Hi all,
I'm about to the point where I realize that I'm going to HAVE to take one of the bone building meds for my osteoporosis. Don't want to, but the alternatives aren't to my liking either. Even the insurance company is asking my bone testing lady WHY I'm not taking one of these.
What's bothering me is that problems in the esophagous can occur on these things, and that bone necrosis issue, though more frequent in those getting cancer chemo, is another concern. I just hate the idea of having another problem in my digestive track down the road. A friend just told me Wednesday that her bone med gives her indigestion every now and then. I wonder how frequently this occurs. I could live another 30 yrs since my female grandmothers did, so that would surely be enough time to cause enough irritation to lead to an ulcer. Sure don't want one of those!
Also, I understand the bones go back to where they were once ya stop taking the stuff!
Alice, are you reading this? I'm trying to remember if you have any side effects with your medication. Remember we had a talk here about taking the meds a while back?
Another thing I've heard is that some of the medications work better in some of the parts of the skeleton that are checked in the bone density test that others. Sooo..now I have to decide which part of my bones I want destroyed first! Ha!
I can't claim to be very compliant with the calcium, but I do a little better with the vit D, I THINK??? I really need a better system. Also, not doing well with the weight bearing exercises either. Funny, case I do sooo well with removing things from my diet, yet can't take the silly calcium! I will have to take enough calcium, however, or I won't be able to take the bone building stuff.
Shucks, Sally Fields, are you out there? We need to talk! PM me anytime, ok.
Also, I'd like to know if anyone has any suggestions for increasing weight bearing in critical areas -- hip, spine, etc. I think when I get back in the pool and working out, that that will increase the resistance in my forearms, but swimming isn't the best exercise over all due to the buoyancy in the water -- like being weightless.
OK, so let's hear it from you bone med takers out there. Which ones have you taken, and what happened when you were taking each of them? What kind of results are you having?
Thanks, Luce
Osteoporosis/ Deciding to go ahead and take the medication!
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Hi Lucy,
My Dr. to wants me to go on some meds for osteoporosis but from what I hear and read about those meds right now I'm refusing to take them.
I came across this site about Serotonin In The Gut May Hold The Key For Osteoporosis Treatment. Here's the link: http://www.emaxhealth.com/1020/39/27022 ... tment.html
I plan on printing this off and showing it to my Dr the next time I go to see what he has to say.
Sally
My Dr. to wants me to go on some meds for osteoporosis but from what I hear and read about those meds right now I'm refusing to take them.
I came across this site about Serotonin In The Gut May Hold The Key For Osteoporosis Treatment. Here's the link: http://www.emaxhealth.com/1020/39/27022 ... tment.html
I plan on printing this off and showing it to my Dr the next time I go to see what he has to say.
Sally
Luce,
I may be wrong on this but a lot of calcium will not be absorbed without the exercise to go along with it. It was told to me that if you don't give your body a reason to believe you need the extra calcium, it won't absorb it. Then you will have excess calcium in your blood and that can lead to symptoms if it is bad enough. This is probably extremely simplified but perhaps someone else can do a better job unless it's not true in the first place.............. so you really need that exercise. I have been really lax since I got back from Pa. I have to get going on it again. Trouble is, I like to get my exercise through "work". Not that much here that I want to do I guess.
Also, (If I'm wrong, someone tell me) the meds like Fosamax work by keeping your body from removing dead bone cells. Therefore, your bones do get denser. However, I have never understood why having dead bone is all that beneficial. I understand that yes, your bones become very hard but brittle.
And, when I started some extensive dental work a week or so ago I was asked specifically if I am/have been on any bone building meds. The answer was no (except for several years ago for a short time). They then told me that they aren't "kind" to the bones that hold your teeth in for some reason.
When I had my first bone density several years ago I was told to take the fosamax and increase calcium quite a bit. I ended up with high calcium levels and after investigating on the internet and talking to some people I decided I didn't want to take it. I stopped the fosamax after about 3 months started getting more exercise and taking a more moderate level of calcium + D. When I had my next bone density (2 years later) I had improvement. I am due for another but the docs haven't realized that yet so I've been letting it go. A bad habit of mine and I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing. I always feel like I've gotten away with something if they "forget" things. HaHa
I realize you probably know more about this subject than I do since you are a nurse. I guess I'm just wondering if I am way off track here.
