What to do....what to do....... - Osteoporosis Message Board

ThinBones · 02-04-2005, 02:06 PM

I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis for about 6 years. My last dexa scan showed my spine was -3.2 (t) I had taken Foxomax for 2 years with no improvement so I stopped, it was expensive and I just wasn't sold on it, so to speak. Now my therapy consists of yoga, nautilus, eating as healthy as I can, cannot take calcium due to G.I. symptons. I have read the Myth of Osteo. and it was really quite good. I have an appt. with an Endo. next week, I have had all the bloodwork, X-rays and I will get the results. Now I almost feel like I wasted lots of money(my insurance does not cover my osteo) to see this specialist. I don't think I am ready for any of the medications, but I am not 100 percent sure either. I am only 48 and still premenopausal. I.V. biphosphonates??? I am too scared of them, that is for sure. Forteo, maybe eventually but I think it is too soon. I have had three fractures over the past eight years, none the past three. They were all rib fractures and I still have problems laying on my stomach as they feel like they may just cave in. Strange feeling. So hard to know what to do. I know I am in line for potential fractures and pain as my Mom had severe, and I do mean severe osteoporosis. She even fractured her sternum, it just snapped. She was medicated with morphine her last few years. We all have these dilemmas to face but I did hear there are new drugs on the horizon. I believe they are testing one now. I guess no real question, just really confused about treatment, etc. If the MD has some great new treatments, I'll let everyone know after I see her next week. Good luck everyone.....

suggi · 03-09-2005, 09:18 AM

Thinbones
I just read your post. How did you make out with the doc? I am having a lot of trouble with meds and since I have Crohn's, gastritis, esophagitis, and acid reflux that hits the collarbone area (constantly sore) I am hesitant to try things. Even the Evista I am on (which my bones went down another 3% on) I think may be contributing to my stomach problems. They have been getting worse and worse over time despite double dose acid reducing meds (Prevacid and Zantac). Aleta145 wrote that Evista can give you gastrointestinal problems as well as sinusitis which I also have chronic. I went off the Evista Monday but my stomach is still hurting pretty badly. I see the gastro doc Monday and hope he doesn't suggest and upper endo as I am allergic to carba mix in the tip and angle of the scope and could swell up in there. He is not really a believer in patch testing but I did swell up in the sinuses from a scope by the ENT. By the way, I take Tums for calcium as I couldn't tolerate the pills.

Hope you are doing better.

Suggi

CrohnieToo · 03-09-2005, 04:48 PM

ThinBones said:

Now I almost feel like I wasted lots of money(my insurance does not cover my osteo) to see this specialist. I don't think I am ready for any of the medications, but I am not 100 percent sure either. I am only 48 and still premenopausal. I.V. biphosphonates??? I am too scared of them, that is for sure. Forteo, maybe eventually but I think it is too soon. I have had three fractures over the past eight years, none the past three.
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Goshes, ThinBones, my first thought was: if now is too soon, after three rib fractures, WHEN do you think you will be ready to try the IV bisphosphonates or Forteo?? I mean, I understand being leery of trying new medications, but goshes, THREE fractures in 8 years? That's about 1 fracture every 3 years. Ouch!!

But then, when re-reading your current regimen, it sounds pretty good (except for not being able to take calcium - which I understand as I can't either, wish I could!) plus your statement that its been 3 years since your last fracture .... that sounds somewhat hopeful. How long has it been since you stopped taking the Fosamax? How long ago was your last DEXA?

I sure do wish you continued good luck with your current regimen! Hey, whatever works, right? And you certainly have the motivation to keep going.

ThinBones · 03-10-2005, 06:54 AM

Crohnie - I wrote that post a while ago, I have gone to MD since then and am trying to get approved for Forteo thru Eli-Lily. My insurance does not cover my osteo. so I have to see if they will help with cost. I know I have to do something, no doubt about that. I am having next dexa-scan this month. Have not been on Fosamax in three years. Bad joint pain. I am hoping that Forteo will be my miracle drug and they will be discovering new things in the years to come. I know I cannot wait but it is still a little nerve racking taking any drug but it could be worse, there could be nothing available as was the case when my Mom was young, she didn't even know she had osteo. as no testing around then! At least we know where we stand......

CrohnieToo · 03-11-2005, 11:42 PM

I wish you lots of luck with the Forteo assistance and that you are able to get it and it works miracles for you. I still can't start the Forteo, sigh, still don't have the osteomalacia whipped and the company says Forteo is contraindicated in those with osteomalacia tho I haven't been able to find out why. Frustrating, isn't it?