Does anyone have a solution to help manage Reclast side effects?

@kaybollinger79 I hear you there! Now 16 months out and I feel like I have a very bad flu like symptoms, Aches and Pains mainly in my shoulders, arms and left foot. I go to physical therapy and recently had test done by my rheumatologist and waiting to hear her thoughts based on the test results. Honestly, I feel that there are many days I push myself as hard as I can and then a little more because I feel, I would rather be sore than not able to move at all. I did see an endocrinologist pharmacist who shared that the Reclast last about 18 months in one’s system, hopefully he is right and in a few months things will improve. The pain has changed, when it first came on, the day after the infusion I could hardly move either arm and it would wake me several times throughout the night; it has slowly changed to this constant pain and lameness. I will see if my VA health coverage covers acupuncture. My rheumatologist did put me on a dose of prednisone which did nothing for the shoulders and foot. I did get symptoms of a UTI that has left me with the feeling of constant burning in the bladder area which was / is the results of bladder cancer. Life often keeps one busy! Best of luck and thank you for your suggestions

I was just diagnosed with Osteoporosis today and my doctor is wanting to start me on Reclast. She told me about the side effects and after reading these posts, I'm nervous. I also have Crohns and have Remicade infusions every 8 weeks, so I'm glad this is a yearly infusion.
I hope everyone is feeling well.

@horserider79
Reclast is a bisphosphonate -- why don't you start with an oral version, such as Fosamax? My Dr told me I could take a 1/2 dose (35mg) and studies show that is almost as effective as the normal 70 mg dose.

@daisy17 my friend has osteopenia and she's on that. I have no idea. She told me I already have bone loss. I'll send her a message through the portal or call her nurse, she calls me and we talk a lot.
Honestly, I'm really nervous about doing this. I'm already taking Remicade infusions and I don't know if my body can handle any more stuff in my system.
Thanks for the help

@horserider79

I am curious. What is your physicians plan for sequencing medications and what is the rationale for starting you on a bisphosphonate rather than an anabolic?

@horserider79
I don't want to give you medical advice, as I don't know your situation and how bad your bone loss is. Before going on a bisphosphonate, I would recommend researching how much it reduces fractures. Studies have shown it's not very effective in reducing fractures.

@horserider79
Being newly diagnosed (as I am) I would recommend getting the book by Dr. Keith McCormick called “Great Bones” so you can read about bone loss, causes, treatments, dietary recommendations, exercises to combat bone loss. Chapter 14 discusses each one of the medications, how it works, possible side effects, blood test that he feels are pertinent to having done prior to just placing someone on meds. You can read his story, diagnosed at age 45, has had 12 fractures and a very low bone score. Competed in the USA Olympics and competes in triathlons to this day. He didn't go on medication and has improved his bone health without them. The books a wealth of information. You can also go on YouTube and Google his name there are interviews with him as the speaker. I keep listening to him speak over and over and learning things I didn’t hear the first time.

I was also told to go on Reclast , but I am reading this book first, so I can make an informed decision.

@izziesue thank you so much for the information. I'll check him out, he can't be that bad since we have the same last name! Lol!
Thank you

@horserider79 I would definitely question it before going on it especially since you have other problems. I have been on a number of osteoporosis drugs over the last 10 or so years and I had three class for the first time a few months ago and had a lot of problems. Very sick, pain and I know I'm not going to get it again. I don't know if that's of any help but that was my experience. Jaynedanco

@jaynedanco thank you so much! I really appreciate your help! I am going to send my doctor a message regarding this. I just feel this is so redical! I am already trying to get used to the fact of having Osteoporosis. I'm already taking Remicade infusions for my Crohns so it seems like I'm topping meds on top of meds and it never ends. 🙃
I'll keep everyone updated , it's just another "Manic Monday. ..."!