Eileen/annual bone building injection, anyinfo welcome please

In the UK there is a hierarchy which must be worked through in order to get funding - alendronic acid first, str. ranelate second and then you progress as you rule each out because of history or reaction.

If you were on pred you should have been given a dexascan to establish the state of your bones both early on and at intervals while on it (every few years at worst). Now you need one again - and what you need should then be based on the results. Without knowing exactly how good or bad your bone density is no-one can say which you need. If it is good then calcium and vit D may be enough. With a history of 15 years of pred it is more likely to be reduced to some extent. If it is borderline osteoporosis then they will probably start with alendronic acid - for the reasons I gave above but most of the others are similar in effect, just the side effects are different. If it is VERY bad it may need to be Forsteo which is related to parathyroid hormones and activelyincreases the building of new bone - the others just reduce the breakdown of existing bone while bone building continues as normal so Forsteo is more effective. Denosumab is another sort that works in a different way. Both Forsteo and Denosumab cost megabucks in relation to the starting drugs, hence the rules in the UK. It is different if you are in the USA or another healthcare system.

Eileen would i be ok to go on calcium and vit d tablets. thanks

The only reason for not taking calcium and vit D supplements would be if your calcium level in your blood is high or if you have kidney problems. Your vit D level is more likely to be low than high and the usual supplements are quite low dose anyway. Your doctor should have done most of the common blood tests because of the possibility of PMR, they may not have done a vit D test though. Check with your doctor to be sure about calcium tabs.

many thanks

thank you

Just need an ear

we were away in the caravan, but this morning I stepped out of the van and thy step went one way me the other, split head, and have so many bruises and am really sorry for myself, lots of tears, and we have come home

cheers

ann G

Oh dear, not nice.....it seems when we try holidays when not well, it can go pear shaped one way or another.  Hope you are not badly hurt.....and get well soon...feeling for you.  Chin up, and rest I suppose....keep us posted.  Linda.

oh sorry to hear that ann sending you lots of hugs. xxxxxxx

Hi Eileen. I've been reading your dialogue wth Linda. Thanks for all the info. I'm seeing my Doc next week and will be armed with the names of the meds you've mentioned. Like Linda, I have FMS and this Risedronate really swells my throat. Thanks Bebe