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Recently given Alendronic Acid, suffering heartburn anyway...

Posted , 6 users are following.

carrie94038
carrie94038

Hi everyone,

​I recently got diagonised with osteoporosis and was given theiCal-D3 which i have been taking for a while.  I was given the Alendronic Acid, spoke to the NOS and the hospital and was given the impression that side effects are scarce and it was better to take than not take.  I suffered a nasty dose of very bad heartburn a few weeks ago - not taken the alendronic acid yet as I was waiting till I had recovered, thought I had so was going to start the tablets tomorrow, but the heartburn returned with a vengeance yesterday so was uncertain whether I should start the Alendronic Acid as heartburn was a side effect.  Having read all the horrendous side effects that people are suffering I must admit I am scared about starting the tablet; I have M.E./Firomyalgia, Osteo-Arthritis as well as asthma and now the osteoporosis and am still trying to recover from breaking both my wrists last year as I had to have an operation on the left wrist with pins put in, and the soft tissue is still not completely yet recovered so i am still seeing the physio.  I am now really scared and not sure whether i should even start the alendronic acid tablets especially if joint pain seems to be so severe and i suffer with that anyway sad  I was going to speak to the Dr tomorrow re starting them with heartburn or wait, but now i am wondering if should go back and see him and see about trying another drug that does not have so many side effects.  Though as we all know, everything seems to have side effects.  I am now stuck between a rock and a hard place not knowing what to do! 

2 likes, 70 replies

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  • kezzabird30
    kezzabird30 carrie94038

    Posted

    Hi Carrie, my mum has pretty much the same conditions as you. Her doctor tried to ram alendronic acid onto her because it's the cheapest option for them. Within a few hours of taking the first dose my mum was in pain over all the bones in her body.. This eased after a day or two. The next week she took one.. Same again.. This time the pains did not go. Having read all the side effects on the internet I made her stop taking them as have read how the effects are irreversible. I took mum back to the GP and demanded she get sent to rheumatologist. A fab consultant took on board my mums pains and has prescribed strontium renelate. I had never heard of this medication despite reading every webpage I could... Anyway she was prescribed it and we were told it is £300 per prescription as opposed to the £50 that the AA costs the GP.. This is why they send everyone down the AA route. Having now researched this drug.. I can find not one bad thing written about it. It is from a different family of drugs that the bisphonates that AA are. Please, ask to be referred and tell the Rheumy you had bad reaction to AA and discuss the strontium and see if that is better for you. I agree that my mum needed something but I disagreed that AA was the right course of treatment for her. Good luck and I hope you find some relief xx
    • carrie94038
      carrie94038 kezzabird30

      Posted

      Thank you for that ....i am not under a consultant at the moment but it does sound like i need to be referred to someone.  Was it NHS she saw someone?  I took one tablet on Monday with baited breath, but have now decided to stop it and go the natural route which someone recommended.  My osteoporosis is -4 though which is a worry sad  So your suggestion is one i must look into, thank you.  smile  Makes sense sending everyone down the AA route, but i totally agree, the side effects are just not worth adding to a hodgpodge of illnesses already suffering with.  Life is too short to suffer.  xxx
    • kathleen65757
      kathleen65757 kezzabird30

      Posted

      Strontium ranelate has been connected to heart problems unfortunately.

      It is not even offered in Australia.

      If you have thrombosis they are not safe at all.

      I have yet to find a drug that is safe unhappily.

