I've been reading some of the horror stories related to fosamax on here. I take alendronic acid which is the same composition as alendronate sodium fosamax (which i was on originally). I too get painful thighs and achy ankles and knees which I always thought was part and parcel of osteoporosis, it never crossed my mind it could be the medication. I was told by my specialist that my osteoporosis was 'slight' but needed to be medicated. Looking at some of the comments on here I really don't think that the benefit (for me) of taking the tablet outweighs the risks in taking it. I have never broken or fractured a bone in my life. I had a really nasty fall on the ice in the winter and landed really hard on my hip and yet never damaged a bone. I don't understand why my GP told me i'd be on this bisphosphonate for the rest of my life, it makes no senses to me.

Anyway, i'm due to have my next DEXA scan in 8 months (on the NHS) but i think i do not want to continue treatment using the alendronic. I would like to check what state my bones are in before I stop though. I was just wondering if anyone knew how much roughly it costs to have the DEXA scan done privately (as opposed to NHS) in the UK so that I can speed up my decision?

Thanks x