Love, Shirley
I may be wrong on this but a lot of calcium will not be absorbed without the exercise to go along with it. It was told to me that if you don't give your body a reason to believe you need the extra calcium, it won't absorb it. Then you will have excess calcium in your blood and that can lead to symptoms if it is bad enough. This is probably extremely simplified but perhaps someone else can do a better job unless it's not true in the first place.............. so you really need that exercise. I have been really lax since I got back from Pa. I have to get going on it again. Trouble is, I like to get my exercise through "work". Not that much here that I want to do I guess.
Also, (If I'm wrong, someone tell me) the meds like Fosamax work by keeping your body from removing dead bone cells. Therefore, your bones do get denser. However, I have never understood why having dead bone is all that beneficial. I understand that yes, your bones become very hard but brittle.
And, when I started some extensive dental work a week or so ago I was asked specifically if I am/have been on any bone building meds. The answer was no (except for several years ago for a short time). They then told me that they aren't "kind" to the bones that hold your teeth in for some reason.
When I had my first bone density several years ago I was told to take the fosamax and increase calcium quite a bit. I ended up with high calcium levels and after investigating on the internet and talking to some people I decided I didn't want to take it. I stopped the fosamax after about 3 months started getting more exercise and taking a more moderate level of calcium + D. When I had my next bone density (2 years later) I had improvement. I am due for another but the docs haven't realized that yet so I've been letting it go. A bad habit of mine and I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing. I always feel like I've gotten away with something if they "forget" things. HaHa
I realize you probably know more about this subject than I do since you are a nurse. I guess I'm just wondering if I am way off track here.
Love, Shirley
When the eagles are silent, the parrots begin to jabber"
-- Winston Churchill
-- Winston Churchill
Hi Luce, old buddy!
Hope you are enjoying the holidays.
I'll weigh in here with a few thoughts:
1.) Vitamin D and other minerals like magnesium are important to bone health. I don't know how much D you are taking, but the RDA will probably continue to be raised. I take 3000 IUs a day, and I would say that 2000 IUs would be the minimum needed for folks in our age range.
2.) For maximum retention of calcium in the body, CUT OUT SALT. Salt causes increased excretion of calcium from the kidneys.
3.) It is important to eat a diet that contains mostly "basic" foods.....foods that become "basic" rather than acidic in the body as they are broken down. For example, meat and dairy become acidic, but most fruits and veggies are basic. I think there is probably a link somewhere here (Tex, do you remember?) that explains this.
4.) Check out the little book titled "Walk Tall (an exercise program for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis)" by Sara Meeks, a physical therapist specialist in osteoporosis. I got mine from amazon.com.
I choose not to take the bone-building meds, BTW, but as you know, I tend to be somewhat of a health maverick despite my medical training. LOL!
Love,
Polly
Hope you are enjoying the holidays.
I'll weigh in here with a few thoughts:
1.) Vitamin D and other minerals like magnesium are important to bone health. I don't know how much D you are taking, but the RDA will probably continue to be raised. I take 3000 IUs a day, and I would say that 2000 IUs would be the minimum needed for folks in our age range.
2.) For maximum retention of calcium in the body, CUT OUT SALT. Salt causes increased excretion of calcium from the kidneys.
3.) It is important to eat a diet that contains mostly "basic" foods.....foods that become "basic" rather than acidic in the body as they are broken down. For example, meat and dairy become acidic, but most fruits and veggies are basic. I think there is probably a link somewhere here (Tex, do you remember?) that explains this.
4.) Check out the little book titled "Walk Tall (an exercise program for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis)" by Sara Meeks, a physical therapist specialist in osteoporosis. I got mine from amazon.com.
I choose not to take the bone-building meds, BTW, but as you know, I tend to be somewhat of a health maverick despite my medical training. LOL!
Love,
Polly
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.
-
barbaranoela
- Emperor Penguin
- Posts: 5394
- Joined: Wed May 25, 2005 6:11 pm
- Location: New York
Luce----I have to add this----I took Fosamax (gave me acid reflux) --
The point I want to make is this-----for 2 years I did nothing--and my BONES IMPROVED and GYN---was delighted----keep it up he said----doing ZIP??
Starting a regimentation of calcium----bones got worse??? so figure that one out??
