Prednisone medication needed - osteoporosis? - Osteoporosis Message Board

wildflowers · 04-08-2008, 05:53 AM

Hi everyone

For the first time I am confronted with the problem of having to take prednisone for a sciatica problem. In January while watching my granddaughters while my daughter was in China adopting my new granddaughter, I twisted my torso after slipping on some ice on the steps. I had no immediate problems only some soreness. However, after coming home I decided to move a bookcase with heavy books from the upstairs bedroom to the den downstairs and yikes!!!! I was unprepared for the pain that happend. To make this medical history shorter, eventually after three months of pain I was diagnosed with sciatica at the Cleveland Clinic. I cannot take NSAIDS because of GERD, so the only alternative is two weeks of a 6 day pak of prednisone. My concern is with the osteoporosis and what prednisone will do. Would it be less likely for bone loss to occur taking it for two weeks only, should I increase my calcium intake because prednisone stops absorption of calcium? This is new territory for me personally, if anyone has encountered this dilemma would you be so kind to share your experience with me. It's springtime and as a gardener this is happening at the worst time for me, however, I want to make a good decision. Sometimes pain supersedes other priorities. Thanking you in advance Blessings! Wildflowers

phylwill1152 · 04-08-2008, 10:19 AM

Hi Wildflowers, sorry to hear you are hurting. You are too active a woman to be sidelined by aches and pains. I don't think a 2 week course of prednisone would affect the osteo you have. Is it one of those packs where you take a smaller does each day? I think it's long term use that would pose a more serious concern. Did you ask the dr. about this when he prescribed it? I don't know if upping your calcium would offset the effects, maybe you could eat more calcium rich foods during this time instead of more supplements. If the prednisone takes calcium would taking more give it more to take..does that make sense??? When i ask a pharmacist about calcium intake she told me that your body only absorbs what was lost since the last time you took it, its a balancing act of sorts Here's a thought..call your pharmacy and talk to the pharmacist on duty, they are better informed about drugs and how the work with other drugs. I'm sure some of the others will have good advice for you...this is just me thinking.

With the nicer weather i've been busy getting the yard ready to plant. I've raked several huge piles of leaves and i'm still not done, where do they all come from??? I have plants coming up but also several empty spots i'll have to fill. I hope you get to feeling better..i know how you love this time of year. take care...phyllis

wildflowers · 04-08-2008, 11:01 AM

Thank you Phyllis, I do believe when one is in pain the thought process is severely diminished, I appreciate you opening up the pathways in my brain again. All that you mentioned completely makes sense to me. I still have not conquered being able to get all my questions answered going to see my primary physician or a specialist. I always go in with a list of questions and sincerely try to have them answered, however, they zoom in and zoom out and before I know it I am on the way home, woulda, coulda, shoulda, wondering what happened. I am doubly sad because my wonderful doctor who really listened and was very holistic in her approach left for another hospital leaving me without my medical mentor. When you have someone who knows your history, knows who you are, medications etc etc. a gift indeed, suddenly then to have to start from scratch when your in pain is hard.
Yes, the prednisone is in a pack and you take so many pills at breakfast, lunch, supper and bedtime each day and slowly are weaned by the 6th day.
I did have a cortizone injection for bursitis years back and didn't have any side effects only some flushing, I didn't know at that time I had osteoporosis.
You are right, taking it for only two weeks would not be a problem, long term would. Also, you are right again, more calcium in, more calcium out.
For the first time Phyllis, I have to hire a handyman to clean up after winter. The spring flowers are out and words cannot do justice for how they make me feel. I expect shortly to be out there among them doing what I love to do. I am happy you are loving it also. Blessings! Wildflowers

phylwill1152 · 04-08-2008, 02:09 PM

Hello...we have a rainy day here, but the grass is getting green, the baby chicks are growing like crazy and i have a pot of veggie soup on the stove. The trick to getting all your questions answered is is to not allow the dr. to steam roll thru the visit and hit the door running. I'm lucky that our PC is good about going thru my list and doesn't hurry, but if your does hurry just say..."wait a minute, i have more questions" and not as he's leaving. I have my list visible in my hand when i go in so he knows i have it and knows that we will be talking. I guess as i've gotten older i've become more bold and realize that the dr. works for me and not the other way around. It also helps that the dr. is young so its like talking to one of our kids. Also, if this new dr. doesn't take the time to get to know you, then maybe he's not the right dr. for you to see. Don't let this get you down...take your time to get better and when the time is right you'll be able to enjoy your gardens fully. Just think of all the weeds that will be waiting for you. Better get your garden rocker ready for a workout. Take care..phyllis

starfish81 · 04-08-2008, 05:29 PM

Wildflowers: I think Phylwill has given you excellent advice; a couple of weeks of prednisone should be fine. Don't know if sciatica is a recurrent problem for you, but if it is, have you thought about giving acupuncture a try? My husband had sciatica (job-related) a few years ago and was to the point where he was hobbling instead of walking. A client suggested acupuncture, so he went, and at the end of the 1-hour appointment he was walking with minimal pain, and a few days later he was completely pain-free

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