  • kezzabird30
    kezzabird30 carrie94038

    Posted

    Morning, Yes it was through the NHS although we waited 3 months for the appointment and during that time the GP was still trying to insist she take the AA. My mum has 4 spinal compression fractures and 9 fractured ribs. More pain is not something she needs right now! I also spoke to the NOS prior to going to the GP with the AA problem and she never mentioned this strontium at all, she suggested a denumsob (think that was how is was spelt) injection. After investigating it was another version of the AA in injection form. Everyone is different, so please just do what is best for you. My mum felt the risks of frature versus the pain and long term damage from AA was just not worth it. When i spoke to mums rheumy and asked if this was it for my mum, that she would be in pain for the rest of her life, she said absolutely not. Once the strontium started doing its business, the fractures would heal and hopefully no more. My mum is currently on morphine as the pain is so bad. She also have lower back issues from a back op that went wrong years ago and has nerve damage and nerve pain there too and walks with a stick so the options of active exercise are also not an option for her. I really have hight hopes for this. She is on her second sachet of the strontium.... ( you have to mix with water) and so far no side effects but too early to see improvemnet too. Keep your eye open as I promise to put a post on with an update on how the strontium is working out. Good luck and remember, its your body, your pain, do not be ditacted too by anyone on whats best. If you disagree with a course of treatment, dont be scared to put your hand up. My mum's GP has given up trying to argue with me now. I know she is trained as a doctor however when the pain specialist she referred mum to told her to up the morphine, mums GP would not... she is not a pain specialist so why go against the recommensations of a specialist who trained for many years in this area. Good luck xx
    • carrie94038
      carrie94038 kezzabird30

      Posted

      Afternoon, ouch sad your poor Mum.  It would be through the NHS for me too; it is hard to wait as long as we have too sometimes but I guess we are very lucky to even have the NHS.    I think I agree with your Mum.  Suffering more problems for having a drug that is supposed to sort ONE problem just seems unfair sad  It does sound like this strontium is worth looking into, I haven't had the time to research it yet, but I definately will.  My Zinc, and K2 have come today so will start them today or tomorrow.  Lore, your Mum must be in agony....being on such strong painkillers doesn't help either so i hope the strontium eases things for her soon.  I will defo keep my eyes open for your update on how strontium is working and will be very interested in finding out.  I have not got much faith in GP's i must admit, they really do not seem to have the time and care needed to give us all the attention needed.  I know they are busy ppl and have lots of ppl to see and treat, but it does seem to be a conveyor type system now, they just want to write you a prescription giving you their opinion, and move on.  It is just not what we patents need now.  We need time and care and attention to make the best choice for us all dependent upon our individual needs and pain.  I had to 'paddle my own canoe' so to speak with my M.E. and Fibromyalgia, and now it seems for this too sad  So thank goodness for kind ppl like yourself and the others I have spoken to for giving your support and advice on this minefield we have to all walk through.  I certainly will not be bullied by the Dr's.....the more I find out, the more i need to know I have to make the best choice for me, whatever that might be, just as your Mum did.  Good luck to her and you, I really hope the strontium works and eases things for her soon.  And thank you smile  Kind Regards Carrie
    • Anhaga
      Anhaga carrie94038

      Posted

      I'm on a device right now which won't let me open another browser simultaneously but I did read a few months ago that strontium ranelate has not been approved everywhere yet.  There is a natural form of strontiun which you might look into, strontium citrate. As I said, it's a bit difficult for me to get more details just now. Strontium makes bones more dense because it replaces calcium in the body.  The body prefers calcium which is needed for other processes as well as bone building, so cslcium and strontium must not be taken close together.  Ranelate is a patented form, presumably so someone can make lots of money.
    • carrie94038
      carrie94038 Anhaga

      Posted

      Hi, thank you for that.  A natural form of strontium, strontium citrate.  I will definately look into that. 

      ​I am beginning to think more that i ought to see a consultant about all this, as i have just been floundering since breaking both my wrists last December.  It was the fracture clinic that arranged for the dexa scan, then when i went to the GP for results as I was unsure where else to go, he seemed a bit vague.  I think I need someone on my side with it all.  I am a -4 from the dexa scan, so not good.  I have started on the K2 and Zinc which was I was kindly told about by someone else so I am hoping that, with theical-D3 will help a bit.  I am also on HRT which apparently, if you have osteoporosis, is a good thing. 

      ​Hm....yes, I am sure someone somewhere is making money from all this!

      ​Thanks for your advice and good luck to you, and your Mum..

      ​Kind Regards.

    • carrie94038
      carrie94038 Anhaga

      Posted

      Been researching the strontium a bit....some reports say that it is normally only given to women over the age of 70??  As I'm only 53 I wonder if that will count against me?

      ​Kind Regards.

