06-02-23, 04:00 PM | |
Join Date: Jun 2009
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Thanks for starting this topic and thanks to those sharing experiences.
It’s hard to know what to do. DEXA is recommended only for over 65 unless there are risk factors. I don’t have risk factors, and neither do most that I know who are getting one at menopause or even before, yet everyone is doing it, either requesting or recommended by doctors. One doctor said that not taking estrogen is a risk factor, but that isn’t listed anywhere I can find, and if that’s true, why isn’t DEXA recommended for everyone who is postmenopausal? I’ve said no just because I’m young to consider meds. Maybe later. Maybe there will be better understanding of factors that better predict fractures, rather than the situation we have now where treatment is mostly based on bone density. I don’t think it would do me any good now to know that I am osteopenic. I decided a while back to live as though I am, lift weights, do some impact as I am able, watch vitamins D and K, and eat well. I did what I was told and took lots of calcium in my 20’s and 30’s, and it turns out that was probably not great, certainly not the most impactful thing I could have done. I am sorry for those who are further along in the journey and facing decisions about what to do. |
06-02-23, 04:12 PM | |
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: MI
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I would stay away from the IV osteoporosis medications they are the worst. Can cause necrotic bone after extractions. It stays in your body for YEARS. A patient has lost half her jaw. Fosamax is worse if you are on it for several years. Personally I will never take them.
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06-02-23, 05:57 PM | ||
VF Supporter
Join Date: Nov 2001
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Quote:
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Goal:250 / Done:67 POSTURE CHECK! |
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06-03-23, 07:06 AM | |
VF Supporter
Join Date: Apr 2002
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pgun3 and Alta - thank you for your comments related to dental work. Yeah, before my Zometa infusion, I had to be cleared by my dentist. Apparently many people have their osteoporosis infusions delayed because you have to have any possible dental work done in advance. My dentist, who I rely on for advice on health in general, was very concerned. I'm on a strict dental hygiene routine. You both have given me more to think about ... I don't mean to be morbid at all, but we all have to die sometime. I'd rather do what I can to stay healthy and strong, and live as good as a life as I can, rather than pour harmful "medicines" into my body that could do other, severe damage.
-Anita
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“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!” -- Hunter S. Thompson Current Rotations: JSmith: STRENGTHEN ManFlowYoga: morning sessions & Strength Foundations YogaGlo & MFML: easy, morning classes |
06-03-23, 12:58 PM | |
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Join Date: Nov 2001
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FirmDancer/Anita - I somehow missed your earlier post. I'm so sorry you had to go through that! I'm praying for your best outcome. (((hugs)))
Doctors want to give us drugs and then forget about us. In the meantime, we are home alone having to deal with the aftermath. If you question the drugs, they label you as "non-compliant." And trying to get a follow-up appointment is often difficult. I went through a few years of GERD. The GI doc had me on Prilosec 2x per day. When it didn't help, he suggested 3x per day! I then became non-compliant. I later read that Prilosec is bad for bones as it affects calcium absorption. I did have bone loss from that. He never said a thing about that. I'm not anti-drug by any means. I just have trouble with some doctors (who sometimes get kickbacks from drug companies for writing prescriptions).
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Goal:250 / Done:67 POSTURE CHECK! |
06-03-23, 01:49 PM | |
Join Date: Aug 2002
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I'm not crazy about going on drugs, but my grandmother suffered for decades with spinal fractures, and my mother has been for over a decade now. It's what stole their quality of life in their later years, and made it a living hell. That scares me more than the drugs.
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Nancy S. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* You're only 1 workout away from a good mood. |
06-03-23, 03:56 PM | |
Join Date: Apr 2006
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I took Evista for osteoporosis for 7 years, starting at age 52. After my first two years on it, my DXA scan showed no change (this was actually good as it meant things were stabilized after several years of progressive loss). After four years on it, my DXA scan showed a small improvement. After six years on it, I had significant improvement - enough to be out of osteoporosis and back into osteopenia range.
Unfortunately, at 59 I've developed high blood pressure and have had to start taking meds for that. I'm not blaming Evista for my blood pressure problem, but dealing with high blood pressure has made me more aware of and less comfortable with blood clot/stroke risks. So, with my Endo's knowledge and consent, I've recently stopped taking Evista. I will go without medication for osteo for the rest of this year, and then we will talk about other options after my DXA scan next year at 60. I'm not looking forward to that conversation as I don't have good feelings about Prolia or Reclast or any of the oral bisphosphonates. The only side effect I had from Evista was hot flashes (which happened on a pretty much daily basis), but they were bearable. |
Tags |
bisphosphonates, bone density, bone loss, dexa, osteopenia, osteoporosis, osteoporosis meds, vibration, vibration machine |
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