National Osteoporosis Society - Osteoporosis Forum / Special Forums / Ask the Helpline Nurses

Strontium Ranelate

Legless Lisa — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:55:18 GMT

Ive just been prescribed Protelos . I understand that I have to take it 2 hrs after my food at night. It would be more convenient for me to take it first thing in the morning and then not eat for 2 hours after taking it, is this ok or is there a reason why it should be taken at night?
Regards
Lisa

What drug would you advise?

lindaweatherby — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:01:34 GMT

I am 61 yr old had osteopinnia for 2 yrs in spine and hip.Scan has just revealed I now have osteoporosis in spine.I have been taking Calcichew for 2 yrs.My doctor has prescribed aa but because I have nausea due to changing anti depressants she will give them me in 3 weeks time.She says they can be nauseous.I asked if there was anything else I could take because I have a history of nausea with any medication even an aspirin .I have also suffered from Acid reflux and wasnt able to take the medication prescribed by the hospital for that.She said no thats all there was and it would take 5yrs to show wether it had worked.This has left me feeling very worried.I have joined this forum and discovered all sorts of other drugs and why 5yrs?Cant find anything on that.I dont want to waste 5precious years worrying if it is getting worse.I am also very concerned about my nauseos reaction to any medication.Please can you advise.Linda Weatherby

Calcichew alone?

suzy45 — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:57:26 GMT

I was diagnosed last year after fracturing my radius, age 65. My bone density is -3.5 in my lower spine, -1.8 in the femoral neck. I was prescribed Alendronic acid and Calcichew. I am not doing too well with the AA – it doesn't actually cause me problems but I hate the feeling of half a pint of cold water sitting on my empty stomach (I don't like water anyway) and I worry about taking a drug that requires such drastic precautions. So I've stopped taking it. My question is: is there any point in taking the Calcichew alone? I can't see my doctor prescribing me anything different, like strontium ranelate, as there is no real reason I shouldn't take the AA – I just don't trust it, don't like it and can't bring myself to take it any more. I have no other risk fractures and am generally fit and healthy and get lots of exercise. Being diagnosed with osteoporosis was a terrible shock.

29M with Osteoporosis. Should I run a marathon?

adam2247 — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 04:21:51 GMT

Hello,

Thank you very much for a place to ask my question.

Recently I had a bone scan done on a GE-Lunar DXA. I was being certified to operate the DXA and it was fortunate that I was also given Full body, AP Spine, LVA, and Femur scans. One would not think that a young male would have low BMD but here are my scores:

Full Body: BMD 1.077g/cm2 T-Score -1.8 Z-Score -1.5
[b]AP Spine: BMD of L1-L4 0.888g/cm2 T-Score -2.8 Z-Score -2.6 (L2 was -3.3 T-Score)[/b]
Femur: BMD of Total Left 0.867 T-Score -1.6 Z-Score -1.4
BMD of Right was similar to left

Here are my stats:
I am a 29 year old white male from the US. I am a runner (in training for my 6th marathon) and I regularly lift weights (2-3 times/week). I don’t smoke, I eat fairly healthy. I am 174cm and about 71Kg.
The only negative thing about my health is that I have been a heavy drinker for the past 10 years. (Up to about 6-8 12oz beer per day in some periods)

I don’t won’t be able to visit a doctor for another 2 months and I am worried that continued running (especially the marathon distance of 26.2 miles) will cause a vertebral compression fracture.

My question is this:
Weight bearing exercise is supposed to be very good for building bone, but with the low scores of my Lumbar vertebrae wouldn’t I be risking fracture by running? Or do you think I am ok to continue training and run the marathon (its on Dec. 5th)

p.s.
I have started to take 1200mg Calcium and about 2000u/day of Vit D-3. This should help me out until I can see a doctor in a few months.

