Osteopenia - Osteoporosis Message Board

gbliton · 11-15-2007, 08:06 PM

I am a 70 y/o male. I just a dexa scan and my physician told me that I have mild Osteopenia in my femur--spine showed normal. She wants to put me on Fosamax. Does a man with only slightly less than normal bone density need the medication? What are the possible complications if I take it?

starfish81 · 11-15-2007, 08:30 PM

Your doctor wants to put you on Fosamax....why? You're 70. Your DEXA shows you have slightly less bone density than a 20-yr old. What exactly does she expect your reading should be? Osteopenia isn't even a disease

!
If I had a doctor who recommended that for "mild osteopenia" I'd be switching doctors!

phylwill1152 · 11-16-2007, 04:34 AM

HI gbilton... welcome to the board. At 70 and having mild osteopenia why not try diet, exercise and supplements to increase your density. If you have any stomach issues the fosmax could cause unpleasant side effects as well as a number of other things. I'll be 55 next week and would be thrilled if had bones like yours. A daily walk, some weight training and a good diet including both dairy and non dairy calcium sources could be all you need to keep your bones healthy. A good calcium supplement with D is good too. Do some research on your own before you decide whats best for you. If it was me, i'd tell the dr. no thank you. take care...phylllis

Canna · 11-16-2007, 08:02 AM

Hi gbiton... for mild osteopenia I don't think you need a strong drug like Fosamax that interferes with the digestive system. But add calcium and Vit D plus magnesium ... I wish I had gotten such a good report. as you ... I would be on clloud 9... Brisk walking helps too! Welcome aboard!

osteopenia1 · 11-16-2007, 02:50 PM

I understand why you are hesitating to take Fosamax with only osteopenia. My doctor wanted me to take it too when my -l.2 score went to -l.4. I was
69 at the time (2 years ago) and I said isn't that much change normal and he said but your numbers are going the wrong way. Read the comments on Fosamax on "ask a patient" before your decide. I am taking E-zorb calcium and will see what my next scan shows.