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Acid/Alkaline Urine Testing

spinecurl9 — Fri, 10 May 2013 13:58:31 GMT

I've been recommended by my doctor to look into a more alkaline diet to help with bone loss. I've read a couple of book and been on the web and everyone is saying a different time to take a urine test. Some say take first thing in the morning before food/drink, some say disregard this first sample, some say first sample must be around 7.00 (neutral), others say it should be below 7.00 to show your body is getting rid of acid wastes. I'm at a bit of a loss as to what is the correct procedure. Can anyone help?

Young men with osteoporosis?

simon coleman — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 11:30:09 GMT

Hi, I was diagnosed with osteoporosis at 42. I know this is pretty rare. Consultant was baffled at first (even though there is a family history). Finally, diagnosed a testosterone deficiency. I am taking replacement hormone, vitamin D and calcium supplement, and have a fairly good balanced diet but bone density has continued to gradually deteriorate. GP has just put me on Alendronic Acid. I also try to keep fit and active. I like exercise! I'd like to find out if there are any other men out there under 50 who may have a similar experience-and any good ideas about further treatment/prevention. Thanks, guys! Simon

alkaline diet

JulesG — Fri, 10 May 2013 14:47:37 GMT

HI all. I've just been diagnosed with osteoporosis of my lower back and right hip. (simple fall and I fractured my hip).

My GP has given me Alendronic acid to take. I had a pretty alarming reaction to this. my eyes and mouth felt very uncomfortable within an hour of taking the tablet. By late afternoon I had so much joint and muscle pain it was too painful to walk. This lasted a few days. Its now two and a half weeks on and I still feel like I have a bad case of flu. I'm going back to my GP next week and wont be taking them again.

I;ve read a lot about a alkaline diet. I would be gratful for any experience with this

Prynhawn da! (as they say in Wales)

Phil McCheddar — Wed, 01 May 2013 12:32:07 GMT

Hello,

I recently joined this forum and wanted to introduce myself so that you know a bit more about me. I am 47 years old and have been physically very healthy until recently. But a couple of months ago I developed a painful back. My GP examined me and noticed I had a bent spine. An X-ray revealed that one of my vertebra (L4) had collapsed. I have been referred to an orthopaedic consultant and my first apointment is booked for July. Meanwhile I have an appointment in 3 weeks from now for a bone density scan to see whether I have osteoporosis. As a precaution I am taking a calcium supplement now just in case. My GP said he will also prescribe me alendronic acid if the bone scan reveals I do have osteoporosis.

I work full-time as an administrator at a medical research institute. In my spare time I enjoy listening to baroque music and Italian opera, and reading theology books. My painful back prevents me from doing anything more active at the moment. I am a vegetarian because I object to factory farming and can't afford to eat organic meat. I have pipedreams to see a blue whale close up, stand on the rim of the crater of an active volcano, and drive a tube train on the London Underground.

By joining this forum I hope to learn more about osteoporosis and enjoy cameraderie with folk who are going through similar difficulties.

Cheery regards, ... Phil

Femur fracture caused by taking Fosamax for 15 years

HeatherH — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 14:09:10 GMT

Hi,

I am almost 67 and took Fosamax for 15 years after being diagnosed with Osteoporosis. Last Oct/Nov (2012) I had pain in my left thigh then, on 30th November the femur fractured. The earlier pain had been a hairline fracture but I didn't know this. I had the femur rodded and now walk with just a stick but I still have a lot of pain. I also have pain in the other femur and am frightened that this femur may fracture at any time. I had a scan on both legs 2 weeks ago and get the results on May 9th. Is there anyone else on this forum who has had similar problems?

Heather

Hi all a froma newbie :)

robinredbreast — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 16:15:55 GMT

Hello to you all

I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis in February 2013, my results were -3.0 in the lumbar spine and -2.2 in the hips. I was given a bone scan because 3 months earlier I was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease and I have had Type 1 diabetes for 24 years as well, with some other medical conditions, so a lot going on:P. I have 2 grown up children and a school age child at home. On medication to help my bones.