    • Anhaga
      Anhaga carrie94038

      Posted

      I've been rereading a book called vitamin k2 and the calcium paradox.  It is really interesting and describes how various micronutrients work together to promote optimal bone health. 
    • carrie94038
      carrie94038 Anhaga

      Posted

      Hi,

      ​So it really does seem to be a good thing.  Anything natural i can do to help myself I really want to do.  I take enough other medication (have a feeling the osteoporosis was due to steroid use because of my asthma as blood tests came back normal for thyroid which is another indicator), and together with my other health problems, enough is enough!  I'd be interested if you come across anything further with K2 and calcium smile

    • kezzabird30
      kezzabird30 carrie94038

      Posted

      Thanks for your kind words. Wilder update you. Good luck to you too xx
    • carrie94038
      carrie94038 kezzabird30

      Posted

      Hi, thanks for that; just goes to show how some info can be misleading!  xx
    • carrie94038
      carrie94038 kezzabird30

      Posted

      Tou are very welcome....and yes I will look forward to any updates smile  xx
    • kezzabird30
      kezzabird30 carrie94038

      Posted

      I suspect it down to cost again!! Such a shame I have so little faith in our GP.. It always boils down to money x
    • carrie94038
      carrie94038 kezzabird30

      Posted

      Think you're right sad  It shouldn't be....but seems to every time sad 

      ​I have recently lost the GP i saw as she has moved away, and the others seem to prefer the 'conveyor belt' ie in/problem/solution/out without any real compassion or understand of the patient as a whole.  I think I need to be referred to see a Rheumatologist and just find out more about what is right for me.  In the meantime, I need to gather all the research I can and I am starting helping myself with the K2 etc.  xxx

    • kezzabird30
      kezzabird30 carrie94038

      Posted

      I've not read the post properly yet are K2 but I will. Keep in touch and let me know if doctor refers you. X
    • Handbrake
      Handbrake Anhaga

      Posted

      Jean, prawns,muscles and other ' bottom feeder fish are also thought to contain strontium...but difficult to know how much to eat, I also came across an article on the internet which suggested it didn't matter what form it was in i.e. Citrate or other because it was the strontium itself that made the difference to bones. It does seem that marine sources of minerals appear to fare better in our bodies! Mind you I suppose what geographical area might influence things somewhat 😄
    • Anhaga
      Anhaga Handbrake

      Posted

      Ranelate is the patented form, a manmade version, which is not found in nature.  It also is not approved for use in all countries.  I think citrate is the usual supplement we can buy.  I haven't pursued this any further as so far I don't believe I need to.  I don't have osteoporosis, just run the risk of developing it because of my medication for PMR, so have been arguing, politely enough, with my doctor about my refusal to take any OP meds.  I'm determined to show her that my natural methods will work for me, but I have to stress that I don't consider myself to be in a "danger" zone, at least not at present.
    • carrie94038
      carrie94038 Anhaga

      Posted

      Hi Jean,

      ​Just had something through from my OP clinic which mentions strontium Renelate but not the citrate.  I am wondering - as I am so against the AA - if the strontium would be the way to go perhaps if offered to me - as unfortunately I am in the danger zone sad 

      ​The more I talk to ppl the more ppl I come across totally against the AA and preferring the natural way.    Good on you for staying strong in the face of medical adversity!  smile

      ​kind regards Carrie

    • carrie94038
      carrie94038 Handbrake

      Posted

      Hi Handbrake,

      ​Interesting.  I didn't know strontium was in feeder fish.  I am not a big lover of fish so will be looking into the natural version of strontium for sure. smile  Very interesting that the article suggested as long as one took on board strontium that was the important thing. 

      ​I really must improve my love of fish which I am not keen on at the moment but the benefits do seem to be very beneficial smile

      ​kind regards Carrie

    • carrie94038
      carrie94038 Handbrake

      Posted

      Hi Handbrake,

      ​Just reread some information Colin sent me, and it lists strontium as 680 mg for bone health common therapeutic range if that helps.

      ​kind regards Carrie

    • carrie94038
      carrie94038 Anhaga

      Posted

      Jean,

      ​Quick question; any particular makes recommended for Strontium Citrate? 

