Update on progress

[Lonsdalelass]

Well, thought I would just send out a quick update on how I have got on this week. I had two appointments, one with a physio and then my dexa scan. Both were very positive in as much as I came away feeling supported and encouraged to keep going. Physio is suggesting a referral to a rheumatologist so next time I see my gp hopefully it will go ahead, as this was going to be my next thing on my list. Also she thinks I may need to go back on the lansoprazole as I have been getting some heartburn on and off, I think it's the Adcal myself but she seemed concerned so it's better to get it checked. I was impressed with just how many questions she asked at this first meeting, and felt she was really listening to me and getting a good all-round picture of my health, better than my experiences so far with my GPS!! Then at the dexa scan, the radiologist said how pleased she was that I had been resisting taking the alendronic acid until I had had the scan, and how she wishes everyone would do this and that doctors shouldn't, in her opinion, be prescribing AA before ascertaining whether patients actually need it!! And she said good for you on sticking to your guns!! Made me feel so reassured. Now I have to wait for the results. But for all of us out there who, like me, have been in a dilemma over the AA tablet, take heart from this! She said its a nasty drug with some nasty side effects, and if she herself needed treatment she would look for alternatives.! Makes me feel like blowing a raspberry in the face of AA!! Ha! I am now struggling today though with having done too much, I think two visits in one day was not a good idea, and having worked three days prior and then babysitting my granddaughter yesterday, I am a wreck this morning and my legs have gone to jelly.

[SheffieldJane]

I am so glad for you and pleased that you found another ally in your decision about AA. I know that jelly legs feeling. I am hoping that I can rest mine back to strength. It was painful getting out of bed this morning. You can get a bit complacent if you have a run of good days and do too much. I hope you continue to do well!

[Lonsdalelass in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thank you SheffieldJane, yes, I think that's my problem! Always think I can do it, as I have never been one to sit around much...... Oh how things have to change!!! Hope you are resting up today too. X

[Marijo1951]

How good to know that an experienced person in the NHS is dubious about bisphosphonates. The only thing I've got against my rheumy is her enthusiastic endorsement of them.

[Lonsdalelass in reply to Marijo1951]

That was my feeling too, that a professional was actually on my side!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It's like some orthopods say much the same thing. You would imagine they might know...

[yogabonnie]

this is the answer I would like to hear from doctors more often!!!

[Lonsdalelass in reply to yogabonnie]

Couldn't agree more.

[Angex05]

I resisted AA for 2 years because of the nasty side effects but after having my recent Dexa scan it seems my osteopenia has progressed so reluctantly I started taking it. Been 4 months now and not one side effect. All drugs have nasty side effects but it doesn’t mean you will get them. Some people love to use scare tactics when it doesn’t work for them. If you get side effects you can just stop taking AA

Good luck x

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Angex05]

The point is not so much the side effects - but that it is recommended it NOT be used prophylactically. If someone has fairly decent bone density, in normal range, then they should not use AA then. They should be monitored to see if there really is any change in bone density - it is not inevitable, mine hadn't changed in over 7 years on pred. AA should not be used for more than a few years without a holiday because of the recently established long term side effects, creating microcracks in bone which make it more fragile and it may break spontaneously.

[Angex05 in reply to PMRpro]

I definitely wasn’t suggesting to take it if not needed, always have a dexa scan first. My sister in law has taken it for 15 years, her doctor “forgot” she was taking it

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Angex05]

Exactly - but for many people the urgings of a poorly-informed doctor will achieve the end they take AA without having had a dexascan or even needing it.

[prunus in reply to PMRpro]

My experience of doctors, they are happy to put you on drugs but when do they tell you to stop? Never in my experience - it has been left to me to use my common sense and make up my own mind.

[piglette in reply to prunus]

How do you get repeat prescriptions forever, we have to check all our repeat drugs every year with our doctor?

[prunus in reply to piglette]

I stop using drugs and noone seems to bother that I don't ask for anymore.

[piglette in reply to prunus]

That is true of my surgery, it is keeping on having them that is more of a problem. Although if I have a repeat prescription it appears on my on line system until a doctor cancels it even if you don’t reorder.

[Lonsdalelass in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you x

[Lonsdalelass in reply to Angex05]

Thank you x

[karools16]

I was on Lansoprazole until I had stomach probs, took myself off it. Take Gaviscon when needed. Dr approves.

[Lonsdalelass in reply to karools16]

I might ask the doctor about taking that instead of going back on the lansoprazol. Thanks for the tip.x