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Bisphosphonates or Not? Both No Win
Hello. I am Sunnyflower.
I've been in the Neuropathy group for a few months and am still learning how to get around properly in Connect. I'm making progress!! I'm 67. I have a myriad of diseases, several of them painful. Now my most urgent decision is based upon my recent bone density scan results. I've had "severe" osteoporosis for about 4+ years. I've had several spontaneous fractures (3-pelvic, 1-rib and other smaller bones) from long time steroid use for two of my many diseases; lung and auto-immune diseases-painful inflammation. Three of my Endocrinologists over the years have wanted me to take Bisphosphonates for years but I'm so freaked out by the "rare" potential side-effects. Rare doesn't mean a lot to me since 3 of my diseases/conditions are rare: diffuse minute meningothelialomatosis, brachial artery stenosis and nutcracker's esophagus.
My recent bone density scan showed my spine bones are 13% worse and my hip, 14% worse. Anything more than a 2% change is considered significant. Ug. The "rare" serious side effects, femur fractures (can be both at the same time from just standing) and femur tumor (can't recall or find whether or not that would be cancerous). Then, the not so serious side-effects, "debilitating" bone/muscle/joint pain, flu-like symptoms, stomach upset/pain etc. is also freaking me out b/c I'm already in so much pain I can't imagine more. Then, if you have any of these unwanted side-effects, they may stay w/ you for the duration of the medication which could be 3 or 6 months or 1 year and then start over! I know I can't take that yet, more fractures would be awful and a huge hardship on my husband and I would likely have to have care until I heal.
I'm sure you already know everything I've said about Bisphosphonates. I can't wait to meet you and am looking forward to hearing your stories. I'm a woman of faith and it is solely the comfort, peace of God through Christ (Philippians 4:7) and His everpresence that gets me through daily. For that I'm eternally grateful! We all walk through many fires here.
Many blessings and warmest regards, Sunnyflower 🙂
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Hi Migizii, Thank you for sharing your history. Like you I have multiple health issues and I have problems with side effects with almost every drug I take. I tried Eventy for several months and felt bad so my endocrinologist put me on Tymlos which was worse. Now I am on Alendronate (Fosamax) which will not be as effective as the other drugs but it is once a week and the side effect seem to only last about 24 hours after that dose. Several months ago I talked to a represesntative at Mayo Clinic about my polyneuropathy but I never went there. I live in Texas and the pandemic and other factors have prevented me from going. Did you see an endocrinologist at Mayo or did you have a remote consult? I would be interested in hearing more about your experience with Mayo. Any way, I appreciate what you have gone through and that you have shared it with us. Cathy
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1 ReactionThx Chris. My endocrinologist knows everything about me and is giving me tons of info! It boils down to which would be worse, the side-effects which would exacerbate my existing pain to the point of zero quality of life, or a fracture/s that would likely require surgery of which my docs tell me I'm at high risk for and my Hx of surgeries are brutal; about 3 times longer in hospital and healing, than healthy person and intolerable pain.
There are other variables as well. Hope all is well w/ you. Take care, Sunnyflower
I have to say, looking back, my migraines felt like much more of a nightmare than anything else I have had to deal with....all the medications were changed as needed....the craziness I have gone through finding a migraine medication plan, was extremely challenging with numerous nutritional, lifestyle and medication changes over many years....presently, they are stable and with my other health issues, my migraines seem to impact me more than anything else.....but eventually I found something that worked for me and you will too for the osteoporosis.....😊😊😊
Right now, I go in every six months prior to the injection because my calcium tends to run a bit low and it needs to be in a certain range to receive the injection.....it always manages to be okay though....my endocrinologist attempted to increase my dosage but I couldn’t manage it, so I continue with 800mg of calcium in supplement form and a daily serving of yogurt. Also, I take 2000 mg of vitamin d daily (I live in northern Minnesota so do not get much access to natural absorption of the sun. Take care and stay safe!
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1 ReactionHi migizii, what do you mean that you couldn't handle the increased dosage? Thx. Many blessings, Sunnyflower. 😊
Hi Cantcando, I go to Mayo for endocrinology (osteoporosis issues). I went to Mayo once, many years ago and saw a neurologist for my migraines and had a very poor experience. I sought out their patient services, at the time, who sent my concerns directly back to the particular neurologist, who basically wrote me stating he gave me excellent services. I never went back or followed up any further. Now that I am older, perhaps wiser, but a better self-advocate, I would have continued up the chain of command. I have seen so many neurologists in my local community and our “parent” clinic three hours away, I’ve lost track. We lose specialists routinely because of our very cold and isolated location, my guess. I have seen all my specialists in person (except one during the height of the covid outbreak), even though it’s a long drive (but manageable-about 6 hours). I have been there this summer and they take the utmost precautions and you always feel safe while you are there. Thanks for sharing your experiences too and be well!
Hi sunnyflower, I take 800 mg of calcium instead of 1200 mg of calcium because of how my digestive system seemed to react...bloating, aching, constipation and such....
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1 ReactionHello, I 'e been taking New Chapter Bone Strength for many years. It's a plant based calcium which is easier to absorb. It has everything in it that one needs. Vitamins D and K, Strontium, etc..
I do exercise but can't bend my knees (bone on bone in left, arthritis not quite as bad on right.) I stand with feet a little apart and shift my weight back and forth miving my arms as much as possible with my joints limitations.
I 've lost 200# over last 3 years, deliberate deprivition, but just learned low calorie diets are terrible for osteoporosis! I've made changes working with a nutritionist.
I' ve had lengthy discussions about the drug options with my endocrinologist who is just precious!
My dentist told me today: Alendronate has long half-life and stays in your for decades. After 3 doses of Reclast, no one will take teeth out if necessary. NO ONE!! Reclast doesn't build bone. So many risks, it's tearing me apart!
I think I have answered your questions.
Hope all is well with you and your family. I wish many blessings for you. Warmest regards, Sunnyflower
@colleenyoung Colleen, I had to drop out of the Mayo Connect for awhile. My daughter was getting off a horse and slipped. the horse stepped on her ankle and she ended up with a compound fracture in the Tibia, was fixed that night. Then a week later they went in to fix the fibula, which had 3 breaks. He put a plate on it and in 8 they will take it out. She was in tremendous pain, but is under control now with oxycodone every 5 hours. She was in the hospital for 13 days, waiting for a rehab place. Last Thursday they moved her to the Rehab Center of Des Moines. We can't see her yet, because of the covid-19. She seeing the surgeon today because it has been so swollen. It has been hard since I can't see her, but we do talk of the phone a lot. Jeanie lilypaws
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2 ReactionsDearest Jeanie lilypaws, I am so very sorry to hear about your daughter's injuries and that she has to be in the hospital without you! That must be torture on you as well!!! I'm wondering if the swelling is due to compartment syndrome. Keep us posted. My hubby had a comminuted fracture of his tibial plateau, the widest part of that bone at the top of it. Shattered. He ended up getting compartment syndrome after his surgical repair, it was an easy fix and all is well. I will be upholding your daughter and your family in prayer and asking the Lord to bathe you in His presence, to give you His comfort and peace through Christ which surpasses all human understanding Philippians 4:7) and to give you solace. Warmest regards, Sunnyflower @colleenyoung