Alendonic Acid

SarahR — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:34:09 GMT

Hi,
My DEXA scan results showed that i have -2.5 T score in my spine and have been given by the Dr Alendronic Acid. I have taken 2 tablets to date but have been reading some absolute horror stories about this drug which really scares me. After each tablet i have had pains in my chest, indigestion i think as i have a hiatus hernia and take Omeprezole to control that. Apart from the digestive risk the thought of the dental risk seems horrendous. I really dont know what to do about it, whether it not take it, take it and put up with it or ask for something else. Strontium seems to be the other option but that is not without its side affects either, having a funny tummy every morning doesnt fill me with delight as well as having to wait up for two hours after eating or drinking anything to take it. Help, i really dont feel happy about taking any of these drugs, so is there an alternative therapy?
I also want to ask about the vibration plates in the gym, are they good for building bone? There are some reports of them being advantagous. What other exercises would be good?
Sarah

Early Menopause

DJH — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:37:35 GMT

Hi. I am new to this site and am looking for advice about early menopause and osteoporosis. I am 44 and for the past year have suspected I was having menopausal symptoms. While on holiday in August I slipped on some steps ( right in front of the colloseum in Rome! ) which resulted in me breaking my wrist. I have never broken anything before. I have now had it confirmed that I am menopausal and have started taking HRT due to my age. Obviously I am now wondering whether my breakage had anything to do with this and whether I should get checked further.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Extra help 4 my spine

Carapace — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 21:40:37 GMT

Hi can you offer some advice please ?
I have OP of spine and hip, the numbers show it is quite bad,
I would like someone to take an overall view of my spine, I have a T4 fracture, T8 T9 are wedges and T10 is compressed, I also still get pins and needles in my left leg,probably due to a pinched nerve, this began when i fell 2 1/2 years ago and was diagnosed with OP having damaged the above T's, I know the leg nerves come from the L region and there were no x rays of this area taken at the time and no MRI of any part of me.
I wish to ask my GP, (I am not under the care of anyone else, how do some of our fellow forum folk get a consultant NHS person to take themon?)
So to ask my GP for a referral to someone in this field do I ask to be seen by a back specialist or do I have to name the specialism if so I do not know the specialism to request, can you advise ? Thank you. I am seeing my GP Wed. a.m., tomorrow. Carapace

Dentist

PJ — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 21:21:35 GMT

I have only been taking Alendronic Acid for 8 weeks, in the last few days my dentist has informed me i require a tooth extraction he refused to take the tooth out and said I would need to go to a specialist as I am these tablets. I have stopped taking them hoping that they will take the tooth out & I know i will need ongoing dental treatment.
Do i have another option to these tablets, i also take adcal -d3.
PJ

Vitamin D Level

Lyn — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 14:04:01 GMT

I have just had my results back from a Vitamin D test and it was 112 nmol which I think might be pretty good (I had asked for a Bone Turnover Test but that wasn't available to me so the Vit D test was a compromise and the first one I had had). The doctors receptionist gave me the results so I didn't actually get to see the doctor, but my question is "do I still need to take Calcium with Vitamin D Supplements or should I be considering to reduce the Vid D Supplement intake and just take the calcium on it's own . . . . . can you have too much Vitamin D"? I know low levels are not good for your body but not sure on the other end of the scale or what the scale actually is.

Appreciate your help on this.

Lyn C

Autoimmune thrombocytopaenia plus multiple drug reactions

galanthophile — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:58:19 GMT

I am desperately trying to decide whether to go along with Zoledronic Acid infusion having recently been diagnosed with oseoporosis following high dose steroid medication for ITP (platelets needed for clotting destroyed by immune system) My concern is the impact this might have on the ITP (platelet count) I am currently in remission but the count is very up and down quite alarmingly so. At the moment I am rather inclined to refuse.

Another added worry is the fact that I have a long history of drug reactions not infrequently requiring immediate cessation of the treatment. This would not be possible with an infusion lasting for one year. The high dose required also a concern.

I have been wondering about teriparitide (Forsteo) as an alternative if I meet the criteria required. However I note that this can have an adverse effect on the digestive tract. I have a problem here with ongoing reflux, oesophagitis, taking a daily proton pump inhibitor. Also a history of stomach ulcer.

As you can imagine not an easy patient to deal with. ITP is manageable on its own but when another medical condition arises requiring treatment then it becomes quite an issue

I am almost tempted to decline treatment for the osteoporosis but realise that this is not advisable.

Your comments would be appreciated.

Galanthophile

Are we untouchable?

yawn — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:43:07 GMT

I attended dentist Monday to be told that if I started on infusions (shortly to be assessed to do just that) that dentistry would become a rather precarious act and special measures would need to be inacted (goodness knows what they are), should I need further work on my teeth because of necrosis of the jaw. I thought it was the biophosphates which carried such risk, not infusions, could you please clarify?

Also attended physio yesterday to be told that hands on physio was a no no as the biggest compensation case in history would ensue should he break any of my bones and that I should go home and keep exercising.