Thank you for reading

Best wishes

Hello all

Jones — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 08:43:05 GMT

Hello everyone, Since I joined "nos.org forum. I visit this site and found It has an excellent discussion board to share and discuss about the health and fitness. Thanks for accepting me as member of this board.

vitamin k2

lily49 — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:27:21 GMT

Hi, I was recently diagnosed with OP and after reading posts on this site it sounds like i should start taking vitamin K2 but i am confused as to what is a good brand as so many of them have lots of additives. Can anyone recommend a good brand for me ? Thanks

Functional Outcome Testing for Osteoporosis Patients

Bonetech999 — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 18:22:12 GMT

http://www.ionmed.us

I would like to speak to the professionals in the field of Osteoporosis regarding this subject line....

Rick Tabbott CDT CBSE

strontium ranelate

lily49 — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 14:06:27 GMT

Hi, I was recently diagnosed with OS and was prescribed Alendronic acid but after readinsg about side effects i decided I didn't really want to take this drug. My GP has now prescribed Protelos and I started taking this a week ago but every day I have been having waves of nausea and today it was really bad and I thought I was actually going to be sick. Has anyone else had these side effects and if so how long do they last ?

I would be grateful for any advice on this.

Thanks

Is it a good thing to give up Dairy Products?

Peterpie — Sat, 05 May 2012 15:15:25 GMT

From reading a few articles and a couple of books I have read that Dairy is bad for you. Has anyone given this up? If so how have you replaced it. I like milk in my tea, love yoghurts and have milk on my cereal.

Problems with Adcal-D3?

ChrissieM — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 10:03:21 GMT

Hi, I was diagnosed a few weeks ago with osteporosis - borderline I'm told, but primarily in my hips and lower spine. I was put on to two-a-day Adcal-D3 and weekly Fosamax by my GP for a month in the first instance and have recently been back to discuss the medication and renew the prescription. I said I could cope with the Fosamax but wasn't entirely happy with it, But just got a lecture on the results of breaking a hip and wasn't it worth putting up with a once-weekly change in routine to take the Fosamax in order to avoid the problems. To a certain extent I agree, but my main problem is one I have only realised since seeing my doctor, which is I wonder if the discomfort I'm suffering is caused by the Adcal rather than the Fosamax, as it now seems to be there all the time. A sense of heartburn and acid in the gullet.

I just wondered if other folk have this reaction to the Adcal or if it is my imagination!

I also have to take asacol tablets to control colitis, and my doctor assures me that there is no interaction, but I'm not convinced and wish I understood the medical reasons behind all the restrictions with taking the Fosamax.

Aclasta Annual Injection

jennywren — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 12:37:13 GMT

I am unable to take bisphosphonates by mouth, having tried various ones. I have been referred for Aclasta, an annual intravenous infusion which I am very nervous about. I have a T-score of -3.6 Spine and -3.0 femur. Apart from a fractured ankle in the late 1980s and again in 2001, I have had no other fractures. I suffer quite badly from fibromyalgia, ibs and an underactive thyroid. I wonder if anyone has any experience of this treatment. I have tried to talk to my GP but she is very dismissive and can't understand my nervousness.

Aclasta - Zoledronic Acid - worrying side effects

SueLeather — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 17:39:22 GMT

I have just had my first Aclasta infusion... nine days ago. This is annual infusion done in a clinic and takes approximately fifteen minutes. I was told about the side effects, flu symptoms, aching joints, headache, nausea, and more but also told that not many people have serious side effects and most are just within the first three to seven days. Well at this nine day mark, my feet and knees are painful and swollen, I can't wear shoes or get into the bathtub. My shoulders are so stiff that I cannot drive safely. My headache has just about gone, thank goodness... My hands ache... in fact my whole body aches. I'm worried as this is a once a year treatment, it must be a slow release process so how long is this going to go on for. Has anyone else had these reactions to Aclasta? and if so how long did they last?

