Anyone have experience treating osteoporosis?

[elleng]

Have just picked up prescription, Alendronate SODIUM, a/k/a Fosamax.

[nancy1942]

1. Yes...

I took that medication for a couple of years and then it began to cause some stomach issues and I had to stop.

[elleng]

2. Thanks. Yes, sounds like 'stomach issues' part of the problems.

I won't begin taking it until have completed some dental work, as required.

[Rebl2]

23. Same here

I have tried a couple different ones and stopped both because they bothered my stomach.

[Diamond_Dog]

3. I took Boniva for several years

Post cancer meds caused my bones to weaken.

Then my insurance said they wouldn’t pay for Boniva any more and gave me Fosamax instead.

The Fosamax gave me leg cramps, so back on the Boniva for a while. I don’t take anything right now but am scheduled for a dexa scan in a few weeks.

Good luck, elleng.

[elleng]

4. Thanks.

Just learned I have the issue, so just now starting to treat. Will see how it goes, but likely won't begin for a while, until dental issues 'resolved.'

[justhanginon]

5. I don't know yet but I just got diagnosed with osteopenia

which I think is low grade or precursor to osteoporosis. Showed up on a bone density scan.
I was prescribed Risedronate which is the generic for Actonel. I have not started taking it yet as I am still researching the many possible side effects.
Just for the record I am 85 and male.
I will also be interested in any replies.

[elleng]

6. Thanks, and good luck

to us both!

[justhanginon]

7. Back atcha Elleng. Seems like as we age everytime we go

to the doctor they find something else wrong. I am beginning to sense a conspiracy.
Hopefully we will get some good advice from other seniors.

[elleng]

8. Right, GOOD advice always welcome!

My 'issue' with Alendronate is heartburn I've read about; don't think I could tolerate anything that aggravates it further, as it drives me NUTS!

[bucolic_frolic]

9. 20 years ago

my mom had it, pre fosamax I would think, she used quality calcium supplements, the kind with bone-builder claims. It did improve in the next scans and the subject was never revisited.

A known national naturopathic nutritionist told my dad we're better off with nutrients from food than supplements. So greens of the right variety were in the cards.

But with modern medicines, I wouldn't ignore a doctor's medicine. But I do eat more kale, collards, and broccoli than ever before. I did read the trouble with calcium supplements like oyster shell, citrates, is it inhibits small intestine absorption of a lot of things. But don't take any of this as advice, I'm no medical professional. Do your own due diligence, and doctoring.

[Shrike47]

10. I've been taking it for a couple of years. Some stomach issues, more so with omniprozole (sp?)

Prilosec. Anyway, I think the Prilosec was more of the problem. I find having a few peppermint candies to suck on really helped.

[marybourg]

11. I was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis about 15

years ago. After researching the recommended drugs, I chose to do nothing except take two calcium chewies a day plus vitamin D3. I have fallen a few times in the intervening years, but have never broken anything. Nor do I have any spinal curvature or pain.

I would advise anyone to research the available drugs thoroughly and make an informed decision. Do not just start taking whatever the doc gives you; some of these drugs cannot be discontinued without substituting something else even worse. Good luck.

[elleng]

12. Thanks

Last edited Thu Aug 19, 2021, 07:27 PM - Edit history (1)

Thinking of adding calcium via food, getting dried figs tomorrow (better tasting than the RIPE ones growing on neighbor's bush,) will increase yogurt in-take, and nuts and seeds.

[csziggy]

37. Make sure to add Vitamin D

Since that aids in the uptake of calcium.

In a Dexa scan years ago I was told I had the beginnings of osteoporosis. My doctor told me calcium and vit D. So I take a combo pill and 5000 iu. capsules of D3 every day. Last Dexa scan showed no signs of osteoporosis.

My MIL was part of a study for decades. Her mother essentially died of osteoporosis - she was bedridden for several years before she died since her bones were so fragile. So MIL was put on various medications over a long time. In the end she was getting monthly injections. I don't know which medication it was.

My sister is also getting injections, not sure how often or what medication.

[elleng]

38. *Thanks. Took my first Vit D today, 'only' 400 IU, so will take another,

Last edited Mon Aug 23, 2021, 03:23 PM - Edit history (1)

and working on diet; have shrimp/sardines/salmon/sesame + poppy seeds + yogurt on the shelves/fridge.

Dentist tomorrow, so waiting with the Alendronate Rx.

[Walleye]

13. I am also on cancer meds. Had osteoporosis already. Dr. wants me to take the Prolia shot

I’m not sure the benefits outweigh the risk on this drug. Anybody here taking it?

[tanyev]

14. Are you also doing weight-bearing activity?

Not necessarily weight lifting, but moving and walking with your body in proper alignment. I’m a big fan of Katy Bowman who is a biomechanical engineer and has several books and DVDs about proper body alignment. I’ve gotten tremendous improvement in my feet by following her advice to move to flatter, wider shoes. Here are some of her blog posts about osteoporosis.

https://www.nutritiousmovement.com/5-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-osteoporosis/

https://www.nutritiousmovement.com/katy-goes-big-pharma/

https://www.nutritiousmovement.com/weight-bearing-status/

[elleng]

17. Thanks.

Only thing I do, re: weight-bearing, is GROCERIES! My shoes are flat.