      ​Thanks smile

      Kind Regards Carrie

    • Handbrake
      Handbrake carrie94038

      Posted

      Interesting Carrie and good to know, if you find out any info on foodstuff strontium content I'd be really interested to hear that also 🤗 

      Have a great day

      Patty

    • carrie94038
      carrie94038 Handbrake

      Posted

      Hi Patty

      I will try and find the link Colin sent me and message you smile

      kind regards Carrie

    • Anhaga
      Anhaga carrie94038

      Posted

      Sorry, I don't know anything about that, and I wouldn't consider myself competent to recommend any particular brand of supplement.
    • Anhaga
      Anhaga Handbrake

      Posted

      The problem with strontium from the food supply is that it varies according to the soil it was grown in.  Apparently seafood, especially shellfish, is a reliable source.  Dairy, and, depending on the soil, many different vegetables.
    • Anhaga
      Anhaga carrie94038

      Posted

      I think if you do some reading you will find that ranelate has nothing to recommend it over citrate - just that it can line the pockets of the pharmaceutical industry.  The usual osteoporosis anti-drug websites have some things to say about ranelate and its possible drawbacks. I don't think it has even been approved in the US, but I could be wrong.  
    • Handbrake
      Handbrake carrie94038

      Posted

      Hi Carrie,

      From my reading I've found  that strontium is claimed to promote bone formation and decreases bone absorption  and several people have discussed this on the Internet using the strontium citrate supplement has reduced their bone pain and claimed increased bone density, however, the critics argue that strontium causes the outer cortical bone to become thicker but actually reduces tensile strength ( amount of pushing and pulling a bone can take) thereby increasing fracture risks and because strontium is denser than calcium it is difficult to assess bone density improvement.

      At this point I suspect strontium may be helpful in reducing bone pain  but does little to improve bone strength and reduce risk of fracture🤗🤗🤗

    • Handbrake
      Handbrake Anhaga

      Posted

      Yes I read that too,also food labels on these food items don't include strontium levels so we do not know if strontium is in or not, never the less will include prawns in my diet choices ,which by the way is becoming increasingly more interesting.Ijust have to remember to take my calcium at a different time to my sea food platter haha😃
    • carrie94038
      carrie94038 Handbrake

      Posted

      Hi Patty

      Oh sad 

      ​This gets so confusing, as I thought it helped increase bone density.....from what you say it sounds like it is maybe no different to AA?? 

      This is all such a minefield to get my head around....thanks for sharing that info.

      BTW did you get link ok or did I mess it up?! wink lol

      Hope you have a good day.

      ​kind regards Carrie

    • carrie94038
      carrie94038 Anhaga

      Posted

      Hi Jean,

      Ahh.  I get it.  Thanks.

      ​kind regards Carrie

    • carrie94038
      carrie94038 Handbrake

      Posted

      Hi Patty,

      Hope you got link - if I did it right!! - thru ok.  Let me know if not and I will try again smile

      ​kind regards Carrie

    • Handbrake
      Handbrake carrie94038

      Posted

      I agree Carrie, so it doesn't sound suitable for us at this stage but might be worth considering as our futures unfold. I'm 2years menapausal so thinking that bio identical hormones may be worth looking into ( based on osteoporosis particularly prevalent in first 5 years post menapause)I'm currently off prednisolone for PMR so hoping that will slow things down along with supplements which I'm finding is a mine field in itself making sure that they all get absorbed! 😬
    • Anhaga
      Anhaga Handbrake

      Posted

      What I understand about strontium as a supplement is that it helps to give a higher density reading, which is what the doctors want to see.  This is when it replaces calcium.  On the other hand, in the normal course of things, strontium is just one of many micronutrients that contribute to healthy bone remodelling, and what we get in our food should be all we require.
    • kathleen65757
      kathleen65757 kezzabird30

      Posted

      I am sorry about your mum and it is her and your choice what she does for her osteoporosis so I hope the strontium ranelate works for her. I was speaking generally before as there is a warning about it.

      Of course everything has to be weighed up but I have found nothing safe for me yet.

    • carrie94038
      carrie94038 Handbrake

      Posted

      Hi Patty,

      So sorry, will try again later.  I am so rubbish at this technology stuff!! lol

      ​kind regards Carrie

    • carrie94038
      carrie94038 Handbrake

      Posted

      Hi Patty

      ​I'm about the same as you menopausal wise and am on HRT.

      ​I think I agree with your thinking; please tell me if I am on the wrong track, but it seems from yours and reading other comments that something like strontium or whatever the medics push onto us, may be useful in say 10 years time, but for now we are better to try and improve our health, our food intake, our supplements, and protect our bones as best we can with hormones.