Always facing that brick wall--
Barbara
The point I want to make is this-----for 2 years I did nothing--and my BONES IMPROVED and GYN---was delighted----keep it up he said----doing ZIP??
Starting a regimentation of calcium----bones got worse??? so figure that one out??
Always facing that brick wall--
Barbara
the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control
Luce,
From what I understand Polly is right about the salt, and exercise is critical, but must be weight bearing (not swimming). Walking and/or lifting weights.
About the dental thing - What I understand about that from being a dental hygienist is that taking bisphosphonates, Fosamax etc., can cause a problem mostly when a person would have an extraction. The bone might not heal properly. Also from what I have read in the dental journals and courses that I have been to that the meds that the most problems have been from are the intravenous bisphosphonates not the pills. I have seen only one case of osteonecrosis and that patient had a form of bone cancer and had had many, many different drugs and treatments including some intravenous bisphosphonates. Unfortunately he passed away recently after a very long battle with the cancer.
Pat
From what I understand Polly is right about the salt, and exercise is critical, but must be weight bearing (not swimming). Walking and/or lifting weights.
About the dental thing - What I understand about that from being a dental hygienist is that taking bisphosphonates, Fosamax etc., can cause a problem mostly when a person would have an extraction. The bone might not heal properly. Also from what I have read in the dental journals and courses that I have been to that the meds that the most problems have been from are the intravenous bisphosphonates not the pills. I have seen only one case of osteonecrosis and that patient had a form of bone cancer and had had many, many different drugs and treatments including some intravenous bisphosphonates. Unfortunately he passed away recently after a very long battle with the cancer.
Pat
Hi Luce!!!!
I use the Miacalcin nasal spray for low bone density.
Just have to remember to switch nose holes every day.
I just mark left/ right on each day of the month on my calendar, so I can remember.
I won't take any of the pill forms.
I don't take alot of calcium, mabe 650 a day, but I have upped my vitamin D.
I should be doing the weight bearing exercises too!!
I have an exercise ball and use to put it behind my back, up against and wall and put my feet out in front of me a little bit and do squats, while pushing my back to the ball. They ball just goes up and down the wall.
Dee~~
I use the Miacalcin nasal spray for low bone density.
Just have to remember to switch nose holes every day.
I just mark left/ right on each day of the month on my calendar, so I can remember.
I won't take any of the pill forms.
I don't take alot of calcium, mabe 650 a day, but I have upped my vitamin D.
I should be doing the weight bearing exercises too!!
I have an exercise ball and use to put it behind my back, up against and wall and put my feet out in front of me a little bit and do squats, while pushing my back to the ball. They ball just goes up and down the wall.
Dee~~
"What the heart gives away is never gone ... It is kept in the hearts of others."
Hi Luce,
I'm back from a trip out west. A belated Merry Christmas to everyone!
I've got osteoporosis, too. I've taken Fosamax on and off and am now off of it because I've read about the dental cautions. Like Shirley, I've been concerned about how it increases bone density. I don't believe I've ever seen a medical explanation. Thank you, Pat for your professional insight.
I've upped my vitamin D intake to 2,000+ mg. per day, plus I also take calcium supplements and drink 1-2 glasses of RiceDream milk per day.
I've been working out using a rowing machine which gives resistance for my shoulders and my back. I have a resistance band w/o handles that I've occasionally used. I'm not that regular about doing the exercises; I need to make a New Year's resolution to do better!
I need to have another bone density test. The last one I had showed that I lost measurable density, but I don't know how much was due to having MC. I'm hoping that now that I'm GF and have reduced my autoimmune reactions, I've also slowed down or stopped the loss.
I looked up resistance exercises online a while back, printed and put them in a ring binder, but haven't done them very much. It's difficult to find exercises for the neck/upper back area, but I think the resistance band would be effective.
Gloria
I'm back from a trip out west. A belated Merry Christmas to everyone!
I've got osteoporosis, too. I've taken Fosamax on and off and am now off of it because I've read about the dental cautions. Like Shirley, I've been concerned about how it increases bone density. I don't believe I've ever seen a medical explanation. Thank you, Pat for your professional insight.
I've upped my vitamin D intake to 2,000+ mg. per day, plus I also take calcium supplements and drink 1-2 glasses of RiceDream milk per day.
