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

Tricolor · ‎04-19-2010

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.

Another new name Sue · ‎03-11-2010

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.

Laurel013 · ‎03-29-2010

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.

makeupaddicted1 · ‎03-10-2010

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!

LilacTree · ‎03-25-2012

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.

Formerly Ford1224
We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Elie Wiesel 1986

SharonKay · ‎03-10-2010

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.

Tricolor · ‎04-19-2010

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.

Squirrel Lover · ‎03-10-2010

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.