Connect
Is 3% annual gain in bone density a realistic goal?
Age 80, male. Able to exercise, yoga, bike, hike, etc. All DEXA scores rated Osteoporosis. Spine T score -3.5.
Probable cause many years of steroids for lung diseases. Cut Wixela dosage to 250/50 once per day from 2 per day. Result: only moderate increase in lung symptoms. I prefer that to breaking my hip or a vertebrae.
My draft plan is approach bone density normal in six years with Vitamin D, calcium, protein, exercise, and some osteo medicine. I am taking Alendronate, 10mg/day.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.
Connect
With a spine score of -3.5 I hope you can do Tymlos, which is good for the spine (I had a 20% gain) or Evenity. The longer you do an anti-resorptive like alendronate, the more the effectiveness of bone builders like Tymlos and Evenity is affected negatively. The problem is that insurance likes the cheaper drugs first, so your doctor will have to authorize a bone builder.
After a bone builder you can do Reclast or alendronate to "lock in" gains.
So no, with your score, a 3% gain is probably not enough. Ask your doctor! (I hope you have an endocrinologist who treats a lot of osteoporosis.)
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsI also take Wixela at that dosage and was told by my doctor that this type of corticosteroid is not a risk factor for osteoporosis. The concern lies with steroids such as prednisone.
How long did it take to gain 20%?
I had the DEXA at 18 months @rogerscott8562 but the gain could have happened sooner!
What had been your reaction to the alendronate!? Is that same as Fosamax? I afraid of digestive problems from it
Good evening @molly7234, nice to be with you this evening. Yes, Alendronate is the same product as Fosamax. You indicate that you have a fear of digestive problems. I have been on this medication for 18 months without any digestive problems. This is a tablet that you take once a week. Here are the recommendations to follow when taking the Fosamax. I sort of think they protect you from any digestive problems.
You take the tablet when you get up in the morning with 5 or 6 ounces of water. Then sit in a comfortable chair for 30 minutes to give the tablet time to proceed down your esophagus where it will be ready to be digested. Then you can have breakfast. Does that make sense?
May you be safe, protected, and free of inner and outer harm.
Chris
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
5 ReactionsNo digestive problem. I wait an hour. The time delay is also to give time for the drug to bind with bone.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionEvery person I know who’s taking it, follow the directions, tell me the next day you need to stay near a toilet. Also reviews online say that I am to have some dental work done at the end of the month. Have read wait till after that.
See paragraph 5.13 of the Wixela disclosure that is glued to the inside of the box of Wixela which states reduction in BMD has been observed for long-term users.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionIn reading the Alendronate statement, I see that for men the average first year gain in BMD at the spine is 5.3%, If assumed the same for a second year, I could get to Osteopenia status in two years. But 2 years of high chance of fracture is daunting. The side effects of the alternatives, Evenity, Forteo, and Tymlos are also daunting. Thanks to those who directed me to look at those options. I will talk about those options and a plan with my doctor.