Bone density and alendronic acid

[Rosina1871]

My dexa scan results aren’t good although I do not yet have oesteoperosis. I will be having blood tests to see if I am deficient in vitamin D. I don’t think I am. I have read some horrific stories regarding alendronic acid and if it is recommended , I am reluctant to take it. Does anyone know of a good alternative? I have a healthy lifestyle, not overweight, do regular exercise and have a good diet, so I’m puzzled by the result. My doctor was also surprised. Been on pred since Jan 19. Down to 6.5mg and doing well. Any suggestions?

[jinasc]

Visit the Royal Osteoporosis Society website.

theros.org.uk/information-a...

There is a wealth of information on that site and, if you need medication, their are alternatives.

[Rosina1871 in reply to jinasc]

Thanks. Will take a look. Just wondered if the alternatives are just as bad. I’m willing to offer to pay if there’s a good alternative with less side effects.

[jinasc in reply to Rosina1871]

YOu don't have to pay anything....................they are all available on NHS.

Except Flexiseq............which they developed and I use everyday for knees.

[Pearl09 in reply to jinasc]

Flexiseq I have never heard of this. I am having knee issues. I am as going to start glucosamine. Any suggestions. Ty

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Pearl09]

Flexisec!!!!! Google it - like WD40 for human joints!

[Deyazlex in reply to Pearl09]

Before you buy glucosamine, read the label! I used to take it yrs ago when exercising, no problems, so thought it may help me now. Apparently it is not a good bedfellow with pred as with Ibobrufen ☹️

[Rosina1871 in reply to jinasc]

This is for joint pain I presume not for bone density?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Rosina1871]

Yes it is. But is about the only thing we suggest that you have to pay for yourself - all the bone density stuff is on the NHS unless you want to take vit K and do the natural approach and then that is out of your own pocket too.

But knowing how low your bone density really is would help with what we'd suggest.

[Tamtan2 in reply to PMRpro]

Taking alendronic acid crippled with pain in my oseaphagus had to come off methotrexate as well because of side effects have Also have GCA any ideas for alternative never had a DEXA scan so don’t know if my bone density good or bad. Need some help with what’s good and what’s bad advise.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Tamtan2]

Please can you repost this as a new thread - then a lot of people will see it and respond. Nearly 1000 new members have joined since xmas - none of them will see this.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Rosina1871]

Flexisec you mean? Yes - it acts a bit like WD40 for human joints! No effect on bone density.

[Koalajane]

Hi,

Hopefully you are taking calcium and vitamin d3 tablets and the exercise should help

[Rosina1871 in reply to Koalajane]

I’m taking CalcD tablets

[SnazzyD]

It may be of course the Pred has nothing to do with it. Even with a lifestyle like yours you can still be low in Vit D, especially if you keep out of the sun, so I’m surprised it is only being checked now. Osteoporosis can happen for a variety of reasons too. This is a good book for all things bones - Your Bones by Lara Pizzorno .

[Rosina1871 in reply to SnazzyD]

Thanks snazzy

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Do you know your t-scores numbers from the dexascan? Both bone density and vit D levels can be a bit surprising but I'd expect GPs to understand it a bit better! And as a surprise - being overweight can be a good thing when it comes to bone density!!