I wish I wasn't here but Hello

Worried Daughter — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 17:45:20 GMT

I decided to join the forum because my 89 year old mum has just been diagnosed with osteoporosis of the spine after 3 weeks of agonising back pain. She's seeing the doc again tomorrow and I just don't know what the future holds... she's always been active and independent but can now barely leave the house.

She lives with me and my hubby. It's a nightmare seeing her in such pain.

I sort of guessed what was happening because she's been losing height for years, but I suppose I was in denial!

I want to support her as best I can. Also, I want to stop it happening to me (mid 50s)!!! So anyway... HELLO! :D

Newbiest Newbie here!

Mr. HolyBones — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 10:40:35 GMT

I'm 66, an American, and living in SE Asia (mostly Thailand) and Europe during summer.

I was diagnosed with osteoporosis of the hip area a week ago by bone density scan. My spine was also measured and is OK for the moment. (the wrist was skipped since I had a previous break there.) I was advised by a doctor here in Thailand to take Reclast or Boniva. After reading the horror stories at askapatient.com, I decided to look around for alternatives. Luckily I found this site, and heard about Protelos, which I was able to buy here. I'm aware of the necessity for weight bearing exercise, sunshine, K2, Vit D, and Calcium, in their natural forms if available. Fortunately Chinese Kale is abundant in Thailand. Ditto sunshine.

I haven't taken the Protelos yet, since I've still got pain from an arm I broke 4 weeks ago (my 4th in 4 years), and am wary of side effects.

I'm still curious about Protelos, and would like to find more patient reports on it, but it's not available in America so the forums there are in the dark. I'd like to read more research papers on it also.

Cheers,
Doug

Just been prescribed Risedronate after trying AA

ChrissieBee — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 20:16:28 GMT

Hello everyone:) I'm 52 and went through my menopause in my early 40s. It was not explained to me at the time by my GP that it would be beneficial for my bones to go onto HRT. I've no idea if this should have been done back then, but I wish it had...I thought I was doing well at coping with the menopause without HRT. I moved areas and drs recently and my present GP was horrified that I hadn't been advised to protect my bones, so sent me for a Dexa scan. I didn't think too much of it at the time as I felt quite fit and well, but the results came back as -3.0 for my lumbar spine and -2.4 for my left hip (femoral neck). Seems quite strange that my right hip is OK?! Anyway, I was prescribed Alendronic Acid and Adcal D3 but after my fourth weekly dose of AA I developed really bad bone and joint pain. After reading up on the available drugs I thought I might be prescribed Strontium instead, but my GP said she wanted me to try Risedronate as it was 'preferable' but that if I reacted badly to it, the next step would be Strontium. I'm not overly happy about trying another bisphosphonate as I really don't want to experience that pain again, but hopefully I will be OK...

Glad to join you all.
Chrissie

90 year old mother diagnosed with crumbling spine

Harricat — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 21:24:05 GMT

Hello. My mother has suffered from osteoporosis for many years and has has various medications (I'm sorry I don't know what). She has in the last few weeks gone from being able to use public transport to go shopping, to barely having the strength to go out of the house and walk very far. Her GP has said her spine is crumbling, yet she hasn't been referred to any specialists for help. She feels a lot of loyalty to the GP and I suspect hasn't questioned his judgement. Please can anyone give me any advice on how I can help her and what the reality is of a 'crumbling spine' at her age?

Many thanks

New to sight

moe66 — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:14:18 GMT

Hi everyone,
My name is Maureen, but most people call me Moe. I'm 46, mother of 3 girls. Happy to have found this sight. Hoping to connect with people who have similar health issues, and find some kindred spirits while trying to understand and navigate the diagnosis and prognosis of osteoarthritis.:)

Newly Diagnosed - Confused 38yr Female - Advise would be very grateful..

what next.. — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:20:19 GMT

Hi everyone, its good to know there are people to chat to, in similar circumstances, I am very confused at the moment and would appreciate any advice.
I apologies in advance for long mail..

