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PMR and osteoporosis.

Posted , 14 users are following.

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My Gp called me yesterday to say my dexa scan results are back and they show osteoporosis. He's asked me to have some blood tests then see him next week to discuss results and start Alendronate. Im really wary of starting these tablets because of the nasty side effects so wondered if anyone had experience of them that they could share.

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  • maid_mariane
    maid_mariane Handbrake

    Posted

    My rumi put me on it and gave me the monthly pill. My pharmacist recommend the weekly for fewer side effects and my GP recommend none and said no nobel prize will be won on these drugs.

    I took the weekly pill and suffered with flu like symptoms all weekend so said no way, my bones are good right now.

    My rumi is still pushing but now a daily pill but i will hold off till my next scan. I eat hords of cheese and cream daily plus my vitamins. Everyone is different and I'm extremely sensitive to these drugs that we need and literally have the majority of side effects.

    Hope this helps Mariane

    • Handbrake
      Handbrake maid_mariane

      Posted

      thank you,I'm not sure how severe my results are but will ask at my GP appointment next week. How often do you go for scans? I'm really not keen to start these drugs if I can help it 
    • maid_mariane
      maid_mariane Handbrake

      Posted

      In Canada i go yearly. Eye appointments once on prednisone is every 6 months. I see my rumi every 2-3 months.
    • maid_mariane
      maid_mariane Handbrake

      Posted

      I meant to tell you on one of the other forums this was discussed and i believe it was said the drug actually hardens the bone making them more susceptible to break.

      I'm sure someone like Eileen will give you the facts.

    • Handbrake
      Handbrake maid_mariane

      Posted

      That's good and enables you to keep an eye on things. Has your diet improved things?
    • maid_mariane
      maid_mariane Handbrake

      Posted

      I am on a low carb diet so i eat lots of cheese and milk products. I don't count calories and no problem keeping my weight in check.

      My husband is on the same and lost weight and at his physical was the best yet including his cholesterol was never better.

      Hope this helps.

    • Handbrake
      Handbrake maid_mariane

      Posted

      Interesting, I was mindful of anti inflammatory foods so reduced amount of cheese and milk opting for eggs and yoghurt instead so possibly need to rethink the foods I eat. I thought my diet had helped my PMR symptoms but it appears to be at the detriment of my bone health whilst taking prednisolone
  • MaryPat
    MaryPat Handbrake

    Posted

    I take this weekly and so far have had no adverse side effects. As has been said previously we are all affected in different ways with the drugs we take. You could always try it to see if it works for you..if not you can always stop .
    • Handbrake
      Handbrake MaryPat

      Posted

      thanks MaryPat,it's reassuring to here someone who has taken it without side effects are you still taking prednisolone?
  • Susanne_M_UK
    Susanne_M_UK Handbrake

    Posted

    I take weekly alendronic acid and have done for about 18 months. So far, no side effects. I'm on a high dose of pred for GCA. My DEXA scan showed that I have osteopenia, which is the stage before osteoporosis.
  • MaryPat
    MaryPat Handbrake

    Posted

    Hi again...yes still on pred.Have been for 3 years and have had a bit of an up/down situation with it. Have been down to 4mg a couple of times but now back up to 12 because of recent flare after picking up a viral infection. At the moment feeling ok. Hope you sort out your situation soon.
    • Handbrake
      Handbrake MaryPat

      Posted

      OH no sorry to hear of your recent flare MaryPat hope you feel better soon. My PMR symptoms have been really settled at 1.5 mg prednisolone so was feeling really lucky at the moment however it just goes to show with my dexa scan results that you never know what's lurking underneath!

      take care x

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