I've been working out using a rowing machine which gives resistance for my shoulders and my back. I have a resistance band w/o handles that I've occasionally used. I'm not that regular about doing the exercises; I need to make a New Year's resolution to do better!
I need to have another bone density test. The last one I had showed that I lost measurable density, but I don't know how much was due to having MC. I'm hoping that now that I'm GF and have reduced my autoimmune reactions, I've also slowed down or stopped the loss.
I looked up resistance exercises online a while back, printed and put them in a ring binder, but haven't done them very much. It's difficult to find exercises for the neck/upper back area, but I think the resistance band would be effective.
Gloria
You never know what you can do until you have to do it.
Also, isn't sugar supposed to cause acidity? Funny, but I don't even like sweets all that much, it's just that it's quick and easy to grab something sweet on the run.
The jaw necrosis concern started when my dentist friend brought me some pictures of the worst cases and an article out of one of her journals. Apparently there are still a few individuals without the cancer treatments who've had this happen on the oral medications as well. Wow, I don't want a dental extraction in the first place, much less necrosis immediately following it!
I've done sooo well off relieving my M.C./gs with diet, but then, at my age, perhaps I'm still not absorbing all the nutrients as much as I should, due to permanently damaged areas where stuff's absorbed. I had thought that upping the Vit D would help me to get enough Calcium, just from food intake, and that the vit D would push it into the bone. After doing really well on my blood levels, I got deliquent, and my next Vit D level was sooo low it was off the charts. I hope I'm doing a bit better now.
Polly, whatcha think about taking Magnesium. I eat lots of nuts and beans, but perhaps not as regularly as I think I do. I know I don't see the light of day very often, that's for sure, as I don't leave my mother in the daytime, unless it's the weekend, and then, very seldom. I suppose the capsules will do just as well if taken in large enough doses.
I've heard that some people take these megadoses of Vit D, all at one time to help them catch up quicker. Highest I've ever taken was 4000 a day. Now, since I've been known to..ahmm...miss an occasional dose here and there, I go back up to 4000 whenever I think about it. Vit D orally doesn't bother me at all.
Oh yeah, the other thing to avoid is regular carbonated drinks -- due to the phospho stuff. My endo says he gulps down a calcium everytime he drinks one of those. I wish I could get totally off of those. At least Virgils doesn't have it on the label, but it does have a bit more sugar, I think. At least I drink my tea and coffee (tinted water) and decaff versions without sugar!
My endo actually told me that since he'd started doing a particular exercise, for some reason, his hip joint showed up denser on the dexa test. Think this is probably an old test he's rediscovered, but whatcha do is sit with, say, your right leg folded with it's ankle resting on top of your left leg, just above your left knee. Then, you take your right hand and push against your right knee.
At the same time, push the top side of your right foot up as you press down against it with your left hand. If you do it hard enough, you can feel the pull in your right hip. Then, do the whole thing, only reversing right and left legs, etc.
Let me know if you can feel it, ok?
Ya know, if I did all the stuff I'm told to do, just for maintenance, I'd have no time left to care for my mother! Ha!
I'm way overdue for a repeat bone density, so guess it's all futile til I repeat that.
Polly, do you still use fortified orange juice for calcium and vit D? What other sources do you have in your diet? Also, how far along did you get originally -- osteopenia, or osteoporosis? Has it leveled off or improved with your course of action?
Do you think that possibly some of us have a gene, in addition to the celiac/M.C. gene potential, that's responsible for difficult to treat osteoporosis?
Anyway, I just hope that I'm pleasantly surprised when I get the results of my bone density test which I hope to get soon.
If I could just get out more, most days (maybe not a small no. of winter days) in this Gulf climate, a good pair of walking shorts and a sleeveless shirt might just be the best medicine in my case.
By the way, is there any known connection between vit D and serotonin levels?
Polly, do you know the answer to this one? What source do you have for the other minerals?
Anyone know which serotonin meds would help with building the bones back up? Those are a little frightening as well.
I think I've definitely got to get walking and lifting, that's for certain.
I wish I could just go to that lady physical therapist and get her to pour the information from her book straight into my head. Seriously, I've been thinking about finding a therapist who's really knowledgible about building bone through exercise. Just today, someone told me about a lady who's really knowlegible about all sorts of exercise as well as working with senior citizens (guess I'm one now, but that's ok.). She does exercises with a church group, and this older friend really likes her. She's got osteopenia and can't tolerate medication, but has gotten lax, just like I have. Maybe if we both got together with this lady, she could work us up a plan. I really need something I can do at home.