I am a 38 yr old female from Ireland with 3 children, 7.5yrs, 4yrs and baby 4mts.
My normal weight circa 9st., always considered to be healthy and active. Except for having a weak back.

Over Christmas, I had to carry the baby a lot and sit up in bed with him as he had a bad cold and very congested when lying flat. Due to this and a few other minor reasons ie carrying him in the carseat, I started to get a lot of back pain, thinking it was muscular. By the start of Jan I had severe back pain, that I couldn’t lift the baby and I had to drag him out of the mosses basket. As the pain was so bad I unfortunately had to stop feeding him myself due to pain killers, I think this upset me the most. Over the next month I visited my GP twice whom put me on a huge amount of painkillers. I unfortunately visited a chiropractor twice and on my second visit, we heard something snap in my ribs, the pain was excruciating, I left crying especially when he said there was nothing else he could do for me.. After that I was advised to see an osteopath, whom I visited twice but I was getting no relief, only worse. During those 3 weeks I became very ill, vomiting and diarrhoea (mainly at night) it was put down to reaction to tablets. I had a MRI - the results showed that I had 3 fractures of the vertebrae (T7 & 11, & L2) and I had 2 old fractures (T6 & 9). I had a Dexa scan which showed I had severe Osteoporosis T mark score of -4.3 and -3.4.
(When I was 6.5mts pregnant on my second child, I fell and broke my wrist, cracked my pelvis and more than likely that was when I fractured the 2 other vertebrae, but couldn’t be x-rayed, it was just put down to being unfortunate).

An appointment was made to see an endocrinologist, he admitted me to hospital immediately as I had lost over a stone in weight and fitted with a brace. I continued to be ill so they arranged for an endoscopy and results showed I was Coeliac.... strange as I had never had any symptoms of being gluten intolerant until the previous 3 weeks and for tiredness, pale and hadn’t put on weight (symptoms of being a mother too).

So now at least I have a reason, but my problem is where do I go from here... I have been told I am extremely vulnerable and could break anything very easily or even risk being in a wheelchair in 2 years time, which I find hard to take in as I lead a normal and busy but stressful life before all this without any breaks before or in between pregnancies.

The endocrinologist wants me to “wait and see” what happens ie if my bone density with increase itself over the next year - (he is not a specialist in this field) am I risking a lot or is this the best way to go.

I had suggestions about going to talk to an osteoporosis specialist which I did, she wants to start me on daily injections immediately (even though my Vit D levels are only at 38 (not really sure what that means)) anyway I have heard from some people that these injections can totally reverse the osteoporosis and/or make much better over a certain period. (max 2 yrs) I am worried about different side effects and/or later effects.

I am now on a really healthy strict gluten free diet (I think so anyway) along with Calcichew D3 Forte x2 and Vit D3 2000iu daily. Also in a brace for another 4 to 5 weeks.

I really do not know what to do for the best, do I play the wait and see game or commence the injections? obviously I want to get better asap, as watching my baby being raised by others is heartbreaking and I am not able to do the everyday things with my other two kids and I do realise it could be a lot worse.

Any advice would be so grateful. Thanks a mill.

