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Treating Osteoporosis: What works for you?
Hi. I'm new to the site and am interested in treating osteoperosis. I'm 39 yo and recently had a bone density that showed I'm at -2.4. So, going through the intial "I can't believe it" stuff. 🙂
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I have taken both Forteo & Prolia. I have necrosis of the jaw probably from years of Fosomax, Boniva etc. Had my 1 st Prolia injection 6 mos ago & may discontinue d/t significant constipation. Had some back pain in the first month or so. Both of these symptoms are a puzzle to my MD as she has never heard of anyone having these although the Prolia website says these are the two most common reasons people discontinue. All this is very discouraging.
Harborside if you haven't read my post do its under lioness
Thank you so much for your input. I have now experienced a slight compression fracture in the spine, but am still hesitant to take Prolia. My gut is telling me not to do it. Your experience just confirms that. There has to be another way!
Let me throw in my two cents worth on Prolia. I was diagnosed with breast cancer 2-1/2 years ago. After surgery and radiation I was put on Arimidex to hopefully prevent a recurrence of my hormone receptive positive breast cancer. Because this drug depletes calcium in the body, and the fact that I was already showing signs of osteoporosis, I was also put on Prolia. I have had five shots. I recently discontinued taking the Arimidex because of the side effects and therefore my oncologist decided I no longer need any more Prolia shots. It’s hard for me to say which side effects came from the Arimidex and which came from the Prolia, but I definitely experienced a wide range of side effects. I’m all for doing whatever it takes to stay alive and healthy but, my experience with these two drugs detracted far too much from my current quality of life. I realize I’m not going to live forever and I want the best possible day every day that I am alive. For the record, my side effects included weight gain, joint pain, joint weakness, an occasional weird rash, digestive issues (don’t ask), insomnia, hair thinning, mood swings, leg cramps, swelling in feet and hands (had to get my rings sized and buy a size larger shoe), hot Flashes/Cold Sweats. . . (Maybe a few others that escape me now). I think you can see why I chose to discontinue use. My surgeon and my oncologist have been very supportive of this decision.
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2 ReactionsYou are one of the few I have seen who has done so well on Prolia. My doctors are encouraging me to use it, but I am scared to death due to so many people who have experienced terrible side effects. Do you have any advice for me?
If you take thyroid med for Hashimoto's (thyroid problems are very common), and you took too much, some studies show that it can result in lower bone density. You would want to make sure that your TSH levels were not out-of-whack. As to calcium, studies of people who eat a lot of calcium in their diets have apparently not shown any increase in calcium plaques, but taking high calcium supplements may be associated with plaques because the body is not excreting the calcium. You can find more information in a search. My doctor told me to get all my calcium from diet. Hope you find something that works for you.
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3 Reactions@beryl. I do take D5000 and magnesium as these are need by your organs and calcium but watch your labs and talk to Dr about calcium if its within range you dont want to hurt by taking if you don't need it.
I am glad to hear that you don't have to take calcium, but do you take vit. D it is so important for you not to be low ....Beryl
I know its important to take calcium IF your blood count is low but dont take it everyday or yes unfortunately you will get into trouble your food has calcium in it My Dr told me I have Osteopenia 20 years ago and said dont take extra calcium your blood count is within range so I havent and I dont have osteoporosis . Im sorry to say but it was good PR that made us all think we need to take it . Im sorry to hear of everyone that has it .
I have had one Prolia injection. I had terrible back pain and increased constipation. However my doctor dismisses this is unrelated to Prolia