topic Re: Osteoporosis Question............... in Beauty

Osteoporosis Question...............

Peetie57_1 — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 20:19:45 GMT

I know ladies this is not Beauty related, but, this is the only place I go to on the Forums. So, please forgive me for not asking anything Beauty related. So, I was just Diagnosed with Moderate Osteoporosis. They said it is on the upper end of Moderate meaning, I am at High risk for Fractures. yay! I was prescribed the Generic pill for Fosamax. I am so fortunate that at age 57 I am on no medications, except my vitamins. I was doing some research on this, and it is very scary what can happen with this medicine. I realize ALL medications will have some side effects, my husband is on at least 7 different major meds. But, I just wanted to know if anyone of you ladies has Osteoporosis and what is your regimen. Thank you so much for any feed back. Have a Blessed Day!

Re: Osteoporosis Question...............

willdob3 — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 20:38:03 GMT

Sorry about your diagnosis.

I don't have osteoporosis but I was diagnosed with osteopenia & have seen it improve.

Please do not take the Rx. The more you research the more you'll learn about how bad it is for us.

Mineral supplementation is important but they need to be balanced to work correctly. A good magnesium - liquid ionic or magnesium oil forms are best absorbed & used, D3, K2. Most of us get plenty of calcium in our diets. I don't recommend taking calcium supplements as recent studies show they do more harm than good. Food grade diatomaceous earth (silica supplement, helps with bone repair) is said to be beneficial.

Weight/resistance training is important. Walking & other exercise helps. Losing excess weight helps.

Re: Osteoporosis Question...............

Peetie57_1 — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 20:43:09 GMT

On 7/23/2014 willdob3 said:
Sorry about your diagnosis.

I don't have osteoporosis but I was diagnosed with osteopenia & have seen it improve.

Please do not take the Rx. The more you research the more you'll learn about how bad it is for us.

Mineral supplementation is important but they need to be balanced to work correctly. A good magnesium - liquid ionic or magnesium oil forms are best absorbed & used, D3, K2. Most of us get plenty of calcium in our diets. I don't recommend taking calcium supplements as recent studies show they do more harm than good. Food grade diatomaceous earth (silica supplement, helps with bone repair) is said to be beneficial.

Weight/resistance training is important. Walking & other exercise helps. Losing excess weight helps.

Thanks for your quick response. I have been walking on a tread mill for about 2 1/2 years and my weight is around 110. They did say to start with some 5-10 lbs weights for my arms. She increased my D3 to 2000 a day and the Calcium to 1600 a day. I REALLY do not want to take this Drug. Thanks again!

Re: Osteoporosis Question...............

Another new name Sue — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 20:47:52 GMT

I don't want to scare you but will be honest: I took Fosamax for years and experienced a femur fracture (surgery required) which is an uncommon side effect of Fosamax. Although osteoporosis medications do have the risk of bad side effects, I continue to take one (not Fosamax, but Evista). Why? I am afraid not to. I don't want to be bedridden with a broken hip, broken leg which won't heal, possible surgery to fix broken bone, walking with a walker, hunched back, back pain, etc., so I take the meds.

I'm sorry you are facing this. "High end of moderate" is scary, isn't it? Find out how long it is recommended women take Fosamax; I seem to remember there was a number of years it was recommended. There are several other meds, even one which is injectable. You could research to see if one seems to have side effects which are the "least bad" and ask your doctor about it.

Take care, walk, do a little weight bearing exercise, get your calcium. No heavy lifting, seriously. If you have grandkids, don't pick them up. You'll be ok.

Susan

PS 10 lbs is too heavy unless you have been doing weights for some time. 5 lbs. is even pushing it.

Re: Osteoporosis Question...............

pattypeep — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 20:55:38 GMT

I was just diagnosed with osteopenia, which is the prerequisite of osteoporosis and have been put on the same medication as you. Took my first tablet last weekend. I am 69. My Dr. went over all of the side effects and I feel very comfortable with his judgment. The alternative is falling and breaking bones and I have fallen several times during the last few years. The last time being last August and fortunately only fractured my foot, but landing directly on my hiney. Mr. Dr. said that they will re-evaluate my situation and if things improve, he will take me off of the medication. He said that osteopenia (and I assume he meant osteoarthritis as well) is reversible. Since my mother had osteoarthritis, I really felt I had no choice but to go on the medication. I have no concerns, as there are side effects to everything it seems. The drug information packets want to cover their b*tts, so they mention everything as a possibility. The best of luck to you.