[blueinredohio]

15. I've taken Fosamax for about 5 years now.

I've had no problems as far as side effects. I have the curved spine, my doctor tells me to straighten my back when I walk. I tell him I walk whichever way I can without too much pain. I was told my hips are worse than my back to start a walking regimen. I already walk about 5 miles a day.

[elleng]

16. 5 miles is GOOD,

I walk about 5 YARDS (or more) a day; also have curved spine, and didn't even know it, friends and family being too kind, I guess. NO pain ANYWHERE.

[blueinredohio]

22. I used to walk 3 miles in the morning which I still do but

now I have a dog who goes with me. We also normally walk 2 miles in the evening if its not too hot for her.

[virgdem]

18. Yes.

Around 13 years ago, I took Fosamax for about a year, but stopped taking it when I read a report that Fosamax and similar drugs caused Osteonecrosis of the jaw. That was enough for me to stop, as I don't like taking most drugs anyway. Do you own research and do what you feel comfortable with.

[elleng]

19. Thanks

[3Hotdogs]

20. Joyce, my life partner, went through several medications.

She would get resistant to them and then go on to another.


The last one she used, had a printed side effect of stomach cancer. That is what she died of.

She said the medication gave her about three years of living life and she felt the trade off was worth it.

[elleng]

21. Thanks for the info.

Thinking of eating my way around this.

[DelMar dem]

24. Prolia

I'm on a regimen of vitamin D3 and a Prolia injection every six months. A blood test to check calcium, creatinine and vitamin d levels is required beforehand. I've had zero side effects from the injections, and the osteoporosis has reverted back to osteopenia in my spine and leg. I was advised by 2 doctors to discontinue the calcium supplements. Everyone is different, of course, but Prolia has worked better for me than Fosamax or Boniva.

[elleng]

25. Thanks. I'm at the beginning,

doc said I have it 'in lots of places' and prescribed alendronate sodium, just filled the rx, won't take til finished with dental work, and learning about pros and cons. Prolia is for men, I just learned.

[DeeDeeNY]

31. My female neighbor is on Prolia

Her bone density increased and she’s had no bad side effects. I was just diagnosed with osteoporosis but haven’t yet decided what to do about it. It’s a concern to me about the jaw-related problems associated with most of these medications — not because there are such problems but because the doctors can’t figure out the reasons why.

[elleng]

32. I'm with you, a 'newbie,'

and concerned that scientists can’t figure stuff out.

[DeeDeeNY]

33. Exactly.

Best of luck in whatever you decide.

[elleng]

34. Just got Shrimp Pad Thai,

after reading that shrimp contain very large % of calcium!

[DeeDeeNY]

35. Sardines are a great source of calcium

But you have to like sardines.

[elleng]

36. Saw that, and bought 2 cans recently;

gotta find crackers I like, to go with them. I understand, at least part of the reason, is we eat the little bones that come with them!

Thanks!

[Worried2020]

26. On stomach issues

.

Do a bit of research on Acidophilus - (Lactobacillus acidophilus), a bacterium found in the mouth, intestine and vagina, is used as a probiotic. Probiotics are good bacteria that are either the same as or very similar to the bacteria that are already in your body.

I discovered this probiotic back in the 80s when my g/f explained her annual cycle of yeast infections, lip sores etc. annually, treated with antibiotics for over 15 years . . .

Guess what - when I convinced her to try the PRObiotic, everything disappeared - no cold sores, no yeast infections, and never had to take antibiotics again (for the sores/infection)

I found they settle an upset stomach, ya know, when ya chow down on that food that ur mouth loves, but ur tummy don't.

I even gave them to a girlfriend's kids who had an upset stomach, or sore throat - cured their discomfort within minutes as I asked them to just open the capsule, and pour the powder right into their throat. It worked! And one of the kids gave it the nickname "white chocolate".

35 years later, I'm still "doing" Acidophilus, especially when I eat anything spicy.

Something to ponder.



W

[elleng]

27. Thanks

[Worried2020]

28. Ur welcome . . .

.

And guess what . . .

Although we parted decades ago - she is one of my 70 Friends on FB.

I know my "friends", school chums from the 60s-70s, a few of my ex girlfriends including the one mentioned who was a teen-age sweetheart in high school during the 60s.

Nawwww - we didn't "do it" back then - had a "reunion" back in the 80s . .

hmmm - forever friends . . . . . .

I shoulda married that gurl





W

[elleng]

30. Sweet

[DelMar dem]

29. Prolia

I am a woman and was first prescribed this by my gynecologist. One of my girlfriends is also on the same regimen. Fosamax or Boniva or their generic equivalent are generally the first course of action and work well for many. I suspended the meds when I had dental work done; there's definitely a conflict. As others have said, weight-bearing exercise is recommended, along with foods that contain calcium. It's really great that the problem is now widely recognized and there are many options for early treatment. In the past, women simply suffered.