’re on PC, iPad or iPhone or the HU App - all have slightly different layouts!

Not easy when bemused by the Pred.

[GrannyDi in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you Dorsetlady....Bemused is a bit of an understatement at the moment...brain fog I call it... Went to introduce my lovely 14 yr old granddaughter to someone last Saturday and her name completely went out of my head for goodness sake !!...

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to GrannyDi]

My Mum used to go through half the family sometimes to get to the correct name!

Happens to us all!

[Hindags]

I see you started Pred in February after a good, fast diagnosis by your GP. I fought AA for a long time despite a pre-PMR diagnosis of osteoporosis by DEXA scan. I fought if even after Pred but the data on bone loss due to Pred frightened me, on top my diagnosis.

If you haven't had a diagnosis of osteoporosis I'd insist on a DEXA scan to justify starting AA. I had to have an infected implant removed in the months before I was diagnosed with PMR. I'd been hoping to replace it. Now I probably won't be able to. It is a major health decision.

I cried the morning I took my first dose but luckily have had no side effects and my bones have been stable despite Pred and omeprazole over the last year. I want off asap. But that will mean, for me, getting down to 4-5mg. I'm at 6 now.

good luck

[GrannyDi in reply to Hindags]

Thankyou Hindags...I will talk to GP next week about getting a bone scan...I've also enquired at local hospital as to the cost of having one done privately ( much against my principles) in case she says no...Di

[Jamie345]

I can't take alendronic acid because of my stomache, so I'm waiting to have an infusion at the hospital which I only will have once a year but rheumy says it will help the osteoporosis he says I have in my spine, that was a shock as I thought 2 autoimmune diseases plus other problems was enough, has anyway had this treatment before?

[Bj2016 in reply to Jamie345]

I had two zolendronic (not sure of spelling) acid infusions, one a year on successive years before convincing my rheumy that I needed a dexa scan. I had no side-effects at the time, though some people can feel a bit "fluey."

it took about 15 mins to have the infusion. It was easy and not painful.

BUT you may not need any bisphosphonates. They are not the wonder drug that they were deemed to be when they were introduced. Nobody really knows how long the effects of the yearly infusion stay in your body. Most dentists are rightly wary of this drug. My advice would be that you should only take it if necessary. Very many people have no pred-induced osteoporosis. Unless you have had a dexa scan you won't know. I just went along with my doctor's instructions and didn't find out that I needn't have taken it at all.

Good luck.

[GrannyDi in reply to Bj2016]

Thank you Bj2016 for your reply...definitely going to have discussion with GP...I have got to 71 and no broken bones (fingers crossed ) played high impact sport to a good level well into my 50s and have always eaten healthily...well most of the time!..and no osteoporosis in the family...Will be interesting to see if I'm at risk...Di