One rather feels like being written off because of osteoporosis. Is osteo really that awful that we are cast aside for fear of compensation culture?

brenda topley (ms)
diagnosed August 2011

Osteopaenic? Osteoporotic? Teriparatide applied for or IV Zolendronic Acid - following pinned hip

Helen_J_P — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:48:11 GMT

I am 49, perimenopausal (as far as I can ascertain - as lost considerable weight when ill with Dermatomyositis & overlap Scleraderma diagnosed '07. Now on maintenance doses 2.5 mg pred, 100mg azathioprine, alendronic acid, calcichew, omeprazole, nifedipine, fluoxetine, antispasmodic)

In Sep, I fell from standing height & broke left hip & was referred to osteoporosis clinic: I had been and am compliant re Alendronic Acid, Calcichew etc
BMI is 20, height 172cm. T scores of -2.3 lumbar spine, -2.1 right neck of femur, total hip -1.5. (Lumbar spine improved from -2.4 in '08.)

If -2.5 is considered osteoporosis, surely I am osteopaenic? Also, the fall could have been just unfortunately hard - obviously the left hip was not possible to scan this last time due to cannulated screws.

I have been reading a bit about the prophylaxis. My question is - could I suggest continuing on the Alendronic Acid which is clearly maintaining density for a further 18 months until next DEXA due rather than taking even more powerful meds? And is Zolendronic Acid the least 'agressive' of the two?

Also, Vit D level is 33 & it's recommended increase to >50 prior to treatment. Why?

Thank you.

Betnesol mouthwash

LaurenRA — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 12:22:21 GMT

Hello

I am 20 years old, with a T-score of -3.2. I am currently on Calcitriol, Calcichew and Vitamin K2.

I have recently been prescribed Betnesol as a mouthwash by my oral-maxillo-facial consultant. As this is a steroid, I am wondering if I need bone protector medication to enable me to take this safely, or if I am okay because I would be taking it as a mouthwash?

Many thanks,

Lauren

Massage

skeleton — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 12:32:00 GMT

I'm wondering whether gentle massage is ok for people with osteoporosis.

Although I was diagnosed with quite severe osteoporosis (-4.7) a couple of years ago, I continue to do all the things I have always done in the past without any problems. I have also had back massages in the past when I presumably unknowingly had osteoporosis - I'm sure it didn't just spring up overnight. But it's another thing when you actually know you have a condition and I wouldn't want to go ahead with it if it might be contra-indicated.

Any advice would be very much appreciated.

New GP contract

AnneB — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 13:01:02 GMT

Now that osteoporosis is to be included in the QOF new GP contract, what are the practical implications to patients ? What difference do you think it will make to the treatment of osteoporosis in those people already diagnosed with it ? Will our osteoporosis get reviewed regularly for example ?

fosteo side effects

aemi — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 20:59:24 GMT

I was prescribed forsteo but stoppede after 2 weeks as I had severe dizziness and walking anaided has become a problem.this has continued for some 4 weeks.Can you thrw some light on this condition and why this has happened. How long will it last? Have others encountered this condition and what can I learn from them?

Zolendronic Acid and the flu jab

Linz — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 21:58:35 GMT

Hello, I am due to have my first infusion of Zoledronic acid shortly, and I'm also due this years flu jab ( which I have every year, as I'm a health worker and also on immunosuppressants for RA) As they can both cause 'flu-like symptoms' afterwards, I was wondering if there ought to be a certain time between them? Neither my GP nor Occ Health who administer the flu jab was sure.......thanks in advance!

Lindsay (52, early menopause at 42, OP diagnosed at 40. Spine -3.3 and hip -3 on DEXA last January)

Postural bending of the neck causing eating problems

sybs — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:27:52 GMT

My mother has had osteoporosis for many years and has not only lost a lot of height, but is now bending over quite badly. Her rounded back and neck and beginning to cause eating and breathing problems. An x-ray has confirmed postural problem and nothing more sinister. Is there any help for this as it is also causing mobility trouble? Are such things available like back or neck braces, and where are they sourced? Doctor not sure and has referred mum to occupational therapy but this could take some time.

