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@jenatsky
If we don’t grow new bone at 65 plus, why the heck take anything? I’ve had a reaction to Alendronate a day after taking it the first time. It basically sucked. It was like the flu without a fever.
But I’m not going with the prolia as originally suggested.
I’m trying to weight everything now and am pretty confused and frustrated.
Replies to "@jenatsky If we don’t grow new bone at 65 plus, why the heck take anything? I’ve..."
It certainly can be confusing and frustrating. My understanding is that bone continues to remodel (remove old bone tissue and form new bone tissue) until death. But as you age the balance changes until resorption out paces formation. this change leads to bone loss and increased risk of osteoporosis. Alendronate and prolia slow down the breakdown of bone , but by different means, allowing the body to build up more bone density. I am sorry to hear of your bad reaction to fosamax. my endo gave me a choice of fosamax and prolia. I've taken fosamax for 8 months now with no issues, but if i couldn't tolerate it i would give prolia a chance.
I had severe esophagus problems with actonel- previously bad reactions from prolia- and you CANNOT go off prolia cold turkey.
I've been taking Alendronate (70 mg weekly) for one year now. As I mentioned in my original post, I did have side effects the day after my first dose. I was quite sore, but that was it. The soreness lasted just the one day and has not re-occurred.
It's very important that you follow the directions very carefully for taking the medication in order to eliminate some possible side effects. I take it first thing in the morning, before eating anything, on my chosen day. I drink a few sips of water, swallow the pill with about half a bottle (8 ounces) of water, then slowly drink the remaining water. I remain standing and moving about for at least 30 minutes after taking the pill -- I usually wander outside in the garden or do chores that allow me to remain upright. I have breakfast about 45 minutes after taking the med. I've never had any problems with stomach pain or esophageal pain. I have had a few minor muscle or bone aches/pains off and on but I can't swear they're from the Alendronate.
I'll take this med as long as my doctor prescribes. Beyond that I have no inclination to try any of the other medications. I see my doctor every 3 to 4 months; I have labs done prior to each appointment to check levels of Vitamin D -- I take 2000 units (50 mcg) daily along with whatever amount is in my daily vitamin -- and calcium. I'll have another scan done next year to find out how I'm progressing.
Good luck to you on your journey. Give the Alendronate a chance. Have you taken subsequent doses? Has there been a difference in your side effects?
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Who says you can't grow new bone at 65? I'm 66. I've been on Tymlos for 14 months. My bone density improved 16%, and I'm now in osteopenia instead of osteoporosis.