 Posted 07/10/2011 18:09:52
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Hi,
I am 57 and have just had the results of my bone scan which were -2.5 for my spine, so my GP has started me on Alendronic Acid. I took my first one yesterday absolutely as prescribed and this morning i got up with a stiff back and chest, feels as though i have lifted something heavy, which i havent. I'm not sure if it has anything to do with the pills or not, but i'm very weary of them as they seem to be a very strong drug and have loads of side effects. Has anyone had similar feelings as this, should i be worried?
Sarah
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Posted 08/10/2011 17:57:32
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| Hello Sarah I have been prescribed AA, Fosamax and Bonviva which I took over five years. I felt ill after taking them and wished I have fought to come off them before but my GP said he would not take Strontium Ranelate because of the side effects and I believed him at the time. After breaking my wrist my medication was looked at again and Strontium Ranelate was prescribed. I have felt fine since. Listen to your body.
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Posted 12/11/2011 21:46:26
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Its interesting that different doctors have different views. I am 58 and the result of my dexa scan revealed -3, but my consultant advised that medication shouldnt be taken too early as it is advised that these drugs only last for up to 10 years therefore better to wait until it is needed, whether this is right or wrong I am unsure, so in addition to taking food enriched with calcium I also take a supplement "Oseto joint tablets" from the local health shop. ChrisR src="http://www.nos.org.uk/forum/Skins/NOSskin/Images/EmotIcons/Smile.gif" width=20 border=0>
ChrisR
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Posted 30/01/2012 23:25:23
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Chris - Have you thought of getting a 2nd opinion? I think if you are not on medication you may want to do lots of other things like diet and exercise to help the bones. Maybe you do.... Good Luck
Nik
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Posted 31/01/2012 15:19:52
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poor thing! I used to take AA, however, now on the monthly Ibandronate, suits me better. Sometimes the AA suited me fine, sometimes I felt horrible, but kept on reminding myself better than having a fracture!!There are alternatives, but i suggest give it a go, may be OK next week!
Jilly
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Posted 02/02/2012 18:20:34
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| ChrisR From my own experience with doctors, it appears that the 10, or 5, years quoted is based on the fact that bisphosphonates prevent the breakdown of existing bone but do not promote new bone formation. The belief is that after a few years all you have is old bone. The assumption is that old bone is less robust, but I don't know how much, if any, research there is to confirm this assumption. Strontium ranelate encourages new bone formation, but I suspect that many doctors lump it in with other 'OP medication' and apply the same assumption. There appears to be a widespread lack of understanding of OP and its treatment, and I've even come across a so-called specialist who was incapable of identifying OP from DEXA results. It's always a good idea to do your own research before talking to a doctor, and after you get a recommendation because there is a surprising level of ignorance out there.
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Posted 04/02/2012 13:32:56
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Sarah
Last year I was diagnosed with OP after breaking my wrist. I came back from the hospital with a sheet of paper telling me to take AA for 5 years and then come back for another DEXA. I also had a NOS leaflet.
So I logged onto this site and could not beleive what I read about bisphosonates and other ways of helping yourself (that no doc ever mentions). The helpful information I got really has helped me to get my life back.
I was advised to start reading up about how your body works and recommended this book. Dr Marilyn Glenville how to prevent , treat and reverse Osteoporosis. This book is easy to read and hugely informative about every aspect of OP and its treatments.
It was from this book that I found out the link between Anti epileptic medication (AEDs) and OP. Because of the AEDs I have frequently had invasive dental surgery BUT if you have invasive dental surgery and take AA the risk of Osteonecrosis of the Jaw(ONJ) is increased. Because of this I asked for Strontiuum Ranelate - but I could not 'stomach' it...literally.
So was left with the nutrition and exercise and supplement option.
There are many more books I could recommend. But I would just say that my experience told me to find out for myself what the options are and to query my docs and even the specialists.
Now I have changed GP and get routine bone turnover tests and the GP helps me with diet/exercise/supplements.
Hope you get a good response from your GP.
Sarah W
Tscore Lumbar spine -3.3, Femoral neck -2.6, Hip -2.2
Alkali diet (+ no caffeine/sugar/salt/rhubarb/spinach) and exercise and supplements of Vit D (2,000IUs daily), Vit K2 as MK7, vit K2 Menatetrenone, Cod liver oil.
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