I presume that any alternative treatments e.g Strontium Ranelate must be v expensive to put me through all this.  I am seeing my GP on Monday.  Is there anyone out there with IBS?  Or knows which treatment is less likely to upset the digestion?  I appreciate people's responses to drugs vary (& I do realise I am lucky that there are treatments available nowadays). 

I was refused strontium Ranelate on grounds of cost by my GP and prescribed alendronic acid.  I stopped taking this after 10 weeks because of indigestion and bone pains.  By this time I couldn't face my GP, so bought  strontium citrate from the internet.   I was eventually dragged back to see her by my husband, and still refused the S.R.  Because we had reached stalemate over treatment, she agreed to refer me to the local Rheumatology Dept. to see their consultant.

I took all the information I had printed off about OP and treatment, a list of the supplements I was taking eg. Ca, vit D3, chelated  Mg, vit K2 (mk4 and MK7) and information about them in relation to OP.  My memory is poor when under stress, so I also took a list of the reasons why I couldn't take bisphosphonates.   

To cut a long story short,  I said that if I couldn't have the S.R. I would continue to take the strontium citrate.   The Consultant realised I had made up my mind and wouldn't change it, so she agreed to me having the S.R.  She said,  she would rather I look prescription medication, rather than one which hadn't undergone drug trials,  and gave me a letter for my GP, there and then.   I have been taking  the S.R.  for a couple of months without any problems.

I believe the cost of the Strontium ranelate is approx. £25 per month,  compared with  approx. £4 per month for the alendronic acid.  This is why the doctors don't like to prescribe it.   I had allowed the GP to bully me initially,  because I was depressed, burst into tears and couldn't stand up for myself.   After 'talking' to several folk on this forum, especially Annabel,  it made me determined to be 'positive' and not allow myself to bullied again by a doctor.

You must do the same.  GOOD LUCK!

Lynne H

Thank you so much for your reply.  Unfortunately, I can see a pattern emerging here.  My visit to the doctor did not go well:  I have insomnia because of the Omeprazole I have to take to counteract the acid & like you was not exactly assertive.  She has changed the O to another similar drug, but will not consider changing the Bonviva (Ibandronate).  She doesn't believe that it is upsetting my IBS.  Initially she told me there was no other choice and clearly thought bisphonates were the most appropriate choice.  I was left with the distinct impression that she thinks I am wasting her time for no good reason. Obviously cost is a factor (or probably the factor).

My husband (who should have been there) thinks maybe we should ask to see consultants re: the IBS & maybe the osteoporosis too.  We'll probably have to pay for this.  Also am considering buying Strontium Ranelate to try, my doctor after eventually acknowledging there was such a drug said that it causes diarrhoea, but I think her information is out of date as in the NOS booklet it says this is short-lived & mild.  Probably she was trying to put me off.

So where did you buy your Strontium Ranelate & has taking it at bedtime worked out OK?

Onwards & upwards,

Snowdrop

You cannot buy strontium ranelate, it is only available on prescription. As Lane70 stated you should beable to get a NHS referal to a consultant without needing to pay a penny!.  When you go next time take someone with you for moral support.   Take as much information with you, as you can about your history and treatments and DON'T LET YOURSELF BE INTIMIDATED! 

I saw a Rheumatology consultant because they just happen to have the DEXA machine in their dept.  The consultant therefore had an interest in OP. 

I originally bought strontium citrate (Dr's Best Bone Maker) from the internet, which worked out at approx. £14 per month.  I don't think it is wise to self medicate unless you have tried every other avenue first, (ie  a consultant appointment) without success.   I didn't have diarrhoea with either of the strontiums, but everyone is different.  Perhaps strontium is not the best treatment for you, but you will only find out by talking to a consultant.

GOOD LUCK

Lynne H