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Medicines or Supplements?

Posted , 8 users are following.

wendy74771
wendy74771

Hello everyone, I just turned 72 and have been diagnosed osteopenic with a T-Score of -2.4 (the worst of two - the other being -1.9) and my gp prescribed Androlic Acid (once a week tablet), and Calcium Carbonate and Vit D chewable tablets daily.He referred me to this website.  A year ago I had 2 surgeries on the same hip as an infection had set into my prosthesis, which had to be removed and replaced 2 months later after I'd stopped walking on that leg, and taken antibiotics. Because of the hip prosthesis (I have both hips replaced), I am not too hot on exercise although by watching diet, and loosening up and doing basic leg lifts I have kept in good shape and am not overweight. HOWEVER I'm apprehensive about starting the Androlic Acid, partly because of blogs I've just red on th is website but also because I see constipation as one possible side effect. And someone mentioned that it only h elps for a few years - so isn't there a better approach than this? I've also read in many places online that an acidic body predisposes to other health p roblems.

Does anyone have advice for me? I'm also wondering whether you have any opinions about calcium carbonate being any better than calcium citrate?

thanks for anything -

wendy74771

1 like, 29 replies

29 Replies

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  • kathleen65757
    kathleen65757 wendy74771

    Posted

    Firstly, Wendy, AA should not, in my opinion, be given for osteopenia only osteoporosis and even then not the,best option before trying some natural routes.

    Some good people on here even though we do not always agree which is good because you get more than one way of looking at this.

    Vitamin K2 can be added to your regimen. 

    Although it is not weight bearing the pool is great for people who are not active with issues that make it very hard to be so. In the pool I have a number of great exercises taught by physios. You can add step ups using the pool steps and resistance must be weight bearing to a point and better than nothing!

    I even have a packet of A A tablets bit something prevented me from starting them, I worried about my osphagus with the swallowing regime being so strict as well as other arguments that,can be put forward.

    If I have one piece of advice it is to read widely about this and research online as much as you can because you are in charge of your health and you have choices. Don't rush into taking any Meds without being thoroughly informed.

    All the best, Wendy!

    • Anhaga
      Anhaga kathleen65757

      Posted

      When I ws diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica and put on prednisone my GP considered putting me on AA as a prophylactic measure.  Yikes!  I'd never had a bone scan and it was I who eventually asked to be sent for one.  In the meantime, of course, I'd had time to do a lot of reading!  
    • kathleen65757
      kathleen65757 Anhaga

      Posted

      I think that is the key, read and research! I balked at taking AA and glad I did! 

      So, the most important thing to tell people is read and decide.

      I like the opposing arguments on here especially from two obviously clever ladies with the for and against. Both have points and give you something to ponder. 

      J and A and you probably know who I mean. They are eloquent and debate their arguments clearly.

    • wendy74771
      wendy74771 kathleen65757

      Posted

      Something prevented me going on the

      AA tablets also, Kathleen. I just didn't feel right about it - especially in view what youpoint out with the swallowing regime. I don't swallow anything easily unless it is very lubricated, and the last thing I want is to have to look out for yet another allergic reaction, as I have a whole list already of antibiotics and a few other meds that I react to in ways I prefer to avoid (including constipation). I love swimming but I don't do it - the pool therapy provided after the surgeries I had turned out to be not much  help as parking is almost impossible near the hospital,. and getting undressed/dressed, and walking all over the hospital to get to the exit makes the benefits (to me) counterproductive. I havent yet got up the courage to go to a public swim pool, as I can only swim on my back and don't like the risk of bumping into others (the hip surgeries pre empt stomach swimming - I can't master the crawl!).

      Otherwise I'd do the swimming like a shot.

      I will indeed keep researching. and Vitamin K is a good reminder for which, thanks also.

      smile

  • alison28608
    alison28608 wendy74771

    Posted

    Hi Wendy. You are very much on the border between osteopina and osteoperosis with your score. If I were you, I certainly would be trying to up my calcium, vit D, K2 magnesium and exercise, before considering anything else. If, later, your score is worse, that would be the time to re think. I have been taking calcium carbonate. It tends to not cause the acid problems often asssociated with the calcium citrate, but we are all different. After 7 months of taking bisphosphonates, I feel good. Started a new exercise class 3 weeks ago, in the gym 3 times a week and walking my socks off too. I have always had a good diet and enjoyed exercise, never smoked so was really annoyed when I got this diagnosis after 2 fractured vertebrae. Very painful, and I dont want another. My risk of more fractures was much higher than the risk of side effecs from the meds, so I did what I felt was right for me. I have read up a lot on the web from the Mayo clinic site. I have found this to be very helpful. Work hard to stay under the osteoperosis level. It will be worth it. Good luck
    • wendy74771
      wendy74771 alison28608

