osteoporosis, 26, pregnancy? - Osteoporosis Message Board

k3rr1 · 07-10-2006, 04:30 PM

Hi,

I'm brand new to this website.

I was diagnosed with osteoporosis 2 years ago (when I was 24) after taking steroids for 2 years for another illness. I feel quite alone with it (even though I have friends and family around me) none of them understand what its like to have osteoporosis. When I had my first (and only) Dexa scan 2 years ago I was told my osteoporosis was only slight, and as I had finished the steroid treatment there was a chance the osteoporosis could be reversed. I was put on alendronic acid (10mg a day) and also calcium and vitamin D tablets. I've had pain in my legs for a few years now but recently the pain seems to be getting worse and worse. I really want to have children one day, but I don't even know if thats possible with 'slight' osteoporosis. I've been looking on websites this evening about taking alendronic acid during pregnancy or just stopping taking it during pregnancy, but haven't found any real conclusion. Doctors have also given me conflicting advice. Does anybody know? has anyone gone through a pregnancy whilst having osteoporosis?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated x

peregrine · 07-11-2006, 04:44 AM

K3,

It sounds as if someone has scared the wits out of you. Do you know your osteo numbers? Could they have meant Osteopenia, not Osteoporosis? Why were you given steroids? Osteoporosis is not usually associated with pain so it is likely the pain you speak of is from something you are taking or your previous condition. I am not familar with alendronic, but if it is a biophosphate that could likely be the culprit. My feeling is that many times doctors medicate unnecessarily. I encourage you to read the book The Myth Of Osteoporosis Also, post your dexa numbers here where there are some very knowledgeable people who can help you accurately interpret them. Lastly, you are young and I see no reason why you couldn't have a normal pregnancy, at least in terms of possibly having some bone loss, which you can probably easily reverse with weight-bearing exercise and some supplementation.

All the best!

k3rr1 · 07-11-2006, 02:06 PM

Thanks for the reply.

I was never told my dexa numbers. I live in the UK (don't know if any of you do) where doctors are not very forthcoming with information. The condition I had the steroids for is called Dermatomyositis. It is a fairly rare autoimmune illness (has similarities to Lupus) where your immune system attacks your skin and muscles. It was quite a debilatating illness when it was active, but now it is 'doormant' and therefore doesn't need treating for the moment. I've been told by my specialist that it could reccur at any time again or I may never get it again in my life. When I finished the treatment my specialist sent me for a Dexa scan to be on the safe side. I have been told 2 different things. The specialist for my Dermatomyositis told me that I had 'slight osteoporosis' and that after 3 years of treatment with the alendronic acid I would have a repeat Dexa scan and there was a strong possibility the osteoporosis could be reversed. My GP (when giving me my repeat prescription) told me that I had osteoporosis and would be on medication for the rest of my life! I have never been given my Dexa numbers. I don't know whether any of you are UK based but the NHS isn't great on giving you facts!

taape · 07-11-2006, 10:49 PM

Doesn't the UK have a process in place for requesting copies of your medical records? I would find out and make a request so you know the outcome of the test and have it in your hand.

suzieuk45 · 07-12-2006, 06:37 AM

I am also from the UK - I think alendronic acid is a bisphosphonate. I was diagnosed just after Xmas this year with osteoporosis but am much older than you are and there is a family history and I have been put on Foxamax (also a bisphosphonate) which I am not entirely happy about but so far no side-effects. You should have a copy of your results - mine were posted to me and to my GP. Did you have to pay for your dexa scan - I had to so as I was a private patient(no choice) I was automatically sent a copy of the results. Your GP must have a copy of the results so I would go and ask for a print out at your surgery. In view of your age I would certainly look at other alternatives (especially if your results are borderline osteoporosis) - at your age you should be able to build bone with vitamins and exercise (are you able to exercise much with the other condition). Have you thought of seeing a herbalist or something like that? The NHS seems to be on a one track with regards to treatment of osteoporosis and bisphonates are the first line of treatment and I have been back several times to ask for another treatment but no luck so I will wait for my next scan. I don't think your GP should be telling you that you have to have treatment for the rest of your life at your age - if I were you I'd get the results and look for second opinion from another GP. Have you tried contacted the National Osteoporosis Society in Bath. Good luck - keep us posted