One week in and 2nd doctor appt.

[Yellowbluebell]

Saw doctor one week after starting Pred and he’s more certain it’s pmr because the groin pain disappeared so quickly and he’s now added in alendronic acid and cholecalciferol. He’s ordered 2nd blood test for 23rd and then next appt on 30th. Both of the new drugs seem to do the same so are they both necessary?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

Suggest before you take AA you request a DEXA scan to check if it’s actually needed.

Most people find that the VitD/Calcium supplement is sufficient.

[Yellowbluebell in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks for quick reply. Might hold off on taking that until I see him in 30th. He seems on the ball but the less I can get away with taking the better.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

No alendronic acid until you have had a bone density scan (dexascan) to establish if you need it! AA doesn't reduce fracture risk in patients with normal bone density, you shouldn't take it for more than a couple of years or so to reduce the risk of the longterm side effects which are beginning to crawl out of the woodwork now after 15 years use. Using calcium and vit D supplements are enough if you have normal bone density - I used only that for over 7 years and there was no significant change in my bone density in that time.

I'm not saying don't use it, but be sure you need it first and if your bone density is a bit lower than perfect you can increase it by natural methods - HeronNS on here got her t-score from -2.1 to -1.6 in a year with exercise and supplements/diet. No side effects!

[jinasc]

PMRpro and Dorset Lady are so correct.

Alendronic Acid, that is one of the many drugs I would not be taking unless I knew I actually needed it and had a Dexa Scan and even then it showed I had osteporosis even I would be looking at the other drugs available which are listed in the National Osteoporosis Society website.

The automatic dispensing of 'just in case' drugs...........drives me insane. Prove I need it before you give it to me is my personal mantra.

But hey ho, that is my personal opinion.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to jinasc]

Not only yours m’dear!

[HeronNS]

The others are right - no bone medications until it's proven you really need something. There is not a single one which has no problematic side effects. In the meantime do all the things we folk of advancing years need to do anyway in order to keep our bones strong. Have a look at this for the account of what I have done:

healthunlocked.com/boneheal...

[Yellowbluebell in reply to HeronNS]

Thanks to everyone who replied today about these meds. I I have decided to just take the cholecalciferol only and leave the AA and will talk to doctor about it either through a phone appt or at my next appt on 30th. I discussed this with my husband after reading about all the side effects and as he said it’s my body and the side effects looked worse than not taking it at least in the short term till I can get either a test or a good reason why he has decided I need it. Told my daughter and was instantly told the doctor knows best but have had plenty of practice at ignoring my daughters well meant but misguided opinions so will do exactly as I had planned!! Thanks again for the helpful today everyonex

[HeronNS in reply to Yellowbluebell]

I guess many of us on this forum have learned because of our PMR/GCA that doctor doesn't always know best!

[Yellowbluebell in reply to HeronNS]

That’s the overriding reason I decided not that to take it. Because I can see what others have been through and what has worked, what hasn’t and what just isnt worth even trying unless there is nothing else left to try!! I readily accept Pred is the way to go with this and wouldn’t even begin to start looking for an alternative as it works so bloody well but that doesn’t mean my gp can throw his drugs book at me just in case! When I worked in the nhs our mental health patients often stopped their meds suddenly and I asked a consultant why and his explanation was “ well the side effects from drugs for serious mental health issues are worse than the illness itself” Enough said