Bone Buddy required

Carmelita — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 12:17:02 GMT

Hi
I have struggled for nine years with severe osteoporosis, having had two episodes of multiple spinal fractures in 2004 and again in 2011. I am 63 now and on my second year of injecting Forsteo. My kyphosis is quite bad, having lost almost four inches in height. My local NOS support group has no one my age with similar experiences and I am trying to find a "Bone Buddy" - someone I can connect with when I feel down. It seems that there is no longer any further professional help for me and I feel very much alone on this journey. This year I started the MelioGuide exercise programme (Canadian) as I wanted to progress from the NOS exercises. Obviously my GP and specialist nurse okayed this but it has been rather overwhelming having to research and make my own decisions. Is there anyone in this forum, in similar circumstances, who would be interested in being my Bone Buddy? If so, please send me a private message. Many thanks.
Carmelita

Recently diagnosed

Jools — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 10:42:07 GMT

Morning

In January I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis L2-L4 lumbar T score -2.9. My neck is currently normal with a T score of -0.9. I am 53 years old, going through the menopause and living in Spain. The gynecologist explained very little "you have osteoporosis and need to take a tablet for the rest of your life but we will review in one year. Drink milk, eat cheese and get plenty of sun. This will probably explain the lower back you have been experiencing". It came as quite a shock and I wasn't prepared with questions. The tablet prescribed is Conbriza 20 mg which I take once a day and is described as a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator.

I wondered if anyone has had experience of Conbriza? I seem to be struggling with it; I have had to experiment with the time of day I take it as a couple of hours later I am sleepy (I am experiencing somnolence on and off through the day and it is listed as a common side effect). I currently take the tablet in the evening but am still sleepy the next day; excess sweating and tingling legs/weak legs. I did sometimes experience weak/heavy legs prior to being diagnosed. I am wondering if these side effects will subside given time or whether to revisit the gynecologist and ask for a change of tablet. I also hate milk and am considering a calcium supplement.

Julie

Denosumab Injection 6 monthly

Dot — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 16:44:23 GMT

I have recently been diagnosed with osteoporosis (I have not had any fractures). I was offered three drugs - daily strontium, weekly bishosponate or six monthly injection. I am unable to take the weekly tablet because I already have a burnt gullet due to radiotherapy for breast cancer. I tried strontium but side effects were distressing so now have been offered the injection. However I have now been made of the side effect of this medication - possible sciatica, cellulosic and the effects on the jaw. I have been advised to see my dentist before starting the injection and am having treatment for my teeth in a weeks time.

All this has made me very nervous of taking this drug are there any other drugs available - I appreciate that there will be side effects but I am also taking methotrexate for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriasis which makes me feel unwed. Any helpful advice would be appreciated.

Dot Niccolls

Rib cage pain

mavaureen100 — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 17:48:06 GMT

I have several thoracic and lumbar vertebral compressions due to osteoporosis diagnosed 5 years ago, some of which were added by the coughing due to a severe chest infection last year.

In addition to the spinal pain (now settled and therefore "chronic") I have developed pain in the rib cage, no doubt due to the stress and compression in the spine.This gradually increases during the day. I have tried all sorts of painkillers recommended by my Doctor but these are not really effective and sometimes the side effects are out of proportion to any benefit. I am 65 and active.

Has anyone found a theraputic or exercise regime that helps alleviate rib cage pain? I feel that there should be something which helps. At present lying flat on my back is the only thing that provises some relief.

Strontium Ranelate side effects

Wernethhall — Mon, 09 May 2011 19:07:29 GMT

Having tried Bisphosphonates with dire results I finally persuaded my GP to give me SR. All went well to start with but then after about 3 -4 weeks I developed a really sore mouth and sore stomach. Having spoken to me GP he is now prescribing a mouthwash and antacid to protect my stomach. Has anyone else has these problems. It seems a bit over the top to take even more medication to protect the body from SR. I am undecided whether to give it another try or not. Help! I am fortunate that I have never broken a bone so this is preventative medicine. My T score was -2.9 about 3 years ago.