Fosteo - implications for upper intestinal problems resulting from intravenous Ibadronate

douglas — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 11:51:25 GMT

I have -4 osteoporosis and been treated with intravenous Ibadronate for a year. I now have severe irritation to the gullet and stomach. Having been taken off this treatment and about to start Fosteo I was alarmed to see that this drug also can cause gullet irritation - NOS paper on trial results. Have there been any further reports of Fosteo causing gullet/stomach irritation?

vit.d3

yawn — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 19:07:18 GMT

[size=2]Multiple Sclerosis sufferer whose recently found out vit.d3 levels low compared to population at large. Been given Fosamax & calcium & vit.d3 supplements. Gp recently prescribed another 1,000mg of vit.d3 which when taken with my other meds gives me a massive headache, my urine burns and I feel generally unwell.

To date I find just taking 400UI vit.d3 x twice per day can be tolerated. What should I do, keep trying or go back to gp and explain.

Ive also tried zinc and had major overdose symptoms - metalic taste in the mouth & swollen throat.

Is it that some people are super sensitive to too much too soon?

Thanking you

bren[/size]

DHEA and magnesium

Laurence — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 16:25:40 GMT

I am currently taking Calcium supplement and Bonviva (once a mth) and wondered if there would be a benefit in taking DHEA. The reason I ask is because I have read that stress causes increase in cortisol which then increases bone loss but is balanced by DHEA. I am probably being a bit simplistic. Also should I take magnesium as a supplement or not worry.

Many thanks

Laurence

Various questions - 28/Male.

AndyJ — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 09:54:46 GMT

Hello - I have quite a few questions and hope you can help.

I am 28 (and male) and recently had a bone scan due to being on Prednisolone for around 5 months to treat UC. The results suggested osteoporosis of the lumbar spine and had a t-score of -2.9. My femur was also tested which was -2.1. My Z-scores were similiar to T-score given my age.

My doctor has prescribed Calceos tablets (Calcium and Vitamin D3 chewable) twice a day and Alendronic Acid (once a week).

I have never smoked and I do not drink. I am relatively fit but not done much exercise due to feeling ill before the prednisolone. I am of a small build and around 10stone. I walk for about 30minutes every day. I am no longer on the prednisolone.

I've got various questions relating to this.

My doctor has not said how long I will be on the Calcium tablets and AA for. What is a typical amount of time I should expect to take these for? (I will ask my doctor at my next visit still but would like to have an idea). Are we talking 1 year, 5 years for both etc?

Was my bone scan just at a 'point in time'. By this I mean I was unwell and still on large dose of prednisolone. Is it possible my scores can improve? I've read about weight bearing exercise, diet etc and have started to do things right now like more excercise now I feel better and able to do so. What can realstically be achieved with my scores for improvement? Can I get to say -1.5 for my lumbar spine over a few years with my current tablets and exercise? I have started more walking, rebounding some small weights.

As exaplained I am currently on Calceos tablets (Calcium and Vitamin D3 chewable). I have to take them two times a day and also I am also on Alendronic Acid once a week. I read somewhere that on the day you take the Alendronic tablet you should not take your normal calcium ones for that day? Is that correct as my leaflets with the tablets don't say anything about this.

I also have been told I now need to take iron tablets. The Calcium say leave 3 hours after taking iron. How strict is this? Also calcium says leave 2 hours before and after food - again how strict is this?

And lastly. On the Calceos tablets leaflet it says they may be harmful to teeth if on long term (2 weeks) due to containing sucrose. Is this really the case or just the same as sucking a sweet twice a day? Anyway to avoid this? The last thing I want is dental problems and am really keen to avoid this.

I think that is about all of my questions - I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you.

Jamie.

P.S. I also drink a lot of milk but am confused as i've read conflicting things - is this good for your bones or bad for your bones?

Trouble taking Calcium Supplement

Jayne — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 09:52:02 GMT

I have just registered and would like some advice.

At the age of 46 I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis. This was after having early menopause at 42 ish.

I went to the doctors with a bad back and was sent for a bone density scan as a precaution. They told me that I had a bone denisty of -1.8 in my hips and -2.5 in my spine. I think that i fall into the category of Oseopenia in my hips and Osteoporosis in my spine.

As I was still relatively young they did not want to prescribe biphosphonates so gave me a calcium and vitamin d supplement and told me to come back in 5 years for another bone scan. The supplements I was given was Adcal-D3 (i think). These didn't agree with me so I was put on Calcichew -D3. I have been taking these for about a year when I started having symptoms of bloating, wind, belching and stomach pain that seemed to move around as though caused by wind. My doctor advised me to stop taking them and I felt much better and back to normal. I was then asked to give them another go, which I did for 5 days and the bloating, wind etc came back straight away. I have stopped taking them again and booked to see my doctor.

