36, osteopenia, scared. Don't want to take Fosomax - Osteoporosis Message Board

tilly2 · 07-23-2003, 09:38 AM

My mother who is 66 was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis about three years ago. Recently I had a bone density test and was diagnosed with osteopenia. For many years I worked out and took vitamins, but have fallen "off the wagon" the last couple of months. I have also smoked since I was 18 years old.

I am confused because the doctor who did the scan said that about 80% of the women in my age group have the same readings I do (sorry, I don't have the report with me, wish I did) but I do know that my hip readings were worse than my spine readings.

My GP is recommending once a week Fosomax. I have been reading this board and am scared to death of starting a drug protocol at this age, especially given the fact that there is certainly room for improvement in my health habits (i.e. change in diet, calcium supplementation, quitting smoking). I am looking for any advice or suggestions anyone can give me. The dr. who did my test recommended eating yogurt, cheese, sardines and spinach. He said I still have time to rebuild my bones. My dr. scared me though. What to do????

Thanks in advance for ANY thoughts,
Tilly

peregrine · 07-23-2003, 10:23 AM

Tilly, I don't blame you for not wanting to go on these drugs at your age. Here's my suggestion:

-weight bearing exercise is very important!
-get a good calcium/magnesium supplement (I take a very absorbable liquid calcium)
-You will also need vitamin D and vitamin K for absorption. Many calcium supplements have the Vit. D already in it.

It would be helpful to know your Dexa scan readings, especially since your doc said 80% of women your age have the same reading! With this statement, I'm wondering if you are borderline. Why don't you ask your doc for a copy of the test. We are entitled to have copies of all of our medical tests and I always ask for them.

If you are having trouble actually aborbing calcium, as many of us do on this board, then eating those things will not be that beneficial in turns of turning the numbers around (in my opinion). But eating lots of broccoli and spinach certainly wouldn't hurt combining this with exercise and supplementation.

Wishing you the best and keep us posted.

Prema

[This message has been edited by peregrine (edited 07-23-2003).]

tilly2 · 07-23-2003, 10:54 AM

Thanks for your reply. I wish I had my readings with me too. Actually I am going back to see my gp on Friday and I will discuss this with him. I am just so scared about the prospect of osteoporosis at such a young age (even though I've only been diagnosed with osteopenia). It can only get worse, right???? I HATE the idea of being dependent on a medication, especially one that seems to have such horrific side effects.

bjg · 07-24-2003, 06:02 AM

to my knowledge actonel is fda approved for use by women who have not gone thru menopause..fosamax and
evista have been fda approved only for post menopausal women

pentek128 · 07-24-2003, 03:33 PM

I really don't mean to be rude, so please don't take it that way: I've never understood people who say they are afraid of taking a prescription drug, yet they smoke? Smoking is one risk factor for osteoporosis, and for many, many other diseases far scarier...it can certainly bring a lot worse health to you than Fosomax could.

I was diagnosed with osteoporosis at age 38 and have been taking Fosomax for about one year now. I thankfully have had no side effects at all. I only was tested because my mom (age 70) suffered a terrible multiple break in her arm and was subsequently diagnosed so I talked my dr in writing me a script for test. I personally feel grateful that I was given a chance for early diagnosis so that I can take this helpful drug plus incorporate healthier habits into my life (eating more calcium rich foods, taking appropriate supplements, weight bearing exercise, etc.)

I didn't like the thought of having to take a drug but I am very happy that it is there for me and am sure if my Mom had the chance to go back in time, she'd be happy to take Fosomax before it got so bad for her.

Maybe you could just try it out to see if the side effects bother you...