New to diagnosis

Aune — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 00:15:52 GMT

Hello

On receiving the report of a dexa I was told I had a fracture of the lower spine and should be prescribed AA. My gp wrote to the rheumy who had sent the report as he did not entirely agree. Message received back was that he strongly recommended that I should start medication, with a further Dexa in three years. I just about managed to take AA for one month with side effects of nausea and diarrhoea increasing as the weeks went by. I stopped the drug. It took nearly three weeks for me to be back to "normal". The GP then put me on Risedronate Sodium, I caught the norovirus so only started the medication this week. So far, two days on I feel ok. I hate taking these drugs as there are so many listed side effects. I am 62 years old and my mum has OP. The gp said that there was no reason why this drug would not suit me although AA had not, although they are from the same "family". I wait with trepidation to find out. Anyone else not been able to tolerate AA but been OK with Risedronate?

Protelos vs Aclasta

Dixie — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 04:10:08 GMT

I am new to this site. I reside in Canada and am 54 years of age. My osteoporosis is quite severe and up until now I have not been able to tolerate the oral bisphosphonates - Actonel or Fosamax. I am scheduled for a yearly infusion of Aclasta which I am very nervous about. I was able to acquire one month of Protelos from Europe and am able to get more, as my bone specialist did write me a prescription which was honoured in Europe. Unfortunately though because it is not available and approved in Canada, I am on my own if I take it with no physician monitoring any side effects or appropriate testing. I see the specialist once a year and that's it. I did have muscle pain and jaw pain while on Fosamax and Aclasta (weekly doses) so taking a yearly dose (Aclasta) scares me. I would appreciate any feedback I can get on Protelos.

Help for husbands

Alanbbt — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 18:51:47 GMT

What is there for me to help her ,us, she is virtually housebound, and I am what could be considered her carer, so what can I get to help me?

Northwest london meeting on the 27th feb

pudsey bear — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 17:23:20 GMT

Hi, Are any of you going to this meeting? I thought i might try and attend, as i only live about 15 minutes away, that's me walking!! could be done in 5minutes for a normal person!!. Best wishes pudseybear x

I'm in!

keats — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 16:19:04 GMT

Hello
I had to post as Anon yesterday but now I am able to post properly I thought I'd better provide a bit of info.My Dexxa scan came about almost by accident, so I didn't know what to expect.My menopause was finished by 42, no HRT, and I'm now 57, so I wasn't expecting optimum bone density, but not what I got!
Tscore -4.2 lumbar spine, -1.6 left hip, -1.7 femoral neck( z scores of -3.0, -0.8, -0.6 respectively), so severe lumbar OP but moderate osteopenia for the other 2. At the time the GP just said 'Oh that's not very good, take the medication, watch your diet, weight-bearing exercise'. I didn't know what the figures meant but fortunately I asked for a print-out so I could look it up - and that's when I started to worry!
However, that was in October, and now I've had time to consider I've calmed down a bit.The results are anomalous in some respects, which I gather is probably due to my scoliosis, and so far I haven't had a fracture that I'm aware of,so lots of questions to ask the GP, and sadly not get answers to.I continue to try and find a way forward but for now the OP takes a bit of a back seat due to more immediate arthritis problems and the need to deal with my mother's affairs(she died shortly after I got my OP results). As a previously infrequent visitor to the doctor's surgery I have had a rude awakening to the shortcomings of the 'system'!

Zoledronate infussion (aclasta)

Mo — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:42:59 GMT

I have been advised by my GP and consultant at the hospital that I require Zoledronate given once a year by infusion. I have researched the drug company, Novartis who supply this drug and am really quite scared of the side effects. Has anyone out there had this treatment and if so what were their side effects. Any information would be more than grateful. Thanks Mo.

New forum member!

audrey — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 16:13:25 GMT

Hi although I've been a member of the NOS for approx 12yrs I've never posted in the forum before. I am currently taking Denosumab by 6 monthly injection and have developed very dry skin and eczema on my back and legs. I also seem to be picking up viruses and bacterial infections like a magnet. I take a daily Vit D tablet and also a mineral supplement for over 60's which I thought would build up my immune system but I have yet another viral throat infection. I would be interested to hear from any other members taking Denosumab and their experience.:)

Newbie

Tracyj74 — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 23:38:36 GMT

Hi I'm new,
Just found out today I have osteoporosis in my spine,
I am 38 and a bit shocked,
I don't think it has sunk in I
Yet.