Speaking of exercise, I gave my sister a starter resistance band with a DVD/CD thingie. This one has handles. I told her that I would get her the next level when she tells me she's mastered the least resistance. She said the first couple of stretches are easy, then it gets rapidly more difficult.
I thought that might be something she could carry to work with her once she's studied the explanations in the disc. Also, it takes up lots less room than a set of weights! Ha! We have lots of big books around here, so I just may go back to using those to increase my weight work.
Does anyone have a set of those various weights that hang on some kind of pole? Perhaps you've got a son or husband who owns a set. Anyway, think I just need a seniors trainer.
By the way, my swim coach has already told me that I won't be allowed to dive off blocks when I participate in a swim meet. She also said that pushing off after a flip turn is probably the easiest way to injure one's back due to the powerful force that's involved in pushing off.
I don't think I'm going to let that stop me, unless the bone density is still low. I have learned that it's easier to ask forgiveness than to ask permission.
I am sooo competitive that I can't stand to be told I can't do something, so I really tend to overdo it at a practice with the team. Perhaps I should get into weight lifting competition! Ha!
I'm eager to read that book, and share it with my local friends.
By the way, if you want a really good book to read on swimming, read "Total Immersion" by Terry Laughlin. It's good, even if you are a beginner...not the way you were taught in Red Cross classes, that's for sure!
Co-incidentally, I've just now started having heart burn a bit, not anything much, but it's certainly bad timing for taking anything that might cause esophogeal problems.
I really need to look into the nasal sprays.
Also, the rowing machine sounds like it would really be good for the entire back, and other things. Isn't rowing supposed to be sort of a whole body exercise. Wow, I don't know where we'd put the thing as it's so crowded over here. Maybe where I swim they have one of those as I'm a member of the whole club. This may be more important that the swimming, actually.
OK, thanks, and will try to keep ya'll posted on the progress. You keep me posted on yours as well.
Thanks, all your contributions are invaluable. I didn't realize we had so many people with bone issues. It is really overwhelming how many, isn't it?
Yours, Luce
The jaw necrosis concern started when my dentist friend brought me some pictures of the worst cases and an article out of one of her journals. Apparently there are still a few individuals without the cancer treatments who've had this happen on the oral medications as well. Wow, I don't want a dental extraction in the first place, much less necrosis immediately following it!
I've done sooo well off relieving my M.C./gs with diet, but then, at my age, perhaps I'm still not absorbing all the nutrients as much as I should, due to permanently damaged areas where stuff's absorbed. I had thought that upping the Vit D would help me to get enough Calcium, just from food intake, and that the vit D would push it into the bone. After doing really well on my blood levels, I got deliquent, and my next Vit D level was sooo low it was off the charts. I hope I'm doing a bit better now.
Polly, whatcha think about taking Magnesium. I eat lots of nuts and beans, but perhaps not as regularly as I think I do. I know I don't see the light of day very often, that's for sure, as I don't leave my mother in the daytime, unless it's the weekend, and then, very seldom. I suppose the capsules will do just as well if taken in large enough doses.
I've heard that some people take these megadoses of Vit D, all at one time to help them catch up quicker. Highest I've ever taken was 4000 a day. Now, since I've been known to..ahmm...miss an occasional dose here and there, I go back up to 4000 whenever I think about it. Vit D orally doesn't bother me at all.
Oh yeah, the other thing to avoid is regular carbonated drinks -- due to the phospho stuff. My endo says he gulps down a calcium everytime he drinks one of those. I wish I could get totally off of those. At least Virgils doesn't have it on the label, but it does have a bit more sugar, I think. At least I drink my tea and coffee (tinted water) and decaff versions without sugar!
My endo actually told me that since he'd started doing a particular exercise, for some reason, his hip joint showed up denser on the dexa test. Think this is probably an old test he's rediscovered, but whatcha do is sit with, say, your right leg folded with it's ankle resting on top of your left leg, just above your left knee. Then, you take your right hand and push against your right knee.
At the same time, push the top side of your right foot up as you press down against it with your left hand. If you do it hard enough, you can feel the pull in your right hip. Then, do the whole thing, only reversing right and left legs, etc.
