 Posted 19/04/2011 20:30:40
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Hello, I am 46 and was diagnosed 2 years ago with osteoporosis and osteopenia. I haven't taken the alendronic acid and have tried to watch my diet, walk daily and take some supplements. I have to go back soon to see the consultant and am really nervous about being 'told off' (she wasn't very nice the first time) and also worried about the results of my next scan.
Sam
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Posted 18/05/2011 19:10:30
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| veryI have been on Alendronic Acid for about at least 8years and have had lots of problems.At first I had problems with my feet and arms and was referred to a reaumatologist but never really came up with any answers. I usually get a bad headache on the day I take it but getting back to your question about eye problems I have suffered from what I was told was a dry eye and now since November I have a problem with watering eyes and after several visits to eye specialists I have been told it is follicular conjuctavitas.I have had courses of antibiotics but as soon as I stop them it returns. I also get very tired but I have never associated all these problems to the drug until reading about other people having similar problems. I think I am going to ask to change to something different. Theresa
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Posted 18/05/2011 22:54:35
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| Theresa, As you can see from my sig below, have also been on AA for a long time. You mention problems with feet and hands. Is this sore bones or similar? I have problems sitting appearing to be the main large bones that take all the pressure of sitting. I suspect AA, but rheumatologist no help. I guess all I can do is stop it and see. Yeh I get watering eyes and they feel bad forst thing as I wake for a few minutes. Rob
 Didronel PMO 3 years to 2001/2, then Alendronic Acid 2001/2 to present, Adcal-D3 2007 to present, epilepsy drugs since 1976, one collapsed vertebra. BMD near normal now.
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Posted 22/05/2011 17:42:35
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| Hi Could I throw into the equation of side effects dry flaking skin. I have been taking AA for three weeks, and thought I was one of the lucky ones. My right leg has developed quite a large patch of scaly skin. I had put it down to not being able to have a bath while recovering from hip replacement, however I see dermatitis listed as one of the rarer possible complications. Will be ringing the surgery tomorrow as my next pill is due Tuesday! Does anyone else have skin problems? Is there any difference between taking a daily 10 mg dose, and once a week dose as I have been given? Verne
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Posted 23/05/2011 14:44:31
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| Hi Verne I have been on AA for 5 months and experienced skin problems. The bottom of my legs and ankles get very dry and I have to moisturise regularly to stop them cracking. Now my hands are getting small areas of dry patches. I have also had sore tongue and inside my mouth and the side of my mouth splits occasionally. Down the side of my big toenail it started bleeding for no apparent reason the other day which I thought was a bit strange. Now like you I don't know if it is anything to do with AA or just a coincidence that things are happening since taking them but I am also on Adcal D3 so perhaps the combination of the two might be to blame, not sure if calcium has any affects on skin - maybe someone might know the answer to that. Hope you get on OK at the doctors. Lyn C
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Posted 27/05/2011 13:14:39
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| Hi Lynn I got advice by telephone and was told to slap plenty of cream on. My skin is still not brilliant but perhaps a bit better than it was. I finally got a face to face appointment today- been waiting to see this particular g.p since the beginning of May which is when I was first diagonsed. I know he was running 40 minutes late but even so, being in and out in five minutes I didn't find helpful. I have established that it is in my back, and that my remaining hip is borderline. Take the tablets for five years. No advice on diet or exercise- no nothing. I am glad that I am moving house shortly so will be looking for a practice that can provide support. He did confirm that he thought it likely that I got the condition because of my thyroid, which was interesting. Thanks for listening. Verne
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Posted 27/05/2011 14:16:07
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| Hi Verne Glad to hear your skin problems are a little better since seeing the doctor (albeit a quick visit!). I was told at the hospital to take the AA tablets for 5 years, then have a two year break and then start again; also they didn't want to see me for 8 years. The doctor who prescribed the AA wasn't any more informative. At our surgery you have to try two bisphosphonates before they would consider changing you to an alternative and then it is a case of proving that you are worthy of it (i.e age, medical history, record of breaks etc.). My Osteo was due to early menopause and by not being given HRT at the time, or so I was told. So now it is a life of more exercise, watching what I eat and drink and also remembering to get on with life as if nothing has happened - no jumping out of planes or bungie jumping though! I have signed up for a Midnight walk to raise money for our local hospice (13.2 miles) so that is getting me out brisk walking. Lots of exercise tips on this site. Fingers crossed for a very nice helpful doctor when you move. What were your T-scores? Mine were -3.0 spine and -2.5 neck of femur. The scary bit is when their frax tool works out what percentage you have of breaking your hip or another bone within so many years. Lyn C
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Posted 30/05/2011 07:28:01
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| Hi Lynn I was so rushed at the appointment I didn't think to ask! Have decided to try to get an appointment with one of the other doctors and say that dotor so and so was rather rushed and left me with a few questions etc. I did ask about repeat scans and was told that you didn't do that - seems puzzling to me as I would have thought you wanted to monitor progress? Only my back and remaining hip were done - what about other parts such as neck, shoulders etc? Anyway - to be continued. Bungee jumping would have terrified me! I miss netball having taken it up when I was 59. I loved the fitness training. Not that I was any good, but I enjoyed playing goal. Good luck with your sponsored walk. Best wishes Verne
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Posted 30/05/2011 10:03:30
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Hi Verne! I think we all know that feeling of coming away from appointments with questions unasked. I tend to write mine down beforehand and ignore the roll of professional eyes when I enter clutching my bit of paper 
As regards the DEXA scans, they usually only do the hip and spine - largely because these are the areas that 'wear out' first. Like you, I had an early menopause (tho not nearly as early as yours!) at 42, and also couldn't tolerate HRT, but because my osteoporosis was pre-menopausal, was deemed to be more at risk. I was unable to tolerate the AA either, so have rumbled along on Adcal D3 and dietary/exercise measures since. I'm now 51 And my latest DEXA shows T scores of -3.3 spine and -3.0 hip, however, and I have been waiting seven weeks now for the specialist to make a decision regarding further medication. Regarding frequency of scans, my rheumatologist has been doing one every 2-3 years.
I hope you get some satisfaction from your GP, but take heart; there may not be a 'cure' for OP but we can certainly do things to help!
Linz
diagnosed OP at 40, menopause at 42. Intolerant of AA and SR. Got along on Adcal D3, diet and exercise for last ten years. OP worsening. Fractured knee, fibula and shoulder this year. About to commence annual infusion.......
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Posted 31/05/2011 12:36:37
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| Hi Linz A trip to the surgery this morning proved unprofitable - no appointments of non urgent basis before 17 June which is when we are hoping to move, except with a lady doctor that I haven't met! I decided that I might as well wait until we have moved. I did get the t score from the receptionist (after some difficulty) for my back - it is minus3.4. I followed up what you were saying about stuff on exercise on this site - the exercise referral sounds interesting. I have discovered that there are several practices in Rugby which is where we are moving to, who are part of the scheme, so as I said watch this space! Thanks. Verne
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