Osteoporosis

[ethandron]

Do any of you ladies here suffer from this? If so, how did you find out? Did you have any symptoms or unexpected broken bones? Are you on any medication (I imagine you are if you have a diagnosis)? Do you experience any side effects from the medication? Has it affected your lifestyle significantly, or not at all?
Thanks in advance from a recently diagnosed and slightly shocked eth.

[chrissa1]

Yes, I have it. It was diagnosed in 2008 when I fell backwards and broke my wrist in two places. It doesn't affect my lifestyle apart from having to take the pill Alendronic Acid once a week and stying upright for half an hour.

[chrissa1]

* staying.

[LoftyLottie]

I am borderline ethandron. Found out from an Xray when I fractured my back.

Now have three yearly bone density scans and no real change. Initially was prescribed Aledronic Acid and Calcium by my GP, but Aledronic Acid really did upset my IBS, so am now just on Calcium. I am very arthritic so not exactly the most active person regarding sports and things. It hasn't really affected by life. Apparently load bearing exercises can help, but you need professional help on what you can do and what it's bad to do.

The back fracture was not unexplained. I had a really bad fall. So the osteo can't be blamed.

[LoftyLottie]

It was my Rheumatologist who took me off the Alendrolic acid, but if it progresses no doubt I will have to go back on it. Apparently, you can now have monthly injections instead of taking it in tablet form.

[cathfromsaron]

sorry to hear this. they say the first signs are breaking your arm and getting shorter.

the osteoporosis society has lots of info:

http://www.nos.org.uk/page.aspx?pid=183

cath x

[LoftyLottie]

I have gone from just under 5'10" to just under 5'7". I am not amused!!!

[jamesnan]

My mum had osteoporosis and therefore I was advised to have a bone scan when I was about 48 to find out if I had any sign of it. I was told that it was mild, and that I would be put on medication to stop it becoming any worse - it could not be cured, but halted - anyway, I have taken Alendronic Acid every week ever since, had no problems at all.
I was also advised that my three daughters, and my sister, should be bone-scanned when they reached their 40's to check if they had any symptoms. One daughter is borderline, and the others clear at the moment.

[Brinjal]

When I go for my mammogram about every three years I do the bone density scan as well. My bone density was quite reduced from the previous scan so I have also started on Alendronic. Apart from staying upright for about half hour. (I go for a walk). I have been told I should avoid dairy for that day and not take my calcium supplement but don't have any side effects. I believe it can be quite harsh on your stomach but even tho I do have stomach problems the Alendronic doesn't affect me.

[LoftyLottie]

My last density scan showed that my hip bone density had increased. This is good, but I don't really understand how that can happen. I will discuss it with my specialist in June at my next check up.

[chrissa1]

I've never thought to measure my height LL.

[ethandron]

Thank you for sharing your experiences ladies :)
No matter how much information you read about something (and I've read reams and reams) I really wanted to hear from those who actually have it and find your postings very reassuring. As it was the last thing I thought I would ever have, I was very shocked to be told about it yesterday.
Thanks again x

[Brinjal]

Alendronic can actually soften the bones in some women so doesn't suit everyone.

[johnny37]

For info. Men can get it too! I think mine is a side effect of being coeliac. Am on alendronic acid. I find the tablet sticks in my throat. Not sure if that is a problem. Clinic said come back in three to five years!

[LoftyLottie]

Chrissa, I get measured before bone scans and at every and I keep shrinking!!

[LoftyLottie]

That posted before I inserted 'and at every rheumatology appointment'.

Soon I will be LittleLoftie instead of LoftyLottie ;o(

[Brinjal]

That is one of the problems Johnny that is why you are supposed to stay standing for awhile after. Do you take the tablet with a very large glass of warm water.

[LoftyLottie]

To be honest Ethandron I don't even think about it, so it hasn't altered my life in any way at all. It is good you are aware now that you have it, I think there are many people out there with it who probably don't know so are more at risk.

Good luck and don't worry x

[ethandron]

I've not been told to take it with warm water, nor to not take the calcium supplement or avoid dairy for that day either. Just to take it with at least 7oz of water and stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking it, the reason for which I understand. What I don't quite understand and can't find a proper explanation for is the oral/jaw problems which can be associated with it. I'm the sort of person who needs to know and understand as much as possible about something like this so that I know exactly what I'm dealing with.
I'm sure once I get my head round it lottie, I'll be fine and forget about it in the main, thanks for your good wishes, and for everyone's helpful replies.

[chrissa1]

I take mine with a pint of cold water and have never been told to lay off dairy foods on that day either ethandron.

[RATTER15]

about 12 of my ladies take Alendronic Acid, none of them could possibly stand for half an hour, most cant even stand, they dont appear to have a problem with it.