Newly diagnosed

HOPEOK — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 18:10:49 GMT

I was diagnosed via DEXA scan with osteoporosis (spine) and osteopaenia (hip) very recently. Thus far, while awaiting blood test results, my consultant has prescribed calcium and vitamin D supplements. I am very fit, active and healthy and have never broken a bone. The websites and packaging directions about foods to avoid are confusing and I would appreciate suggestions about what foods are suitable and not suitable when taking Calcichew D3 chewable tablets. All the packaging says is to avoid foods high in phytic and oxalic acid, mentioning only spinach and rhubarb. The various websites seem to exclude virtually all vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, cereals, wheat, soya products and almost everything else I can imagine wanting to eat for breakfast. Help please!

Alendronic Acid - side effects

Vicrose — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:21:03 GMT

Hi, I have recently been diagnosed with osteoporosis and have been prescribed a weekly tablet of Alendronic Acid. After the first dose I experienced pain in my calves and thumbs which lasted until the next dose.

After consultation with the pharmacist I didn't take my second dose for a further two weeks. Having taken the second dose I have had severe pain in my lower and upper left back which felt like a tight band around my back. I was unable to move and thought I had slipped a disc. I have never known such pain and am frightened of taking further doses. The pain has now subsided but left me sore and worn out. Anybody else experienced this. Thank you

New Member -help and info

Hgreene — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 22:28:00 GMT

Hi there,

I am 54 and have been told I have osteoporosis following a fracture in my femur (twice in a year) I am not in uk at moment mainly as last year was a complete disaster so I have not had the scans necessary but intend to move on this as soon as my health permits me to.

I have read lots of stuff and am keen to know more, and am at the moment still in quite a lot of pain - like daily and consistently and my first question really concerns this.. is this what is expected and I know everyone will be different but I now getting to the stage of pulling my hair out as the painkillers I am taking dont seem to be effective, I dont sleep very well and although I dont want to take lots of them I just want to get out of the pain situation. Will this always be like this? Are there good times and bad? Or does it get worse ? I am taking all the vitamin D supplements and keeping an eye on diet and just am now beside myself as I am still a little unsure if the pain is due to the breaks I suffered or part of the ongoing illness.

Any advice and I mean any would be gratefully received at this point, there seems to be less information for men and so I would be grateful to hear from any other men as well if they are in similar situation.

Thanks for any help and best wishes to everyone may your pain be under control

Side effects of Alendronic acid and Adcal-D3

Kath — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:42:01 GMT

I was prescibed daily Adcal-D3 and weekly alendronic acid about six weeks ago. After a month or so I became very constipated, so much so that I had to have two visits from the District Nurse in one afternoon to releive the intense pain. I was then prescribed Movicol, two powders a day, which works more or less. It seems completely wrong to me that I have to depend on daily laxatives, necessitated be the other prescriptions. Is this "normal" or is there an alternative? Kath

Greetings from 'newly-diagnosed in Norfolk'

EdwinaK — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 10:41:31 GMT

Hello....

I have just been diagnosed as borderline in two areas, but with osteoporosis in another. Bisphosphonates are not something I intend taking as I have stomach ulcers caused by other meds I have to take, so I am waiting to get all the bumph on my options. I take a lot of medications/strong drugs as I am a renal transplant patient... it is the steroids I have been taking for 26 years which have caused the problem, although it could have started before I had the transplant in the mid-80s as a result of the kidneys failing.
I am 62 and would be interested to hear from other ladies who don't take bisphosphonates and what treatment regime they do follow, especially if there are any renal transplantees out there.

question re protelos and dexa scan

annemary — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 17:36:34 GMT

Hi, I've been taking protelos for two years now and am due to have a dexa scan tomorrow. I vaguely remember seeing somewhere that it is best not to take protelos the night before a dexa scan....cant recall where i read it. Can anyone who is taking protelos and had a dexa help me out? Thanks

Hello from a 47 year old man with Ostoporosis (yeah impossible apparently)

AndyL — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 15:46:36 GMT

Thought I would add my experiences and huge difficulties in getting diagnosed in case it helps anyone keep up the motivation to get help...

