My first post:

I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis about 19 years ago, when I was 51 years old. I have been on one or another of the various bisphosphonates treatments most of that time. After each dexascan I was told that it was doing it's job and the deterioration was holding steady. I was off the medication a few times for dental surgery and because I just got tired of taking it . Turns out that taking a vacation from it is now recommended.

BUT, late last year I developed pains in both thighs, that seemed worse in the days following taking Fosamax. So, I stopped taking it again, without discussing with my doctor or even telling her about the pain. Some days my thighs felt like jello but I did not have any falls.

Then, while away from home in early March, I was hit by a dog. Really! I had just opened a sliding glass door to let the dog in and while still holding the handle he pushed his way in, bounced into my left thigh and kept going. I heard the crack of my femur breaking while I was still standing holding that handle. I eased myself to the floor, not falling, and thus began my next journey.

I had a rod put into my femur and spent just over two weeks in a rehab facility. We did not go home for almost 4 months (another long story involved). I did not go back on the Fosamax. The surgeon said my right femur needed a rod put in before it broke but I was not ready to go through that again. After coming home I started making all the doctors appointments I had avoided for over a year, including seeing my primary care physician and the orthopedic surgeon who had operated on my foot a few years ago after I rolled my ankle and broke two bones.

Surgeon said that the one who had operated on me was right. I need a rod in my unbroken femur and the sooner the better. Not elective surgery. They consider it urgent. There are small stress fractures that are trying to heal themselves but can't without help. It has not been scheduled yet but hopefully will be in the next 2 weeks.

I had my dexa-scan today and saw an endocrinologist. She was able to see the scan less than an hour after it was taken. She agreed I should NOT take a bisphosphonate again and was surprised I was on it for long. She highly recommended Evenity, to start as soon as Medicare approves it.

According to her and from what I have since read, it is NOT recommended for everyone who has osteoporosis. It is only approved for those who have suffered serious injury because of the osteoporosis and are likely to have another break. Femur breaks are a known complication of long term bisphosphonates use, so there is no point in staying on it. I don't have a history of a heart condition or stroke but I know those are some of the possible complications.

I read the posts here and was interested in the different ways it is being injected just under the skin. My doc said it would be in the tummy. I have had that type of injection before and had the bruises and swelling to show for it that took months to go away. Sounds like I should ask her about the various ways and if she recommends one over another.

She did say that the other medications that require an injection are for daily use at home. Those are less likely to receive Medicare approval than Evenity with it's two injections done at the same clinic visit, once a month for 12 months. Once a month beats out daily as far as I am concerned.

I am interested in seeing how others are doing that are on Evenity and in sharing my story once my treatments begin.

Charlene

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