Fosamax Feedback
Age 57, Last DEXA Oct 2023: Lumbar T-Score -2.7, Hip T-Score -1.7, Femoral Neck T-Score -1.8
My FRAX score adjusted for my Lumbar TScore
Major Osteoporotic 7.4% Hip Fracture 0.9%
Never broken a bone my entire life, and I've taken a few serious tumbles over the years.
After sifting through a lot of information I think I will talk with my Rheumatologist about starting Weekly Fosamax. All preliminary tests have been run and there is no other underlying reason for my Osteoporosis.
I am going to see a nutritionist because I have a poor diet and definitely need to boost my calcium intake. I've also started weight bearing exercises along with my daily walks.
Rheumatologist talked about using Reclast for 2-3 years, but the more I come to understand some of the different medications the more I am leaning towards Fosamax. I've had some heartburn issues in the past but I am thinking that if I follow the instructions diligently for how to take Fosamax I may not run into digestive issues. Was also thinking about extending the wait time to eat after taking and taking a walk to stay upright for 60 minutes. Just as a precaution. Anyone with digestive issues that were able to take Fosamax and not have it make digestive issues worse?
Is it reasonable to think if Fosamax works well for me that my BMD could move out of Osteoporosis in two years and possibly take a drug holiday after two years? I'm hoping to get out of Osteoporosis in my Spine and stay in a stable state for a few years. Everything I read says the first 10 years after menopause is when you lose the most BMD. By the time I finish two years on Fosamax I will have reached 10 years. I know you continue to lose BMD as you age, but I'm optimistic that Diet and Exercise along with a short term use of Meds can get me in a stable spot.
Appreciate any and all feedback!
Thanks
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gee I’ve never heard that. And I had milk products 30 minutes after for the whole 2 years I was on it. Maybe that’s why it stopped working?? Though the safety info says it’s ok to eat or drink anything after 30 minutes.
What I've read is that calcium can affect how well the drug is absorbed.
According to Johns Hopkins, bisphosphonates decrease the rate bone cells are absorbed. This allows the body to increase bone density.
Do you go to the Mayo in Rochester? What was your experience getting an appt with them? How did you go about it to get accepted?
Hi @ripley, I think I have already answered your questions about this subject. I live in MN, about 2 hrs from Mayo in Rochester. Please check the current replies. The only item I didn't mention in that response was that, at that time, I was the family caregiver for my lifetime partner. He was going through prostate cancer surgery and a month at a time rehabilitative treatments in Rochester for daily therapy. I had lots of time to roam around and visit the buildings and facilities when we were there for 30 days at a time.
Good evening,
Chris
How long were you on Fosamax? Do you think that drug is the reason your numbers improved?
I started on Fosamax in 2021 and will complete the course in 2026. My osteoporosis occurred with parathyroid disease. I think the surgery to remove the diseased gland has helped, getting breast cancer may have slowed my progress. I walk daily, take calcium with D, and eat a Mediterranean diet. I'm sure Fosamax has positively contributed to my better scores.