Hi Kackie and Welcome~~~Sorry to hear about your fx's and den disc. I've been on Forteo for almost 21 mos and haven't had any side effects or anything similar to what you've mentioned. Have you read the print out that comes with the Forteo that lists the side effects? Hopefully some of the others on it will post if they have had similar reactions. You could also call the 800 number that comes on the print outs in the Forteo box and ask them if what you are experiencing is normal or abnormal.
What does the dr say? I'm a bit confused that you were put on Forteo with a normal t and z score, but I have heard of patients taking it if they have a "history" of compression fx's. The rotator cuff isn't related since it's a tendon, and the disc problems "can" be caused by a vertebral fx, but fx's should show up on an x-ray. I have degenerative disc and bulging discs, but no one has ever said that they were a result of a fx or low bone density. I've had many fx's but they weren't from DDD. Disc problem happen for many reasons, and not necessarily bone related. Have you been checked for fx's around the areas that the discs are bulging and the area of degeneration? DDD, usually happens from the aging process and wear and tear on the discs, especially if you have a physical job or any type of spinal injury. The discs wear out and loose their height and elasticity and become small or shrink in size causing the vertebra to rub together also causing nerve probs *if* the nerves are involved. In any case the Forteo won't do anything for you disc problems, unfortunately.
Is it possible that the dr put you on Forteo solely for the shoulder fx? I personally don't see any reason why someone couldn't take it if it's necessary, but you usually have to have a very low bmd like something below -2.5. I started out at -3.6 and was put on Actonel and when that didn't help, was switched to Forteo (daily) and I'm almost finished with the 2 years.
If these symptoms are from the Forteo I would rethink the purpose of taking it. I've also never heard of taking it once a week, but maybe that's something new the drs are doing, that I'm not aware of. If you read the literature on Forteo is mentions that it's reserved for those with bmd lower than -3, or who have history of fragility fx's. That statement goes on to say that the final decision to use Forteo is up to the drs discretion.
I hope your sypmtoms go away, and I'm not sure what to say about whether you should take it or not. Does your insurance pay for it? You might want to read the paragraph in the link below that explains "who" should take Forteo.
Let us know what you think and I hope this helped in some way.
Here's a link that explain the use of Forteo if you haven't read it:
[url]http://www.ccjm.org/pdffiles/DEAL703.PDF[/url]
Linear Mode