I know that I need to take calcium supplements but is there anything else I could try or mention to my GP. I have read that there are two types of calcium supplement, one being calcium carbonate and the other being calcium citrate. I think both of the ones I have tried are calcium carbonate.

I would appreciate any advice you could offer.

Thanks

Today's DEXA scan results

OrBeAPumpkin — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 11:31:08 GMT

Hello,

First time on here, just had my DEXA scan results from being a volunteer in a sports science research project. I am a 36 year old woman.

I don't think it's necessarily very good news...

Neck of femur: T score = -2.3. Z score = -2.1

Lumbar spine: Average T score = -2.2. Average Z score = -2.1

L3 T Score = -2.4. Z Score = -2.3

L4 T Score = -2.6. Z Score = -2.5

From all of that, am I right in thinking I have significant osteopenia? And then technically osteoporosis in L4?

Being referred by the researcher to my GP, so I guess we'll just have to see what happens next. I am in shock though I have to say.

Grateful for any help / reassurance!

Not officially diagnosed yet but have some questions

Steff — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 17:16:34 GMT

Dear Nurses

I have had hip problems now for over ten months and an x-ray I had on Friday revealed a wedge fracture to L2. I have had a partial discectomy at L4 and C5 due to mild scoliosis.

I suspect I have osteoporosis as my sister is borderline and my mother and my aunt were diagnosed. I also had a particularly early menopause and spent a lot of my childhood on steroids due to severe asthma and excema. For the last 7 years I have taken azathioprine and sulphasalazine due to continued severe excema and ulcerative colitis. I also had one episode of colonic arthritis. I am now clear of all of these and I am keen to keep taking these drugs which keep me in remission.

So I know you won't be able to diagnose me, I have to wait for the radiologist report to reach my GP even though the kind radiologist showed me the wedge fracture and explained it to me.

I have two questions:

Is there any research that suggests azathioprine and sulphasalazine might contribute to osteoporosis in the same way that prednisolone does?

Is it likely that I could have treatment to the wedge fracture to alleviate my painful symptoms even if osteoporosis is the cause?

I look forward to hearing from you.

Thanking you in anticipation

Alendronic Acid

Misty — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 12:25:09 GMT

I was a very fit 66 yr old up to January when I fell and broke my hip. When I recently had a Dexa scan found out the results were I had Osteoporosis. Lumbar Spine Osteoporsis L2 (T-3.1) Marked osteoporosis 1.3 (T-4.1) Osteoporsis at L4 (-2.2)

I have had a steel rod inserted in my hip with one by my knee and a screw.

I have found it very hard as I have always been very fit. I have been taking Adcal for about 5 yrs after breaking a wrist but about 2 months ago was put on Alendronic acid. I dont know if its a coincidense but I am getting knee problems and not subtle any more with pains in the back of my legs.

After reading about Alendronic acid I am very unsure about it and rang my Doctor who assured me I should stay on it as I have Osteoporosis and will loose height go stooped if I don't. I also asked about taking Magnesium with Calcium and she told me there was no medical evidence to sujest that Magesium had any benefits.

I would like to know your opinion on Alendronic acid as she said had I read about the benefits and other medications had more side effects, must admit I have not read of any benefits of Alendronic acid are there any?

I just want to get back to being fit and wont go out alone as I dont feel confident on my own without a stick although I have been out with my husband without it.

I wonder if its scycological as the surgeon told me I really smashed myself up and it was rare I would walk without an aid.

I dont mind going out with my husband where no one knows me and using a stick on a long walk but would feel very self conscious out on my own using one.

DEXA scan and prescription validity from other EEA country

Natalja — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 23:54:31 GMT

Good day!
I have a question about validity of DEX scan and prescription of Protelos from other EEA country. My mum is from Latvia and came to live with me in UK. She had her first scan in 2009 and been prescribed medicine (can’t remember which one). After year another scan showed negative tendency at her spine, and she had bad reaction on medicine, feeling nausea all the time. In 2010 DEXA scan was performed on spine bones and results of T scores are: L1 -2.5; L2 -2.6; L3 -2.7; L4 -3.5. Doctor prescribed her Protelos. As now she is living with me in UK what should I do to get medicine? Can I take her scan results to GP (results are in English)? I read on NHS website that prescriptions from EEA countries are valid in UK, so can I just go to pharmacy and buy some Portelos with Latvian prescription or is there chance that GP in UK will prescribe Portelos based on DEXA’s scan results from Latvia.
How much Portelos cost in UK?
For info: my mum is 51 years old, and is post-menopausal already.
I would greatly appreciate any information.
Thank you
Natalja