Re: Osteoporosis Question...............

Peetie57_1 — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 20:57:34 GMT

On 7/23/2014 happygal said:
I don't want to scare you but will be honest: I took Fosamax for years and experienced a femur fracture (surgery required) which is an uncommon side effect of Fosamax. Although osteoporosis medications do have the risk of bad side effects, I continue to take one (not Fosamax, but Evista). Why? I am afraid not to. I don't want to be bedridden with a broken hip, broken leg which won't heal, possible surgery to fix broken bone, walking with a walker, hunched back, back pain, etc., so I take the meds.

I'm sorry you are facing this. "High end of moderate" is scary, isn't it? Find out how long it is recommended women take Fosamax; I seem to remember there was a number of years it was recommended. There are several other meds, even one which is injectable. You could research to see if one seems to have side effects which are the "least bad" and ask your doctor about it.

Take care, walk, do a little weight bearing exercise, get your calcium. No heavy lifting, seriously. If you have grandkids, don't pick them up. You'll be ok.

Susan

PS 10 lbs is too heavy unless you have been doing weights for some time. 5 lbs. is even pushing it.

I'm sorry you had to go through Surgery. Yes. it is a Scary thing. I know there are a lot worse situations out there, but, when we are facing something like this, it just seems a lot worse. She did say something to this effect, that, the reason she chose the Fosamax had something to do with me having Melanoma a couple of years ago. I have fallen several times in the past 4 years, once was down 13 steps in our house and, by the hand of GOD, I BROKE NOTHING! I don't have grandchildren and I will be extremely careful in what I lift. Thanks again and have a good evening!

Re: Osteoporosis Question...............

RibbonsRosesRainbows — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 20:57:37 GMT

I am sorry about your osteoporosis........I was also told I had that.........I took Evista........I would not take bisphononates (sp)............it can cause dead jaw and make your bones worse but there is a lot information and you can contact National Osteoporosis Foundation..........also stay away from acid foods but no sodas and no caffeine..........I will keep you in prayer and I also take Bone Up............I have met people that their bones have gotten better on bone Up.........I don't take any medicine for osteo now.

Re: Osteoporosis Question...............

Peetie57_1 — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 21:04:24 GMT

Thanks ladies for your replys. I have to sign off now until in the morning. I will be anixious to sign on again in the am and see if there is anymore info. Hope everyone has a Great evening!

Re: Osteoporosis Question...............

Shelbelle — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 21:17:47 GMT

I take no RX, just a good regimen of Calcium, Vit D3, Vit. K2 and magnesium.

Re: Osteoporosis Question...............

Tricolor — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 21:20:54 GMT

I was dx'd with Osteo also about 10 yrs ago. Many factors come into play with this. I also have a thyroid disease which robs your bones of their density. At the time, Fosamax was the only med on the market for osteo. I took for a few yrs and it did nothing. So I was switched to Actonel and still not much improvement. Then my Endocrinologist decided to try Reclast injections. My density did improve. Currently I am on nothing. I rec'd the max of 3 injectinons and now must wait for my next bone density which will be this Fall. If my bones are maintaining then possibly I will not to go back on an oral med. I do know that Fosamax cannot be used long term because of possible fractures. I know that sounds insane. I wish you much luck in treatment.

Re: Osteoporosis Question...............

Tricolor — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 21:24:16 GMT

One thing that I would like to mention is that I worked in the medical field for 20 years. During that time there was much negative info that Bisphophonates can cause one to lose density in their jaw. It was then determined that this only happened to cancer patients given high doses intravenously. However, there is no research showing that people going for dental implants can be affected by this. It is almost a no win situation.

Re: Osteoporosis Question...............

Another new name Sue — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 21:27:17 GMT

Tricolor--you say the Fosamax did nothing, but you really don't know how you would have been had you NOT taken the Fosamax. That's the problem with this whole thing!!

As for using Fosamax long-term, that's why I suggested the OP check on this. I experienced a fractured femur while taking Fosamax and ultimately had to have surgery to repair it.

Lets think good thoughts for that coming bone scan, Tricolor. Hope for good news.

Re: Osteoporosis Question...............

