Osteoporosis

[babssara]

Hi, just diagnosed osteoporosis, GP wants me on medication. What are your experiences with alendonic acid.

Regards

Babs x

[Hidden]

Hi Babs, is there a reason you had the scan? What treatment do you have for lupus? I wondered if you knew your t scores as advice can vary based on those. We have a member who had osteoporosis and treat it with diet and exercise (not heavy exercise!!!). If you t scores are borderline then it might be worth checking heronns story out. If your t scores are over -2.5/3.0 then Alendronic acid is one of a few different meds that can be taken weekly, monthly infused or orally. A link to heronns.

healthunlocked.com/boneheal...

healthunlocked.com/american...

[Dancingrosie]

Hi babssara. I have osteoporosis. Was diagnosed 3 years ago. I was put on AA but it made me feel so ill I had to stop. Because my T score was -3.5 I was given an infusion. I have my 3rd one in 3weeks time and I haven’t had any side affects. Will have another Dexa scan next year to see if any improvement.

[MhairiP]

Hi Babs - sorry to hear of your diagnosis. What are your T-scores?

I was diagnosed with OP at the end of last year and very reluctantly started taking alendronic acid in January. I didn't have side effects other than feeling 'acidy' and I counteracted that with a kale smoothie (which I ended up making every day, not just once a week, because of the high levels of calcium in kale).

After a few months of taking AA I started to feel quite panicky about taking it, to the point where I found it difficult to swallow it. The "AA day" was looming over me every week, and the day before taking it, I could think of nothing else. I decided to have a week off in June and I haven't taken it since. I feel so much happier not taking it. I realise that this is perhaps a reckless decision.

My "problems" with AA were purely psychological; I had no physical side effects apart from the acid feeling which was easily overcome. (Oh, and I seem to be losing more hair than I used to, but that could be down to my age!)

If your t-scores are marginal, perhaps you could try weight-bearing exercise, supplements and changes to your diet. HeronNS successfully improved her T-scores in that way (if you look at the side-bar, you'll see some pinned posts re reversing osteoporosis).

[Hidden]

Hi Babssara

Sorry to hear your news, have a look at the Royal Osteoporosis Society

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

Kind Regards

MrsN

[jinasc in reply to Hidden]

Thanks.

[Pongo13]

Two ski accidents within three years - first pelvis then hip break = two DEXA scans and comparison results sufficient to confirmAA required. Have been taking AA with no side effects other than slight burping on a Tuesday morning....

[babssara]

Thanks to all of you. Unfortunately my GP is on holiday for 2 weeks so I wont know mt r scores until he gets back. I am on hydroxychloraquine for Lupus and RA. I have been having severe back pain for quite some time where it feels bone is grating on bone. About 4 years ago had my first Dexa which showed osteopeania, hence a new Dexa.

Hope to have some answers to my questions soon

Babs x

[yogabonnie]

Let us know when you find the T score. Mine is -2.7 and I refuse AA. I have done calcium d 3 and K27 and Tap class (or do heel drops look up on google Heel drops for osteoporosis( and my score IMPROVED in 1 year. only by .1 (haha) but it improved. If you have not, read the book Your Bones by Lara Pizzorno .. it is the best!! I think if they say I have a 12% chance of a fracture in the next 10 years that means an 88% chance of NOT having one! good luck to you. (and me.. and all of us with these twig bones. (lets hope they are willow twigs.

[Sallyaches]

I took Risedronate as a precaution for about 4-5 years. I had no side effects. I discontinued it after a bone scan that said I had good bone density despite high doses of steroids, azathioprine and for a while Methiotrexate. I am not sure but from reading around I think it causes fewer gastric side effects. It may be worth asking if you can take Risedronate or keep it in mind if you get side effects from A.Acid.

[babssara]

Many thanks for that. I will discuss what options I have when I get to see my GP when he comes back from holiday)

Babs