Best healthy course of action for my bones

[Calicocat18]

Hi! Hopefully my posts will show up now. I was given alendronic acid by my doc and after a short while, I stopped taking it because of some unsettling symptoms. If like to take some supplements, but not a whole pharmaceutical, and works appreciate recommendations of the most crucial. Also, I seem to have sciatica and experience some pain from joints or bones during the night.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Do you have PMR or GCA? I see you have no information on your profile. Have you discussed the symptoms you describe with your GP? And had you had a dexascan before your doctor put you on alendronic acid?

[Calicocat18 in reply to PMRpro]

Now is the time to confess my ignorance. What is PMR and GCR? I came into this forum to find info on osteoporosis and find it is so much more here. Yes, I described symotoms, mostly haw pain to my doctor. In due for a bone scan, next year and that's all I've had (maybe last year). I haven't been prescribed anything but I did ask her PA about a blood test to find my level of D.

[Rugger in reply to Calicocat18]

PMR is Polymyalgia Rheumatica. GCA is Giant Cell Arteritis - also known as Temporal arteritis. Most of us on this forum have either one or both of these conditions and the prednisone / prednisolone that we take to control the inflammation can affect our bones.

[Calicocat18 in reply to Rugger]

Thanks.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Calicocat18]

Now you know why I asked

Why does your doctor want you to take alendonic acid if you aren't taking corticosteroids and haven't had a dexascan that shows you have reduced bone density? Or did it? Pain isn't a sure sign of osteoporosis - I wouldn't take AA without proof. Via a dexascan.

[Calicocat18 in reply to PMRpro]

My last bone density scan--was this what you meant by dexascan--showed a deteriation from osteopenia. Asks, my mother Abe sister have osteoporosis. Know mother is in her 90's but a few years ago developed stress fractures. That is a concern for me. However, the AA doesn't feel like the right path at all.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Calicocat18]

Numbers would be helpful. But HeronNS has a very good post about density somewhere. She got her t-score from -2.0 (requiring treatment) to -1.6 (no treatment required) using just supplements, weight-bearing exercise using a weighted jacket and good diet.

healthunlocked.com/user/her...

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Omanain in reply to PMRpro]

I have just read HeronNs's marvellous post about bone density! She has worked so hard and brought together such a lot of useful information in an understandable way. Anyone worried about their bone health would be advised to read it. I had never heard of a weight bearing vest before. Because of another condition it is very difficult for me to get the sort of exercise necessary for strong bones, but a weight bearing vest sounds ideal. Just hope they are available in the UK.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Omanain]

Put stones in your pockets

[Omanain in reply to PMRpro]

I didn't think of that!! I looked at the jackets but they are very expensive. Thanks

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Omanain]

Better not take some off the beach - apparently resorts are getting iffy about it!

It is one thing I have to be grateful about - I had always been a well-built young woman, builds good bones!!!!

[dartmoorlass in reply to PMRpro]

Perhaps you're joking PMRpro, bit it's an excellent idea for me. I can't walk much now except around several garden paths but every little helps. A few bits of Dartmoor granite strategically placed in various pockets will be my future walking pals - never mind the radon!!! Thanks for the tip.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to dartmoorlass]

No - wasn't joking at all. I'm told by my Scottish friends I could educate Aberdonians! Why pay a fortune for a weighted jacket if adding some weight in another way works. The weighted jackets probably look better and may well hold more weights that are smaller and better distributed but carefully placed stones will achieve the same initially. Me - I don't need any extra...

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

Hopefully you were prescribed VitaminD &Calcium supplement. Many also take Magnesium and Vitamin K2.

Our resident supplements guru HeronNS will no doubt be along soon with further info.

[piglette]

I believe weight bearing exercise are also a good idea. Some people buy weight jackets or equivalent. Diet is also helpful.