Continue Fosamax at 97?

Posted by sonodeka @sonodeka, Jun 17 9:34pm

My mom has been taking Fosamax like clockwork every Thursday morning for years, definitely more than 5. She took it several years back as well before stopping for a few years. She seems to have benefited from it. Her bmd has improved to osteopenia range, though I realize that doesn't mean quality bone. She hasn't fractured that we know about, although I suspect there may be compression issues in her upper spine, and she's lost a few inches. She's quite active still. She's a former professional ballet dancer who still teaches a tough class 3 times aweek. Good balance flexibilty and strength for her age.
Now, as I'm finally learning more about osteoporosis unfortunatrly because of my own recent diagnosis, I'm wondering if she should stop taking Fosamax and enjoy a little drug holiday. She's all for the idea. She has an appointment with her pcp on Wednesday. I'm quite sure her doctor will want her to keep doing what she's doing, not rock the boat.
I would not want to encourage her to stop taking it if it could potentially lead to fractures, but also fear that continuing could do the same.
I havent found info or studies that extend into this age group. Does anyone have experience with Fosamax at this age, or wisdom to share? Thanks!

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A quick update. When I asked my mom's pcp how long she'd been taking Fosamax, she said my mom was due for a "holiday". It had been just over 5 years. Not as long as I'd thought, and she was not as cautious as I'd expected... So my mom will start with a 6 month break, then possibly another 6 depending on her next DEXA. She said an endo wasn't necessary because my mom's done well with Fosamax. This seems a good enough outcome to me, and doesn't complicate my mom's life.
Thanks so much for the good advice and support!

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@sonodeka

A quick update. When I asked my mom's pcp how long she'd been taking Fosamax, she said my mom was due for a "holiday". It had been just over 5 years. Not as long as I'd thought, and she was not as cautious as I'd expected... So my mom will start with a 6 month break, then possibly another 6 depending on her next DEXA. She said an endo wasn't necessary because my mom's done well with Fosamax. This seems a good enough outcome to me, and doesn't complicate my mom's life.
Thanks so much for the good advice and support!

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Sounds perfect. The fewer appointments the better, right?

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@windyshores

Sounds perfect. The fewer appointments the better, right?

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Yes! Managing modern life at that age -in these times- is complicated enough!

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