Forteo Treatment to Heal Fractures?

Rosegarden

Hi Taape,

I started on Forteo 2 years ago April 1, 2007 (I thought it was a cruel joke then.) At the time I had a fractured femur which healed during the two years, but I did also have surgery to stabilize the bone with a rod in June of 2007. I had struggled to try to get the femur to heal for about 18 months prior to the surgery. So this probably does not really address your question, but I share it for what it's worth.

You and Desert Bloom were helpful to me when I posted here in shock two years ago. Thank you both for that. I have just a few more days of injections--and I have to force myself to do it each day because I'm so ready to be done with the whole thing. I actually even "forgot" a few days this month, which I never did during the previous months. I have my bone density report but will wait until I see the dr. tomorrow to try to interpret the results, and I will share here too of course when I understand better.

I have no idea what the doctor will tell me tomorrow. I really don't want to take any medication, especially Fosamax, but I don't want to be stupid about this either. Will keep you posted.

taape

Hi Rosegarden,
Thanks for writing in. I was wondering specifically about healing the spinal fractures but noticed while I was on Forteo I didn't have one dental problem. So it works for bones.

I didn't want the bisphosphonates and still don't. Unfortuantely, there's not too many good options for further treatment. I'll be looking forward to hearing what your doctor recommends. Are you going to a major medical center or seeing an individual doctor in their own practice?

Rosegarden

Saw the doctor today. The results after 2 years on Foreto were that I had a 5.9 percent increase in the spine, which he was happy about. The hip showed a decrease, but the doctor said that should come up with the Boniva I'll be taking. I'm very happy.

The doctor is in private practice (Endocrinology, Metabolism & Metabolic Bone Disease). He does instruct at a nearby medical school. If you are interested in his name, maybe I could send it to you privately. I think we're in the same state.

I completely understand your reluctance to take some of these bone building medications, especially if your stomach cannot take it. I really would prefer not to take any pills--vitamins even, but I do. I don't know if I'll be able to tolerate Boniva or not, but I'll find out soon.

I have a couple vertebrae that are not fractured but showing some compression (6 & 7 maybe). Yes, my back hurts sometimes, upper back, not lower like most people. You probably have the same pain, mid back.

A second course of Forteo for you? How long since you ended the last one? I'll be interested to hear how this all works out for you. Take care.