      Posted

      Hi Alison, thanks for pointing out that I'm on the border, not yet into the classification of osteoporousis. It occurs to me after reading all the very kind responses to my first posting, that the very fact that I wasn't allowed to walk for 2 months and then foun d it too painful to put more than the tiniest bit of pressure on the left leg for months after that, that the lack of pressure on (at least that leg) didn't help strengthen the bones. Actually, the density test took my left arm and lower back, and the left arm was the worst of the two. you're right about side effects from medicine - I don't balk at adding simple things like calcium or magnesium or whatever of that kind, but more chemically created, complex approaches are more questionable. I can only imagine how much you hurt after 2 fractured vertebrae! Ouch. My hubbie slipped a disc in his back the week before my second surgery, and suffered close to agony for a week or so. I haven't yet checked the May clinic site (been out of town) but intend to - thanks for that!

      smile

       

    • wendy74771
      wendy74771

      Posted

      OOps. Sorry, Alison, I meant to write 'Mayo clinic' which you recommended.

       

  • Soozib
    Soozib wendy74771

    Posted

    Hi Wendy

    You are doing really well to be in good shape and not overweight after all you have been through.  I haven't had nearly as many problems because I was prescribed Alendronic Acid following a fall and a broken knee, which has since healed.  Blood tests showed that I didn't need calcium or vitamin D so it was just the AA that I had to decide upon.  I decided against taking it after having done some research on the web about side effects and also after talking to some people who are taking it.  If you ask around, I bet you will find some too.  Several of them had had problems with side effects, mostly to do with dry throats or digestion and had been put on other medication. So there are alternatives and members of this forum will be able to advise you on what they have tried. I suspect that AA is the cheapest drug available.  After hearing of one lady who had suffered necrosis of the jaw, (I know that is very rare) I decided to try to help myself with a good diet and exercise. I'm lucky. I will be 70 next year but am very fit. I have engaged a personal trainer who is working with me on strength and balance.  He is very pleased with my balance now so I hope that will help me to avoid any further falls.  Good luck with whatever you decide to do! lol

  • Mary_D_23339
    Mary_D_23339 wendy74771

    Posted

    This is an open message to everyone who has replied to Wendy. I think you are all correct, what works for one, might not work for another. Listen to your body and go with your intuition! 

    As most followers to this forum know I am a great believer in exercise; it has helped me to gain body and muscle strength and helped my balance too.

    I have recently been reading up on the "wonders" of the Power Plate. This is what I have researched so far.

    ." Vibration training can increase muscle strength 20 to 30 percent more than conventional strength training, while dramatically cutting training time. There are also a number of exercises that can be done on the machine. The vibration effectively increases the force placed on muscle fibres by three times the force of gravity.

    Vibration therapy is one of the easiest ways known for  someone of any age or condition to increase joint mobility, muscle strength, overall circulation, bone strength and density, and overall fitness. When it comes to the treatment of osteoporosis and increasing muscle strength and overall stability, nothing besides weight lifting that can achieve similar results. Power Plates for personal use are very expensive but if compared to the cost and consequences of a hip fracture, then the price may not seem so high"

    Does anyone use one or has experience of one?   - if so perhaps  they can share their experience with us.

    I hope you don't mind me using your question forum to ask this Wendy - I feel it might be of benefit to you in your quest for a "natural" approach to osteopenia or osteoporosis. 

    • Anhaga
      Anhaga Mary_D_23339

      Posted

      I have heard that the vibration plate is really good for people who are limited in what ordinary exercise they can do.  It might be just the ticket for someone who is recovering from major surgery.  Good idea!
    • Anhaga
      Anhaga Mary_D_23339

      Posted

      You could ask that question about the vibration plate in a new thread with vibration plate as the heading?
    • wendy74771
      wendy74771 Mary_D_23339

      Posted

      Hi Mary, thanks for your suggestions. I wonder if what you call a Power Plate is the same as a nerve stimulator? They use the latter to improve circulation and muscle strength. I bought one for my mother, years ago, and she dismissed it and didn't even try it. Now I'm wondering if its time has come for me! I'll do a websearch and see what I can find out, but I havent used it yet - been out of town and so only just read your response to my first post.

      Thanks again -

      smile

       

  • Mary_D_23339
    Mary_D_23339 wendy74771

    Posted

    Hello Wendy,  re your comments on Power Plates. I know they are also known as vibration therapy but I'm not too sure about "nerve stimulater".

    When I have time (a bit short of that at the moment) I have been doing some research on Power Plates and to date I have found it quite difficult to get a non biased report on them. However I did come across the following comment:- "No conclusive evidence to recommend Power Plate as a replacement or addition to the resistance training to improve performance,  but besides increase in bone density, there is no evidence to support the claims made by Power Plate" .

    My thoughts are to those who are trying to increase their bone density through natural methods and exercise this could be encouraging.

    I shall continue my research!

    • wendy74771
      wendy74771 Mary_D_23339

      Posted

      thanks, Mary. that's interesting. The p rinciple of pressure (or with this, vibration) promoting stronger bones is really interesting. I can't do much weight bearing 'exercise' and haven't been able to for years due to my leg.hip pain and then replacements. I'll look forward to anything you turn up!
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