Let me know if you can feel it, ok?
Ya know, if I did all the stuff I'm told to do, just for maintenance, I'd have no time left to care for my mother! Ha!
I'm way overdue for a repeat bone density, so guess it's all futile til I repeat that.
Polly, do you still use fortified orange juice for calcium and vit D? What other sources do you have in your diet? Also, how far along did you get originally -- osteopenia, or osteoporosis? Has it leveled off or improved with your course of action?
Do you think that possibly some of us have a gene, in addition to the celiac/M.C. gene potential, that's responsible for difficult to treat osteoporosis?
Anyway, I just hope that I'm pleasantly surprised when I get the results of my bone density test which I hope to get soon.
If I could just get out more, most days (maybe not a small no. of winter days) in this Gulf climate, a good pair of walking shorts and a sleeveless shirt might just be the best medicine in my case.
By the way, is there any known connection between vit D and serotonin levels?
Polly, do you know the answer to this one? What source do you have for the other minerals?
Anyone know which serotonin meds would help with building the bones back up? Those are a little frightening as well.
I think I've definitely got to get walking and lifting, that's for certain.
I wish I could just go to that lady physical therapist and get her to pour the information from her book straight into my head. Seriously, I've been thinking about finding a therapist who's really knowledgible about building bone through exercise. Just today, someone told me about a lady who's really knowlegible about all sorts of exercise as well as working with senior citizens (guess I'm one now, but that's ok.). She does exercises with a church group, and this older friend really likes her. She's got osteopenia and can't tolerate medication, but has gotten lax, just like I have. Maybe if we both got together with this lady, she could work us up a plan. I really need something I can do at home.
Speaking of exercise, I gave my sister a starter resistance band with a DVD/CD thingie. This one has handles. I told her that I would get her the next level when she tells me she's mastered the least resistance. She said the first couple of stretches are easy, then it gets rapidly more difficult.
I thought that might be something she could carry to work with her once she's studied the explanations in the disc. Also, it takes up lots less room than a set of weights! Ha! We have lots of big books around here, so I just may go back to using those to increase my weight work.
Does anyone have a set of those various weights that hang on some kind of pole? Perhaps you've got a son or husband who owns a set. Anyway, think I just need a seniors trainer.
By the way, my swim coach has already told me that I won't be allowed to dive off blocks when I participate in a swim meet. She also said that pushing off after a flip turn is probably the easiest way to injure one's back due to the powerful force that's involved in pushing off.
I don't think I'm going to let that stop me, unless the bone density is still low. I have learned that it's easier to ask forgiveness than to ask permission.
I am sooo competitive that I can't stand to be told I can't do something, so I really tend to overdo it at a practice with the team. Perhaps I should get into weight lifting competition! Ha!
I'm eager to read that book, and share it with my local friends.
By the way, if you want a really good book to read on swimming, read "Total Immersion" by Terry Laughlin. It's good, even if you are a beginner...not the way you were taught in Red Cross classes, that's for sure!
Co-incidentally, I've just now started having heart burn a bit, not anything much, but it's certainly bad timing for taking anything that might cause esophogeal problems.
I really need to look into the nasal sprays.
Also, the rowing machine sounds like it would really be good for the entire back, and other things. Isn't rowing supposed to be sort of a whole body exercise. Wow, I don't know where we'd put the thing as it's so crowded over here. Maybe where I swim they have one of those as I'm a member of the whole club. This may be more important that the swimming, actually.
OK, thanks, and will try to keep ya'll posted on the progress. You keep me posted on yours as well.
Thanks, all your contributions are invaluable. I didn't realize we had so many people with bone issues. It is really overwhelming how many, isn't it?
Yours, Luce
Hi Lucy,
It's good to hear from you again! I don't post much anymore but do read a little.
I hope you're doing well.
I've taken the following bone drugs: Actinol, Evista, Fosomax and currently Boniva. I have reversed my osteoporosis and am now at the osteopenia level.
I seem to have leveled off a bit in that the improvements are very small each time I have a dexa scan.
I've taken the drugs for at least 7 years. I noticed improvement with the first follow-up dexa scan (follow-ups are every two years.) I also take calcium and a ;little vitamin D.
I'm also on a very low dose estradial patch. Not sure if that makes a difference or not.