Numbness in back

maria10 — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 16:15:04 GMT

I asked for a bone density scan 18 months ago because I was getting pain & numbness in my back. The results were -2.6 hip & -3.6 spine. I am now on the bisphosphonate Bonviva. I have two questions:

1) I still get pain & numbness in my back. This tends to be associated with lifting & bending over though I am trying to keep to Nos guidelines for this. My doctor does not seem to think this is related to Osteoporosis, but can give me no other explanation. Could it be a symptom & should I be much more careful?

2) Also I am taking Bonviva because I have IBS & cannot tolerate three other types of bisosphonates I have tried. This doesn't suit me either, but I'm more concerned that it is not licensed to treat hips. Is my hip result not low enough for treatment?

zoledronate infusion

rose — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 10:42:52 GMT

:crying:

Hi! I have just been diagnosed with osteoporosis (I'm 68) after suffering L1,2,3 spinal fractures. (L4and 5 were treated back in January with a vertebroplasty) and I've been in pain ever since. Now it turns out that I have osteo. I have been on Miacalcic 200 IU once a day and 2 vit.c/d chews daily for the last 11 days. The registrar told me that the nasal spary would help bone pain?? - can't see this mentioned anywhere, and I am still having to take pain killers. However my main concern is that I have now been sent an appointment for a Zoledronate Infusion which I understand its for 1 year. I have looked this up on the web and am really concerned as to what I read! I had no idea that this was coming so quickly (it was mentioned that it might happen). So what will happen to the miacalcic spay? does it still need to be taken? do I need both or what. I am very unsure about the infusion, having been through cancer and chemotherapy/radiotherapy and am very concerned as to whether or not I should go ahead. The tumor has gone, but I had strong pelvic radiotherapy, which I believe has caused my spinal fractures. However, I've not got osteo and have to deal with it. However, should I go back to my spinal surgeon and ask what he is going to do about the continuing pain as I don't feel I should just be left to suffer and not be able to walk. I would really appreciate some help as I am at my wits end!! Is the Infusion safe? Rose

Taking Alendronic Acid before Operation

JackyA — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 19:38:21 GMT

I am about to have a breast reconstruction and I should take Alendronic Acid the day before. Is it safe to do this?

Risks associated with Forsteo

Sienna — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 12:26:40 GMT

I have been advised to begin treatment with Forsteo, but I am very concerned about the 'black box' warning on this drug which tells of trial results in rats causing bone cancer. I do understand that these results do not necessarily apply to the use of the drug in humans, but as I already suffer serious dental side effects from alendronate, I am understandably cautious. I was told by my consultant that in over 20 years of treatment with Fosamax or APD he had never had a patient with BRONJ, so I find the bland reassurances that Forsteo is safe are not reassuring.

Please can you tell me if there have been any other trials of Forsteo - more relevant to human use?

Please can you also give me some idea of the likely progress of the osteoporosis if I opt not to take Forsteo (best case/worse case scenarios). I am currently 68 with spine T-score -3.4 and 3 spine fractures. I have been told there is no drug alternative - is there any safe exercise regime that would improve spine bone density?

Dxa scan results

sunlight — Tue, 10 May 2011 23:01:03 GMT

could you please explain results for me, Spine T-Score -2.6 Z Score -1.6, Hip T-Score 2.5 Z Score -1.7 Lowest T score L3 T-3. Does this mean i already have, or have had fractures. I Have been given Risedronate, and Adcal -D3, have not begun taking any yet untill i have more info, doctor never explaned, after reading about this medication I am now worried about taking them. any advice would be apreciated.

Thank you

Mary

What tests can be carried out to assess the effectiveness of Strontium Ranelate?

Sarah W — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 10:37:00 GMT

Last week the NOS reply to the query on 'no DEXA scans if you take SR' was as obscure as any 'consultants' response!

As I take SR and have been denied any help from the NHS on assessing whether or not SR is working - please can you tell me what tests are caried out by the NHS to assess the effectivness of SR?

Or is 'If you do not break any bones - then assume it's working' the best that the NHS/NOS has to offer?