      ​Have I summed things up or am I on the wrong thinking?

      ​As for the strontium citr...I ordered some thinking it would help, and as the supplements section I have seemed to indicate, a small amount taken as a supplement, could help. 

      This truly is a minefield for us to get our heads round!!

      ​Have a good day, kind regards Carrie

    • Handbrake
      Handbrake carrie94038

      Posted

      Hi Carrie, they are my thoughts also.Are you taking bio identical HRT? My Gp is on holiday so I am waiting till he gets back to discuss it In the meantime my calcium supplement includes other essential minerals and soy isoflavine and omega. So I'm hoping this slows the osteoporosis process. I've certainly addressed my diet and I'm surprised to find I'm enjoying it! I do need to work out what amount of nutrients I'm taking so that I'm not overdosing though haha! 

       

    • carrie94038
      carrie94038 Handbrake

      Posted

      Hi Patty

      ​Interestingly I was wondering about going back on Omega 3,6,9.  I stopped my soya isaflavones once I started the HRT; no idea if it is bio identical I'm afraid, it is Femoston Conti which I started last October after mulling the situation over for months as I wasn't sure whether to or not!  I am wondering if it is the right one for me as my hormones do not feel 'right' which I appreciate doesn't make much sense but can't think of a better word at the moment lol smile  I was told it would help the OP, but would take time by my GP.  Will have another go in a mo with the link else will ask Colin to send to you as he sent it to me and is far more au fait with technology than me! smile

      It is so hard with getting the balance right with the nutrients!!!!  With you there! lol

      ​Take care, kind regards Carrie

    • Handbrake
      Handbrake carrie94038

      Posted

      HI Carrie, just check that your hrt is oestrogen and progesterone,mine was progesterone only (no bone benefit) so I stopped it. However you do need progesterone protection if taking oestrogen. I'm still keen to find out more about bio identical HRT though if you hear of anything please message me 🤗 
    • Anhaga
      Anhaga carrie94038

      Posted

      googling the drug you named it looks like the estrogen is bio-identical.  Didn't read much.  Your feeling a bit not like yourself could perhaps be due to dosage, if it's replacing something that had been reduced in your body for some time and you're suddenly back to where you were ten years ago it's likely to feel different.confused
    • carrie94038
      carrie94038 Handbrake

      Posted

      Hi Patty

      ​Just read from Colin, so glad, as I still haven't mastered the link bit yet!! smile

      Hope it helps smile

      ​kind regards Carrie

    • carrie94038
      carrie94038 Anhaga

      Posted

      Hi Jean,

      ​Apologies, I have forgotten, but is bio-identical better?

      ​I do wonder if something else is going on with me - not just the hormones, but am querying the hrt with the Dr next week to see.  I was getting on ok with it I thought, but maybe need to try something slightly different.  Back a looooong (!) time ago when I was on the pill, I had to try various ones before I had the right one, so maybe it is the same with HRT.

      Thanks again.

      ​kind regards Carrie

    • carrie94038
      carrie94038 Handbrake

      Posted

      Hi Patty,

      ​Jean has checked and apparently the one I am on is bio identical. 

      ​I am seeing my GP next week so will see what she says as I am wondering if I need a slightly different one to suit me, but obviously one that is still right for me and my bones.

      I will certainly message you if I hear of anything else smile

      So hard trying to work out what is right isn't it. 

      ​Take care, kind regards Carrie

    • Anhaga
      Anhaga carrie94038

      Posted

      Apparently (and I'm only saying what I've heard) bio-identical HRT does not run the same risks of cancer, etc., that HRT derived from horse urine does. As I've never taken either, I know only what I've read from other's postings.
    • carrie94038
      carrie94038 Anhaga

      Posted

      Hi Jean,

      OK.....interesting.  Thank you smile

      kind regards Carrie

    • Handbrake
      Handbrake carrie94038

      Posted

      Hi Carrie, You can get a patch although can't say the name on here but if you google bio identical hrt you'll find it.. It might suit you better😃 
    • carrie94038
      carrie94038 Handbrake

      Posted

      Hi Jean

      Thank you and apologies for taking so long to respond. smile

      ​kind regards Carrie

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