I hope this helps and that you'll see some good results. I bet you wil!
Alice
It's good to hear from you again! I don't post much anymore but do read a little.
I hope you're doing well.
I've taken the following bone drugs: Actinol, Evista, Fosomax and currently Boniva. I have reversed my osteoporosis and am now at the osteopenia level.
I seem to have leveled off a bit in that the improvements are very small each time I have a dexa scan.
I've taken the drugs for at least 7 years. I noticed improvement with the first follow-up dexa scan (follow-ups are every two years.) I also take calcium and a ;little vitamin D.
I'm also on a very low dose estradial patch. Not sure if that makes a difference or not.
I hope this helps and that you'll see some good results. I bet you wil!
Alice
Lucy,
I forgot to mention that I've had no side effects from any of the meds. I also took Miacalcin at one point. I had mild heartburn before I started taking the bone meds, and it hasn't worsened.
I am quite convinced there is a gene for osteoporosis since all my aunts on my mother's side (5) and my mother had it, some severely. My mother, who took really good care of herself, died from complications of it. She exercised (walking) , didn't smoke, took calcium, etc..... But didn't take any drugs for it.
Alice
I forgot to mention that I've had no side effects from any of the meds. I also took Miacalcin at one point. I had mild heartburn before I started taking the bone meds, and it hasn't worsened.
I am quite convinced there is a gene for osteoporosis since all my aunts on my mother's side (5) and my mother had it, some severely. My mother, who took really good care of herself, died from complications of it. She exercised (walking) , didn't smoke, took calcium, etc..... But didn't take any drugs for it.
Alice
Thanks, Alice. Perhaps I could find a lab here that tests for the gene/s involved if that's available now. My sister also has it. My mother is 87 1/2, doesn't get much sun at all, and no longer walks. Her spine is quite crocked now, and I'm sure she's had fractures along the way. Back when she first had a bone density test, I don't think her bones were as bad as ours -- we were already at osteopenia, but then, she didn't seem to have any autoimmune conditions that we know of. I don't know about any of our older female relatives as they are all gone now. Think no one of my dad's sisters had bone issues, and they lived a long time, one being at an advanced age right now.
Alice, do you think that some of those meds worked faster than others in building up your bones? Did they keep you on each one for two years between tests, and then switch afterwards? Any other reason for the switching of meds?
Maybe I'll be lucky and the tests will show that the Vit D (even though I'm forgetful) has helped, so I can just keep on keeping on with what I'm doing.
If not, then I'll have to do something.
Thanks so much. Will try to stay in touch, and you do the same. I'm glad to hear you've had such good success.
Yours, Luce
Alice, do you think that some of those meds worked faster than others in building up your bones? Did they keep you on each one for two years between tests, and then switch afterwards? Any other reason for the switching of meds?
Maybe I'll be lucky and the tests will show that the Vit D (even though I'm forgetful) has helped, so I can just keep on keeping on with what I'm doing.
If not, then I'll have to do something.
Thanks so much. Will try to stay in touch, and you do the same. I'm glad to hear you've had such good success.
Yours, Luce
I can't remember why I switched from Evista to something else. All the other changes I made were purely for convenience.
The first drug I tried was taken every day (can't remember the name) and you had to take it first thing in the morning and then not eat, drink or lie down for 1/2 hour. The Fosomax was once a week - same procedure. Then came Boniva, which is once a month. I've taken the drugs religiously, except for the Boniva, which I have trouble remembering to refill.
I can't really say that one worked better than another. The biggest gains in bone mass came early on. Then leveled off a bit.
After seeing the suffering my mom and aunts went through with osteoporosis, I became determined to be very proactive. I took every precaution and still got it. That's why I think it's genetic.
Alice
The first drug I tried was taken every day (can't remember the name) and you had to take it first thing in the morning and then not eat, drink or lie down for 1/2 hour. The Fosomax was once a week - same procedure. Then came Boniva, which is once a month. I've taken the drugs religiously, except for the Boniva, which I have trouble remembering to refill.
I can't really say that one worked better than another. The biggest gains in bone mass came early on. Then leveled off a bit.
After seeing the suffering my mom and aunts went through with osteoporosis, I became determined to be very proactive. I took every precaution and still got it. That's why I think it's genetic.
Alice