My experience with the Reclast Infusion

[Linny3]

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.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

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.

[Linny3 in reply to PMRpro]

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.?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Linny3]

I can imagine - my reply was for others who read your post and are scared off.

I agree, Why would a primary be any use? And if she expected that for you????

[Linny3 in reply to PMRpro]

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.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Linny3]

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,