Posted , 15 users are following.
how do you feel about the meds for osteoporosis i was just diagnoseddo you think it can offset pmr? i do not want to do anything that can pros and cons of the meds please any suggestions? thx
0 likes, 28 replies
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alebeau karen81902
Posted
I was given RISEDRONATE from day one of PREDNISONE and have only had one bone density scan so too early to tell if this plan will work. I have put my faith in the doctors.
I was not given any other options so if you have any suggestions I would be interested.
After 9 months of PMR I am currently at 13 mg prednisone which seems to keep me relatively pain free in the morning. When I reduce I plan to use the SLOW method, I hope you know what that is. If not I will tell you - I feel that it might hold the best hope for reducing prednisone successfully next time as I have had several setbacks which are discouraging to say the least.
Al
Michdonn karen81902
Posted
Karen, Prednisone doesn't necessarily mean bone loss.
Please read this: https://www.practicalpainmanagement.com/resources/news-and-research/polymyalgia-rheumatica-steroid-side-effects-new-findings . I think it will help put your mind at ease. Walking, weightlifting, a good diet and supplements will help. Try to stay active, positive and smile it helps. 🙂
alebeau Michdonn
Posted
Thanks for sharing that encouraging information.
I have concluded that it is all a matter of managing the correct dose of Prednisone and that is elusive for me so far.
At the onset 9 months ago I began with 20 mg Prednisone and when I hit 9 mg I was once again experiencing pain so from here on in I will manage my own level and am now at 13 mg which I think is still not enough. My last ESR is 31 which was done yesterday so I have regressed again. At least your info has given me a bit of peace of mind an to not worry about taking this drug for a very long time.
Michdonn alebeau
Posted
Alebeau, I was on 7mg and had to go up to 30mg to get relief. Currently on 4mg tapering to 3.5 using DSNS a modified protocol. Take your time and do not rush into a FLARE! 🙂
Bethune karen81902
Posted
Karen, I've been on prednisone for 9 years with ups and downs and I'm at 13 1/2.. crunch time.
Despite a lot of weight bearing exercise my osteoporosis gets progressively worse. I will go back to my vagifem, female hormones and start on FOSOMAX/ALENDRONATE. I've put this off as long as possible but I believe the worsening osteoporosis outweighs my concerns about side effects. I eat a high calcium diet, cheese, Almond milk, broccoli, spinache, yogurt etc... Hoping for the best!
Best of luck to you!
peggy_56092 karen81902
Posted
I stopped Alendronate Sodium tablets after six months after finding out about their ill effects. I take 5,000 units Vit D-3, Calcium, multi-vit., K-2, and Magnesium daily; walk my dog twice a day during good weather, carry firewood, and climb lots of stairs. Prednisone (now down to 5 1/2 mgs) was started over three years ago. I do some isometric hip exercises in my hot bath in the morning to strengthen hip bursitis. I have osteoporosis and had one knee replaced two years ago. I will be 81 next month.
nick67069 karen81902
Posted
you should request dexa scan to evaluate if you need to take any meds to prevent bone density reduction. If you dexa scan is normal for your age, then simple calcium supplement + vitamin D + vitamin K2 should be sufficient. That is the most common treatment among PMR patients. I have been on predinisone 3.5 years and had dexa scan just last week. Bone density was fine, in fact better then average for my age.
Some of the medication that are offered for bone density problem can have nasty side effects. Make sure that you have dexa scan and that you really need additional meds.
Elizamc nick67069
Posted
l so agree, my GP prescribed me AA the day she started me on Prednisone. l was reluctant to take it and was on HRT at the time. l pushed for a Dexa scan and only got one after l saw the rheumatologist privately. My dexa scan showed that my bone density was very good. Recently l saw the rheumatologist again because my GP still was pushing me to take AA. Rheumy said that even though l had stopped HRT it would protect my bones for a further three after stopping. His recommendation was for me to have a further scan next summer, ie three years after stopping HRT.
To give my GP some credit, she said that she had seen many patients with osteoporosis over the years but none with problems after taking AA.
Anhaga Elizamc
Posted
It seems the main issue with the bisphosphonates, assuming one doesn't have a bad reaction to them, is staying on them more than two or three years is what may led to spontaneous fractures because new bone has been laid over an increasingly aging matrix. I would imagine the best way forward with these meds it to take them as prescribed for two years, maximum three, and in the meantime start doing all the natural things which we know will improve bone density and strength. Then it may be possible to discontinue the medication (which stays in the bones indefinitely anyway) and not have to switch to another possibly more dangerous drug.
BettyE karen81902
Posted
Bone loss is not inevitable. I took calceos for the eight years I was on Pred. L couldn't take Alendronic acid but bones are fine. Successful hip replacement six years ago and, despite tripping over stuff in the garden a couple of time, still in one piece. I feel I was lucky. Don't know how we find out whether we are at risk. I was never offered a Dexa scan.
BettyE karen81902
Posted
PS Forgot to say I took Calceos ( calcium and Vit D on GP's advice.
Anhaga karen81902
Posted
I improved my bone density in a year between DXA scans. At the time my dose of pred was still over 5 mg most of that year. I did not take any OP medications. I took some supplements, ate a very healthy diet and added some new types of exercise to improve bone strength.
Bethune Anhaga
Posted
Thats wonderful! however, everybody is different. I also have a very good diet, take calcium and vitamin D, and do lots of different kinds of weight bearing exercise. Through DEXA scan diagnosis my osteoporosis has become worse. It’s very good to get a variety of input from people who have had success and not had success but I think it’s also important not to feel bad about yourself because you cannot have success merely by taking vitamins or doing exercise as others have. just like some people continue to have significant symptoms with PMR, And don’t ever get off their prednisone, while others do, bone density problems also take a different course in different bodies.
Anhaga Bethune
Posted
Two points. Do you also take Vitamin K2? And have you been tested for secondary causes of osteoporosis?
karen81902 Anhaga
Posted
i do not take kwhat is secondary causes osteoporosis? never been tested thx
Anhaga karen81902
Posted
Will private message a link. You can google Vitamin K2 the healthline site is very good as an introduction.
Bethune Anhaga
Posted
THANKS! Yes, I take .K2 but no I have not been tested for other causes for osteoporosis... Was fine until 5 + years of prednidone, but perhaps there are other causes besides being a small, white woman over 65+. What are the tests?
Michdonn Bethune
Posted
Bethune, my doctor got me a DEXA scan when I turned 75, a second one when I was put on Prednisone, a third this past spring. With walking, supplements and lifting light weights my scan is still normal, in fact a slight improvement in mineral density. Also I had two injections of Zoledronic Acid, which I am somewhat concerned with, but seems to think I should be okay. I am concerned, asking this year with a friend and her husband she broke her leg with a minor fall. After the fracture heeled, while standing the leg collapsed and a rod was inserted. She had been on a Bisphosphonate. One should be very careful and have discussions with their doctor and closely monitor their bones and activities. Good luck get a DEXA scan, stay active, positive and smile, it helps. 🙂