Thank you.

risk with certain medication

bedford 1 — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 13:24:35 GMT

In the latest Osteoporosis news it showed result of studys between calcium and heart attacks , and
Levothyroxine and increased fracture risk. As well as the osteoporosis i also suffer from Ischaemic Heart Disease, and
Hypothroidism also i.b.s. I currently take 100mcgm of Levothyroxine and 2 Adcal-D3 daily. My recent Dexa scan showed some increased
bone loss in my lumbar spine( have had fractures there). Am i increaseing my risk of further complications taking these drugs? and are
the results of these studys available so that i can discuss them with my g.p?

DEXA scans and Strontium Ranelate

AnneB — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 09:44:48 GMT

Following this current thread on the forum, please can you clarify the NOS position and advice regarding follow up DEXA scans when a person is on Strontium Ranelate, and can you explain the reasons for your position and advice please.

I've been on Strontium Ranelate for four and a half years. Three years ago when I had a follow up DEXA I was assured by several Helpline nurses that all radiologists knew what adjustments needed to be made to the results to reflect the artifactual effects of Strontium, but the radiologist who reported my scan made no such adjustments at all and refused to when I asked. Then last year I was told by consultants that follow up DEXA is now no longer done when a person is on Strontium Ranelate.

Many thanks in advance.

Musculoskeletal pains

JB ;0) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 14:32:47 GMT

I have taken Levothyroxine for 20 years (took Tamoxifen back then for 5 years + radiotherepy and Iridium) as post breast cancer treatment.

The cancer returned in 2011 and I have had a radical mastectomy and take Letrozole as well as Levothyroxine. Osteoporosis now diagnosed, I have been taking Alendronic 70mg once a week for six weeks. I am suffering with great stiffness and pain in the top of my spine and right rib cage.

I realise the pain I am going through is an investment into my fututre - my question is will the pain spread gradually to all joints - leaving one area before going onto the next or does it gradually effect everywhere whilst the bones are re-enforced?

Sorry if this is long winded - I have never used a forum facility before - thanks.

I am a 57yr female.

Vitamon d and sunshine

Susan — Tue, 24 May 2011 09:20:47 GMT

I take vitamin d (alfacalcidol 0.5 )twice a day.
My dr says to try to get as much sunshine as I can. how much is this? I have read previously that 30 minutes 3 times a week between april and september was the ideal. Are those of us with osteo likely to benefit or be able to use any more? If so,how much do you recommend?

HOW SAFE IS DENOSUMAB?

Judith — Tue, 24 May 2011 16:30:59 GMT

I had my first injection of Denosumab last month but having researched a little more and having read some comments I am now beginning to be a little concerned about how safe it is, especially as it is a new treatment and there is no long term information. Have you any good advice as I'm beginning to be a little worried about it!

Please read this before posting

James — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:23:57 GMT

Hello everyone.

We have a few points that we need to make clear - once you've read this post, please feel free to start your own topic and the nurses will get back to you.

This forum is hosted by the National Osteoporosis Society Nurse Helpline Team. Please remember this is a public forum, so please do not post any private information. If you would like a confidential response to your query please email the helpline team or phone them on 0845 130 3076 (9-5 Monday – Friday).
The charity's nurses can provide information and support only. For personal advice, please contact your doctor or other health practitioners.
More information about the Helpline Service can be found on our webpage.

A brief overview of how to ask the nurses a question:

The Helpline forum is only open every Tuesday
You can pose a question to the Nurses by starting a new topic (click the 'New Topic' button).
The Helpline forum will be closed to new questions at the end of each day.
The Nurses will reply to your question within 48 hours - keep checking the topic for a reply.
Please check that your question has not already been asked before starting a new topic.
We reserve the right to close topics if we deem it necessary.
If you have any problems, please send a private message (via the forum) to James or email j.hobbs@nos.org.uk.

That's it, please feel free to ask them any burning questions you might have about osteoporosis.

Thank you.

Alendronic acid suitable for someone with Hiatus Hernia

Kirsty — Tue, 10 May 2011 16:34:10 GMT

Just diagnosed with oesteoporosis but having been a Member of NOS for over 10 years have gained some knowledge and while I was trying to tell the Doctor that I had a Hiatus Hernia and did not think Alendronic 70 mg was suitable the prescription was run off and told to try it. I have not yet as I know how ill I have felt when given strong painkillers and my stomach cannot cope. Also I always have indigestion first thing in the morning but am fine after I have my breakfast.