On Nov 7, 2024 I had a one hour reclast infusion. Because my body often responds negatively to medications, the Dr. decided it would be best for me to do a very slow infusion. Generally they are 15-20 min. infusions. There weren't any problems with the actual infusion.
Within 24 hours I felt like I had the flu. Very bad headache lots of body aches. Very tired.
In the next 24 hours I developed a pain in the middle of my back that was crippling. I could barely move it was so very painful. It was as bad as any fracture has been. This lasted 2 days.
While the back got better I developed a very severe pain in my right side. Very much like kidney stone pain. That lasted about 2 days. Almost went to the ER .
The headache (though is some better) has continued for this entire time.. I have gotten gradually very weak and every bone in my body aches. I am taking a lot of pain medication to get thru the days. Off and on I am also very nauseous.
Sunday the 17th was the first day I was able to get out of bed and start moving a little more normally. My body hurts a lot , including my hands and feet. It feels like the faucet of arthritis has been turned on full force.
I can only pray that as the days go on I will feel better.
There are very serious side effects associated with reclast, I can only pray I don't get those.
I had to have this procedure because my last dexa scan came back as having a significant amount of bone loss. I am in the osteoporosis category and have had many fractures.
I regret I did not go on the bone meds 9 years ago when first diagnosed. It would have probably saved me all the misery since then.
Fear is a terrible thing.🥲😢
Good luck and prayers to all who are on this journey.
Written by
Linny3
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I didn't have pain in specific locations with it but where the rheumy had said "1 in 5 feel as if they have flu for 2 or 3 days" my "flu" didn't start for 2 or 3 days and lasted a good couple of weeks! But since then all my back pain improved slowly but steadily and after a few months all the effects had faded - including the atrial tachycardia that it had also triggered.
I think it is important to emphasise that effects this bad are really VERY unusual - and I'm sure you will back me in saying that osteoporitic fractures are extremely painful and disabling too.
Thank for the reply. Of course the fractures are life changing. What I experienced after the shot was as bad as any fracture and very scary.
I talked with my dr. and she felt what I am experiencing is not surprising to her. However, she wanted me to see my primary for follow up. I sure don't understand that. I would think the prescribing dr. would handle the aftermath.?
I truly don't mean to scare anyone from making a decision for themselves. I am hoping I have better news as the time goes on.
Bottom line for me was "I have no choice" My situation was bad and I had to do something and there were very few options for me. As I said I wish I hadn't been so afraid of these meds. 8-9 years ago.
I think that is the biggest message - with the tablets you can stop easily and quickly. The infusions, once you get that far, are there for a long time and you can't take it out again,
Your first few days are almost exactly like mine. That awful pain like a kidney pain. Worsening fatigue. The whole body pain has been horrendous. If you click my name you can see my post on my experience with my infusion that i got end of July. I gather there is no way to know how things will pan out. I hope you improve soon.
I read your story and I certainly feel your pain, misery and frustration. When will it all end?? I have finally made peace with it all, sort of. This is just how it is going to be. I am 76 and it took me up to a few months ago to realize I am old and not the same as even a year ago.
I will pray for you and my prayer is that you will find some comfort and peace in the future.
The horrific pain has subsided but I just feel tired and miserable. So we will see if this passes.
I'm due for my second Zoledronic infusion Dec. 2. Absolutely no issues with the first. I've still been fracturing since Oct. 2023 ( the first infusion). Did you hydrate well for a couple of days before and after? As you say....no choice and as PMRPRO says...you can't take it out, once it's there. Hopefully there will be no side effects this time as I surely do not need anymore pain than I'm coping with presently. You've been thru a lot. Hope you feel better soon and this will fade away. I wish us all, all the best. xx
This time different specialist, different clinic and a different routine. I have to pick up the Zoledronic solution at the pharmacy and take it with me. $400. So glad my co-pay is now paid in full. Lol. Last year I was extremely anxious about it. This year a little nervous. Last fracture is just now starting to settle as far as the spasms go. Thanks Pro.🤞
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Is it GCA or isn't it? 
My first flare
Zolendronate (or also called Reclast in U.S.A.)
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