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Hello, I joined today to get help in deciding what medication to begin
Osteoporosis & Bone Health | Last Active: Aug 11 10:11pm | Replies (70)Comment receiving replies
@isabelle4 I would definitely go with the DEXA. I have had imaging that said "osteopenia" which I know for a fact is wrong!
25% is borderline between mild and moderate:
Mild: Up to 20-25% vertebral height loss. These are often related to osteoporosis and may not cause significant symptoms.
Moderate: 25-40% vertebral height loss.
I hope he gets good help. I have 7 spinal fractures, many moderate, scoliosis, degenerative changes, spinal cord damage, stenosis but am doing pretty well. My main comment is that healing takes time but it can happen! I am no longer afraid to shake hands unless it's a big person 🙂
Replies to "@isabelle4 I would definitely go with the DEXA. I have had imaging that said "osteopenia" which..."
Update after my last response. LOL
I was reading again all the issues you've had and you sure do give me hope!!! I was recently diagnosed with cervical stenosis that's gotten worse over the past years. Which I can understand due to activities I've engaged in without knowing I had this, that probably exacerbated it. Oh, well. Anyway, mine is quite severe from what I read, but I don't have any numbness or issues like that. I do get arm and hand pain but I can usually deal with it and get rid of it with a few days on Advil. My doctor ordered an MRI and I'm debating whether to go through with it now or wait.
Back to my husband. I am very happy to say I found out today that our insurance will cover Forteo and it has been ordered!!! We should have it in the next few days. Our co-pay is only $15 per month which is such a relief!!
Thanks again for all of your knowledge and your willingness to share it with us who are new to all of this.
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@windyshores
You are so awesome and helpful!!! I honestly can’t thank you enough. You give me hope when sometimes, being honest, I feel a bit hopeless. And helpless. But from what you say and that I’m learning through doing research we are far from hopeless or helpless.
I just received a response from his endocrinologist and it’s unsettling. But we will deal with it. Here’s what she said:
Hi Dave/Isabelle,
Yes, the x-rays show a new compression fracture at L1 and possibly at L3. This most likely happened when he had the pain unloading the dishwasher.
Treatment of these fractures is usually conservative - treating pain +/- bracing if needed.
Dave, let me know if your pain is stable, better or worse since we talked a few weeks ago and whether you are able to stand up straight.
If pain is significant then you can take Tylenol 1000 mg three times daily. If this doesn't help then I can prescribe calcitonin nasal spray for you to take for 2-4 weeks.
I have ordered x-rays for 7/16/24 to confirm that the fractures are stable. You don't need an appointment for this.
Forteo is the best treatment option for your osteoporosis. I have entered the prescription. Please call the pharmacy for a price check. Let me know whether it is affordable. If it's not then I recommend Reclast instead.