When I was 18 or so I noticed severe digestive issues when i drank milk or had cereal. I gave up milk in raw form but still had plenty of cheese, milk sauce etc.

When I was in my 20s several of my teeth just disintegrated. I hadn't been to the dentist much since I was 18 but I assumed that would happen if I didn't take care of them. I had had "sensitive teeth" and avoided steak etc... Iv'e always felt there was something ugly/orange/transparent about my teeth. Indeed I even mentioned it when I had two crowns fitted and they were colour matched (aged 25).

About ten years ago I broke a rib (my wife elbowed me in bed for snoring with the end of her elbow- sadly not made up:) ). I broke another (other side) shortly after falling off a Banana Boat. I then noticed that I could re-break the breaks (with appropriate pain) by going down the "jungle rivers" in centre parks front first. The gentle receding water and my forward motion made me break it again and again (I did it twice two years apart before I stopped!). I never bothered getting these diagnosed (because of the time needed in hospitals) but I knew they were broken.

About 8 years ago I dropped a pallette on my toe. It felt broken but the X-ray didn't show it. Actually it did rebond quite quickly and I have no aches in the winter so maybe it wasn't.

About five years ago I fell off a horse and had what I thought was a very unlucky accident. I had 10 rib breaks (front and back and both sides) and my shoulder/collarbone was giving me serious pain too. I have until the last few months always assumed that this was a serious accident but...

Around this time I realised that I was able to have milk on cereal so I did and was amazed that if I stopped for two days or so the colour of my teeth went orange/transparent..

After my accident repaired I had a number (>6)of silly finger breaks (e.g. holding a horses foot when it moved it, getting it caught in a gate, walking awkwardly into a lift button(!)etc). after the first two i went to my doctor to try and get my bones looked at because I realized that something was amiss. They did a blood calcium check and refused to refer me as I was too young, too male and had healthy bloods. I continued to get silly breaks but didn't even go and get them x rayed as I was worried about the time off work. Then one of my fingers didn't go back right so I then became very diligent and went back again and again...

By now my fingers are pretty bent and distorted by the breaks. Then I broke my ring finger twiddling with it (yes really) and in front of me it bent horribly across towards the middle finger. when I was at the fracture clinic I nearly broke down with frustration - the doctor there managed to beat the system and get me referred for a DEXA scan by the fracture clinic. It wasn't an emergency appointment so took about3 months to even come through. I attended and felt a real fraud. It was a male only session and the others coming could hardly walk and were at least 25 years older than me (I'm being kind they looked in-pain and had frames or walking sticks whilst I probably bounced in).

It probably was several weeks I got the later confirming my prognosis and suggesting Calceos Tablets (6/week) and Alendronic Acid (1/week). I really wasn't expecting this as I was beginning to assume that i just had too much of a dangerous life and was a bit of a shock.

This is helping a lot with my teeth (and nails I hadn't realized but my nails were always so soft I could rip them by hand). I am hoping my bones are better too. For the benefit of others the Calceos tablets seem fine. The AA is pretty unpleasant on the throat but i have a few lockets later on in the day. I do follow the instructions about being relatively still and sitting or standing for an hour and a half after taking them though...

I am now trying to ask the obvious reason. Why? Again though the investigations seem very slow...

Just realized it seems to be the thing to add your vital statistics. In my case "Lumbar Spine T-score is -2.9, Femoral Neck T-Score is -1.9" :)