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Very anxious about treatment

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alison_64461
alison_64461

During scans for my lower left side pain, possibly diverticular disease, it was found that I had a spinal fracture and a hemaginoma. I had no back pain and no idea when the spinal fracture occurred. As a result of this I had a bone density scan and have been diagnosed with osteopenia and in one area, verging on osteoporosis. I have been prescribed Alendronic Acid, and, reading about it, I am terrified! I am reluctant to refuse to take it as I might then break some bones, but the possible side effects, particularly the effects on the jaws, dizziness that some people report and esophagal damage are throwing me into a whirlwind of uncertainty. I had bad heartburn and esophagal spasms last year which resolved by themselves but would not like a repeat of that! 

I know now that many people have no serious side effects at all and would love to hear from them! I have also been prescribed calcium with Vit D supplements. 

Although  I have had my appointment with the Fracture Clinic , I have been given an appointment with the spine clinic this week and hope I get an opportunity to discuss my fears. I will also book an appointment for a dental check up and see what my dentist feels about this medication. 

If if there is someone who can encourage me, I would love to hear from them! 

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  • alison_64461
    alison_64461

    Posted

    I have started taking magnesium. Have not had a chance yet to speak to my doctor about not taking calcium supplements because of my kidney stones but have upped my intake of calcium in food....eating hard cheese until it comes out of my ears! 

    I had a good dental checkup yesterday and although there is bone loss, it is no worse than before. She recommends a six monthly check up with her and the hygienist three times a year. She says if an extraction is required it does mean referral to a hospital but that, in those circumstances, she can refer to NHS even though she is private. ( she actually did that for me about two years ago when a shadow showed up in my gum and with my lymphoma history, she felt it needed to be checked).

    Still achy having had two doses of AA but nothing I cannot manage right now. 

     

    • kathleen65757
      kathleen65757 alison_64461

      Posted

      You won’t have to worry for a good while about the teeth extraction issue and there is a blood test to check if it is safe anyway. This is from an oral surgeon. You will probably have stopped taking AA by the three year mark and that solves the problem with extractions.
    • Anhaga
      Anhaga alison_64461

      Posted

      Vitamin K2 should help with calcium deposits as it will guide calcium into the bones where it belongs.
    • alison_64461
      alison_64461 Anhaga

      Posted

      I have started taking Vit K2 along with Magnesium and Vit D3. I have seriously upped my calcium intake through food. Now I have to plan a diet so that I don’t put on pounds! I see the physiotherapist tomorrow for some exercises for my spine and balance but hope she can advise on my left foot which is now paining me...the top part near the big toe. Had my third Alendronic Acid tablet today. I hope I get used the new Sunday morning routine as I am quite anxious before taking the tablet and then later in the day become quite elated! I suppose it is relief. 
  • roly67
    roly67 alison_64461

    Posted

    Hi Alison & guys'n gals

    I totally identify with your anxiety regarding AA.

    I have diverticula, IBD, malabsortion & I understand there is a relationship

    OP and this.

    I have just had a bone scan with a T lumbar of -2.8.

    Totally unexpected as I am fit and very active. No fractures.

    Although cannot arc my back any more owing to spinal compression snowboarding.

    I work as a builder,  and so regularly get workouts!

    My Doc as me booked for AA iv. I don't understand the

    mechanism by which AA can be administered in ONE dose?

    Anyone know the science of it or a good link.

    Thanks,

    R

    Also I just took the monthly megadose of D3 50000iu which, if my math is correct

    is 5mg!! Glad I'm not a rat!!

    https://www.drugs.com/answers/cholecalciferol-is-main-ingredient-in-rat-poison-336757.html

  • roly67
    roly67 alison_64461

    Posted

    Very encouraging Anhaga, thankyou.

    Zoledronic acid IV seems like torture for some.

    AA seems preferable.

    Maybe just supplements?

  • alison_64461
    alison_64461

    Posted

    Hope everyone is doing well! I contacted a friend abroad who I believed might have osteoporosis and found out she has been on Fosamax, weekly dose for 25-30 years!! I was shocked! She does have bad back problems but says her osteopenia is no better but no worse. 
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