Laurel013 — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 21:30:59 GMT

Willdob, right on, best answer here. I took osteo meds for 10 yrs and they did nothing but make thin bones harder. Dr also said calcium would do nothing for me. Instead of dr recommendation I took strontium with the correct d and k vitamin until i moved near a gym. Now i lift heavy weights 4 times a week and never went back to the dr. Dont trust them and neither do i trust pharms.

Re: Osteoporosis Question...............

makeupaddicted1 — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 21:46:01 GMT

I was diagnosed with osteoporosis at 48. I took various drugs for a few years. I am now 62 and had a recent dexascan but do not have the results. My previous scan showed slight improvement and this was AFTER I had stopped taking the drugs a few years ago. I do weights everyday and exercise six-days a week. I take calcium and vitamin D-3. I will find out soon what my results are soon. If I am stable or have even a slight improvement, I hope to stay off the drugs for as long as I can. That's my experience, but you have to do what is best for YOU. Good luck, and good health!

Re: Osteoporosis Question...............

LilacTree — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 22:04:07 GMT

Unfortunately, my family has bad genes for osteoporosis. Both my beloved mother and sister had severe osteoporosis, although they died from smoking (colon and lung cancers). My first dexa scan was in my 50s and already showed osteopenia. I did not take any bisphosphonates. Good thing I did not take Fosamax (offered to me by my GP at the time), since I am now undergoing a full dental reconstruction which would not be possible if my jawbone was not strong.

Why it's strong I have no clue, since my dexa scans have shown severe osteoporosis in my spine and hips. I have had ten compression fractures in my vertebrae over the years, which was made worse because of being on prednisone for RA which was diagnosed ten years ago. I had to have kyphoplasty surgery on two of my vertebrae just about a year ago.

I take 2000 mcg of vitamin D3 every day, but it's really too late for me to improve at my age. I live with chronic pain every single day and have to use a wheelchair and/or a walker when I go out.

I am trying to taper the prednisone from 10 mgs in October to 6 mgs presently. However, I doubt I will be able to get totally off it.

All the meds for both RA and osteoporosis are toxic and dangerous, including obviously the prednisone. If you are still in the osteopenia stage, you have a good chance of keeping it at bay and maybe even reversing it somewhat, and I hope that happens for you.

So good luck to you is all I can say.

Re: Osteoporosis Question...............

SharonKay — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 22:17:40 GMT

My mom has osteoporosis and took Boniva for years. (I know this is a different drug than what you've been prescribed) Her osteoporosis was helped and she then had osteopenia, but unfortunately she developed some very severe side effects from it so she can no longer take it. Her osteoporosis is back and it's as bad as ever. By the way, she is 76 and was first diagnosed in her early 60's.

Obviously, you should discuss your options with your doctor and make a decision on your treatment that feels right for you. Her doctor did not discuss the side effects with her so she was not aware of all of them.

Best of luck to you.

Re: Osteoporosis Question...............

Tricolor — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 23:30:15 GMT

On 7/23/2014 happygal said:
Tricolor--you say the Fosamax did nothing, but you really don't know how you would have been had you NOT taken the Fosamax. That's the problem with this whole thing!!

As for using Fosamax long-term, that's why I suggested the OP check on this. I experienced a fractured femur while taking Fosamax and ultimately had to have surgery to repair it.

Lets think good thoughts for that coming bone scan, Tricolor. Hope for good news.

Thank you for the good wishes. You are so right that I don't know how I would have done had I not taken it. However, may doctors were concerned since I had just been diagnosed with a thyroid condition. So I was facing a double whammy. Well my Mom is 92 and still going strong. She definitely has osteoporosis. She also took Fosamax for awhile and then stopped it. She now refuses to take anything and I totally agree at her age. Have a good evening.

Re: Osteoporosis Question...............

Squirrel Lover — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 23:59:00 GMT

I am 48 and have just been diagnosed with osteopenia too. I have 40% in my left hip already. I am not going to take any medications for it--ever. My mother has taken the medications and has had a horrible time.

Instead I have been doing yoga for over 14 years 4 days a week. I power walk 4 to 5 days a week three miles at a time and I eat a very healthy diet. I also am not overweight. I believe that Americans take too many meds and it is bad for us overall.

Re: Osteoporosis Question...............

NanaS — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 00:19:00 GMT

There are other drugs you can take for osteoporosis. Talk with your doctor.

Re: Osteoporosis Question...............

KateChopin — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 01:51:32 GMT

Yes--- be careful with Fosamax.

I take vitamin D and Calcium every day. I also walk every day and lift some light weights.