Some forums leave me feeling worried

Hi Alison. Thanks for your reply. I'm worried because I had a spinal fracture last Nov and it was agony. I have a rare condition where I have a lot of allergies and can't take most meds so refused the aa. I can't take pain relief meds either. The only thing I was offered was the aa and researching it really put me off, I can't afford to be sick and off work.. I haven't been offered anything else but I have made a private appointment for 21st June. What do you mean if you had low bone mass you wouldn't have taken it? What's the difference between mass and density?

We are not considered to have osteoperosis until our T score is -2.5  My spine was -3.5 now -2.9 and I decided to take the meds until I can get it into the LBM, the osteopina range. -2.5 My hips are now -2.4. So tey are no longer considered to be osteoperosis.It appears to be very difficult to differentiate between strong bones and big bones, but as a general rule, if you have small hands and feet, you are usually small boned. There are other meds you can have in your situation and this can be talked through at your consultation. The fear of the unknown is often worse, so ask all the questions and don't leave your consultation until you are satisfied with the answers

Yeah I have small hands and feet. My gp wouldn't discuss anything said he was behind already. Just read the results and handed me a prescription. I will ask at the private appointment. It is the fear of the unknown. I asked the op nurse and she said they wouldn't offer anthing until i tired aa as its the by a first line of treatment. I definitely won't take it

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Hi Alison.

I understand where you are coming from. I too have had the negativity about meds. I have been taking them for nearly 2 years after a shattered ankle, requiring surgery. After a break the pain can be debilitating , which I still at times suffer from. Eating healthy and exercise isn't enough, as this was my previous lifestyle anyway. Taking the meds is more than just exercise and healthy eating for healthy bones. We just can't risk another fracture and deformities resulting from spinal fractures. Let the haters of meds hate, but I would rather do ALL I can do for my bones. I learned through my ankle injury and I wouldn't wish that pain on anyone. During menopause, we can get thinning bones, not because we had a unhealthy diet. I would hate to think when I'm older I ended up all deformed because I didn't take the meds. I for one won't risk that. I don't care how against meds some are. All the best Alison.

Michele, as you have had a fracture that would make you more worried.

Can I ask how that happened? 

What is your appointment about and who with on 21/6?

It is good that you work. What kind of work do you do?

Please try not to worry too much which I understand is easier said than done.

Your op nurse is in the wrong job. But small bones does not necessarily mean weak bones. I took AA initalialy but it made me sleepy so I was swapped to risedronate. However there are many others. You need to discuss fully with the consultant, your allergies, concerns, your diet, exercise regime etc.

I was turning a king size mattress on my own ! Ambulance to hospital who didn't x-ray. Said it was muscular and sent me home. I was back at work in agony kept going to Drs who sent me for x-ray 9 weeks later and then dexa. Didn't get results for that for 10 weeks. As gp was useless I have a private appointment with a consultant who I believe specialises in op so I have copy of my scan to bring with me. Unfortunately I work in an office. Desk bound!

I will Alison. Thanks

Hi there. I agree with everything you say. I too had always done the diet and exercise and in my work, I stood or walked, no sitting. So yes, sometimes this is not enough. Where do we go from there. Latest studies show only 15% of people with op have the condition due to bad diet or lack of exercise. When these people correct what they are missing, their bones improve.

Oh so sorry Michele you have a lot on your plate.

You have to do what is right for you.

Do your research and take your time until you are happy with your decision.

I cannot safely swallow AA and prolia is worse. For the time being at least I am trying the natural route.

All the best.

Thanks Kathleen

Who on earth told you you did not have adult bones?

Michele has already had a fracture of the spine. She has cause to consider her position.

Thanks Kathleen. Being alone I get moments of panic! How do you know or is there anyway of knowing if you have strong bones?

I have not had any fractures. I used to be forever falling because of rushing or not looking where I was going. 

When I had shoulder surgery and fell in hospital badly enough to injure my knee I had X-rays and later had a MRI which prompted my surgeon to say I had tiny bones, really tiny bones lol! Nothing was broken but my meniscus was torn.

I have gone flying over a bag on the floor more than once. I have skidded in the kitchen and gone flying into a cupboard.

These things have happened in the last five years.

A year or so ago I sneezed and thought I had broken my back but no I had ruptured two discs and that has slowed me down. Now I use a wheeled walker and cannot stand for long or sit on most chairs. Walking is limited as well.

I think my bones have kind of proven they are strong even if they are density challenged.

Time will tell where I go from here.

Small adult bones. Now that makes sense🤗

Michele, unfortunately there is no feasible way of checking bone strength.  It  can be done, but it's a major surgical procedure and no doctor would ever do it.  I think the main thing to remember, whether you take drugs or not, is to do all the so-called natural things as well - the diet, supplements and appropriate exercise.  I believe this is what Alison is doing.  Also be aware that it's becoming more apparent that people should not stay on the drugs indefinitely as after two or three years the risks start to outweigh the benefits.  But I think it is probably true that for many people who have genuine serious risk factors one to two years of OP meds does seem to help, provided they are not among the number who get side effects, but of course this is true for most medication.  

Well said Anhaga. All meds have side effects. Its about weighing up the risks against the benefits. I was advised 5 years initially but because my scores have improved greatly, possibly due to a combination of diet, exercise, medication, I hope to be in the LBM category in 3. I have had no side effects and I suppose I should be more at risk due to having had radiotherapy. But I think the most important aspect of Michels post is that we are all individuals and we should support each other and encourage each other whatever route we take.