To start generic Fosamax soon and very concerned!

Posted by pattitoo @pattitoo, Apr 28, 2019

What can anyone share about their Osteoporosis meds......I have consulted with 2 Orthopods, GP, Dentist and Chiropractor. All feel I should try the med.
I am reluctant for some reason, know several that took one dose of their med and had side affects. I was going to start tomorrow morning, Have some busy weeks, in a quandary to say the least.
All 4 DEXA scans were requested by me, only the last one is in the Osteoporosis level.-- 2019 T SCORE -2.7 --in 2014 was -2.3 (what are Z scores?)
Z scores show also.
Please share your experiences with us if you want, the information will be helpful and appreciated by all..
For several years I have taken Vitamin D and Calcium.
I am almost 77 and live alone.. My weight is good, lost less that one inch in height.
Doing my best to be optimistic.
Thanking each of you for input you care to share.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bones, Joints & Muscles Support Group.

I also take New Chapter Bone Strength. It was recommended by my functional doctor in my effort to strengthen my bones without the prescription drugs, injections or infusions. Also walking 3 miles a day, doing specially targeted physical therapy exercises and a weekly chair fusion yoga class. Will get a new DEXA scan early next year to see if this plan actually helps.

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Profile picture for detc @detc

Has anyone else had verifiable bone density improvement after taking AlgaeCal? I’m looking to avoid the prescription meds for osteoporosis and would gladly try an effective OTC supplement. I am seeing an Integrative Medicine doctor next month and would like to be prepared to offer some evidence of a natural treatment that could help my bone density.

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@detc I have heard that algae cal has strontium which can give false results on the dexa. I am not an expert at all - but please look into this before investing in these.
Separately, I have a problem with taking calcium and my dr advised that I only get Calcium from food sources. There is a great food based Calcium called 'Seen' which has 500mgs of Calcium per 'cookie' (made of milk and dates). I highly recommend this vs calcium supplements in any case as the body will absorb food sources better.

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Profile picture for gussie @gussie

Both my daughters each in their 50s have extreme osteoporosis. One is so bad that she is on some new medication that she has to give herself subq injections every day for two years. One of them broke her femur without doing anything physical the other broke her shoulder. Neither one was given Fosomax which is the oldest drug for osteo. I personally know two woman that lost part of their jaw bone on this drug. Please see an endocrinologist for osteo and get on drugs that are newer and less side effects.

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@gussie they all have horrible side effects!

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I have taken Fosamax for almost a year no with no side effects at all. 75 yrs old and not overweight and walks everyday. Lots of water and vitamins such as termeric, magnesium, calcium and vitamin D3.

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Profile picture for suzlaidler @suzlaidler

@gussie they all have horrible side effects!

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@suzlaidler

Side effects are an individual issue. Not everyone experiences them..

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Profile picture for suzlaidler @suzlaidler

@detc I have heard that algae cal has strontium which can give false results on the dexa. I am not an expert at all - but please look into this before investing in these.
Separately, I have a problem with taking calcium and my dr advised that I only get Calcium from food sources. There is a great food based Calcium called 'Seen' which has 500mgs of Calcium per 'cookie' (made of milk and dates). I highly recommend this vs calcium supplements in any case as the body will absorb food sources better.

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@suzlaidler I have read about the strontium issue and stopped taking it.

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Profile picture for suzlaidler @suzlaidler

@gussie they all have horrible side effects!

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@suzlaidler , I just started fosamax. I take one pill weekly first thing in the morning. Then I have to wait 30 minutes to take any other meds or food or drink other than water. I have had no side effects and I was extremely hesitant to start the drug. That's why I'm taking the weekly and as opposed to the monthly in case I would have a side effect. But I'm doing very well and hope it's doing something. It is supposed to stop any further bone loss. There are some meds that as well as stopping bone loss will create bone but they recommend the category that fosamax is in as a first line of treatment. I will be 76 in a few days. I have lost 2 in. And have had several falls one full. I fractured part of my spine and another fall I fractured my arm. I'm very concerned about the spine. I can walk and do everything but if I had another fall or if something happened I might not be able to walk. So I chose the fosamax and I hope to get a dexa scan one year after starting. Although Medicare will only pay for 2 years after starting unless the doctor advises the test which I hope she will. My suggestion is give it a try. Take the once weekly. If you have a bad reaction just stop taking it. I would hate to take a monthly pill and have a bad reaction for a month

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Profile picture for gravity3 @gravity3

@suzlaidler

Side effects are an individual issue. Not everyone experiences them..

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@gravity3 YES - apologies for that earlier statement. Many people do not have side effects and they are incredibly helpful.

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Profile picture for sandwalk @sandwalk

@suzlaidler , I just started fosamax. I take one pill weekly first thing in the morning. Then I have to wait 30 minutes to take any other meds or food or drink other than water. I have had no side effects and I was extremely hesitant to start the drug. That's why I'm taking the weekly and as opposed to the monthly in case I would have a side effect. But I'm doing very well and hope it's doing something. It is supposed to stop any further bone loss. There are some meds that as well as stopping bone loss will create bone but they recommend the category that fosamax is in as a first line of treatment. I will be 76 in a few days. I have lost 2 in. And have had several falls one full. I fractured part of my spine and another fall I fractured my arm. I'm very concerned about the spine. I can walk and do everything but if I had another fall or if something happened I might not be able to walk. So I chose the fosamax and I hope to get a dexa scan one year after starting. Although Medicare will only pay for 2 years after starting unless the doctor advises the test which I hope she will. My suggestion is give it a try. Take the once weekly. If you have a bad reaction just stop taking it. I would hate to take a monthly pill and have a bad reaction for a month

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@sandwalk Thanks for sharing this. That's AWFUL about the fractures and sorry that you had to go through that painful period. Hope Fosamax works for you!
had been on Prolia for one 6 month shot and although it helped my bones a lot, I had unpleasant side effects. So - switching and like you, prefer to go with a weekly. I actually ended up asking my endo for 35 msg of Fosamax to start so I could test my reaction. Took the first pill Sunday and so far so good.

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