anyone tried Strontium? - Osteoporosis Message Board

phylwill1152 · 07-14-2006, 02:30 PM

This is my first post on this board. I was DX with osteo a couple of months ago and put on actenol. I was ok for a the first few weeks then started experiencing blurry vision and dry eyes. I called the dr. and told him i wasn't taking it anymore that i'd rather risk a fracture than damage my eyes. I walk daily, do weight training, take calcium/D and eat a good diet. I feel i am doing all the right things to keep my bones strong, if not dense. I have been reading about strontium and am thinking its a better choice than the meds. Has anyone tried it and if so what were your results? I'd much rather take something with no side effects and can be taken long term. Thanks for your help...phyllis

ncperry · 07-16-2006, 12:01 PM

I, too, was prescribed Actonel in Feb. 2004 as soon as I was dx w/ severe osteo. I'm 57 yrs. old, very healthy, walk 2 mi. daily, eat only healthy foods, take calciuim, have NO risk factors, etc. and have been doing this for years. I recently developed trouble swallowing and aches in my legs at night. I've also noticed blurring vision at times. My gynec. (who prescribed the Actonel) sent me immediately to a gastroenterologist who did an endoscopy last week and found minor gastritis and esophagitis, put me on Nexium for 4 weeks, and said Actonel is not to blame. I just can't buy that, so I am now off Actonel. You must read the book The Myth of Osteoporosis. It vlaidates what I've thought for a while and may help you decide what is best for you. The only ones who seem to win are the pharmaceutical companies.

Piano0105 · 07-18-2006, 12:22 PM

Strontium Ranelate is being marketed under the brand name, Protelos, in Europe. However, it hasn't received FDA approval in the U.S. yet. There are a few places on the Internet where you can purchase strontium supplements. No long-term studies have been done as yet. I've tried it briefly, but it aggravated another medical condition I have. I can't take any of the other osteo drugs due to side-effects from all of them.

In my opinion, most doctors are too quick to prescribe these drugs without taking side-effects into consideration. Perhaps strontium will prove to be better than what is available so far. I agree that everyone should read "The Myth of Osteoporosis". I did, and now I don't feel as panicky about the situation.

phylwill1152 · 07-18-2006, 02:56 PM

Thank you both for responding. I think i'll call the library and ask them to get me a copy of the book. Another good book is the Mayo Clinic Book on Osteoporosis 2003 editon. I have been given the ok from my dr. to try the stontium. There have been some studies in Europe and here also that have had good results with very few side effects. I believe upset stomach was the cause for people leaving the studies. I'm hoping i won't have that problem. I'll try it till my next scan and hope to see some improvement. What i'm also hoping is that if there are improvements that my dr. will then recommend it to others that don't want to risk the osteo drugs. take care...phyllis

hypatia · 07-19-2006, 04:04 PM

Interesting reference site. I would think the DEXA-scan tech might get a little testy if they had to review the abstracts cited and make adjustments accordingly for patients taking Strontium. Does this apply to the natural strontium, I wonder? I will look forward to seeing DEXA results for those of you taking it.

The info and photos on dowager's hump/kyphosis (vertebral fractures) was also good and proof that osteoporosis is no myth but life threatening. I just hope Fosamax keeps working for me; if not, I will try all options to avoid the kyphosis my mother suffered.