how do you feel about the meds for osteoporosis i was just diagnoseddo you think it can offset pmr? i do not want to do anything that can pros and cons of the meds please any suggestions? thx
I was given RISEDRONATE from day one of PREDNISONE and have only had one bone density scan so too early to tell if this plan will work. I have put my faith in the doctors.
I was not given any other options so if you have any suggestions I would be interested.
After 9 months of PMR I am currently at 13 mg prednisone which seems to keep me relatively pain free in the morning. When I reduce I plan to use the SLOW method, I hope you know what that is. If not I will tell you - I feel that it might hold the best hope for reducing prednisone successfully next time as I have had several setbacks which are discouraging to say the least.
Al
Karen, Prednisone doesn’t necessarily mean bone loss.
Please read this: Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Steroid Side Effects: New Findings . I think it will help put your mind at ease. Walking, weightlifting, a good diet and supplements will help. Try to stay active, positive and smile it helps. 
Karen, I’ve been on prednisone for 9 years with ups and downs and I’m at 13 1/2.. crunch time.
Despite a lot of weight bearing exercise my osteoporosis gets progressively worse. I will go back to my vagifem, female hormones and start on FOSOMAX/ALENDRONATE. I’ve put this off as long as possible but I believe the worsening osteoporosis outweighs my concerns about side effects. I eat a high calcium diet, cheese, Almond milk, broccoli, spinache, yogurt etc… Hoping for the best!
Best of luck to you!
I stopped Alendronate Sodium tablets after six months after finding out about their ill effects. I take 5,000 units Vit D-3, Calcium, multi-vit., K-2, and Magnesium daily; walk my dog twice a day during good weather, carry firewood, and climb lots of stairs. Prednisone (now down to 5 1/2 mgs) was started over three years ago. I do some isometric hip exercises in my hot bath in the morning to strengthen hip bursitis. I have osteoporosis and had one knee replaced two years ago. I will be 81 next month.
you should request dexa scan to evaluate if you need to take any meds to prevent bone density reduction. If you dexa scan is normal for your age, then simple calcium supplement + vitamin D + vitamin K2 should be sufficient. That is the most common treatment among PMR patients. I have been on predinisone 3.5 years and had dexa scan just last week. Bone density was fine, in fact better then average for my age.
Some of the medication that are offered for bone density problem can have nasty side effects. Make sure that you have dexa scan and that you really need additional meds.
Bone loss is not inevitable. I took calceos for the eight years I was on Pred. L couldn’t take Alendronic acid but bones are fine. Successful hip replacement six years ago and, despite tripping over stuff in the garden a couple of time, still in one piece. I feel I was lucky. Don’t know how we find out whether we are at risk. I was never offered a Dexa scan.
PS Forgot to say I took Calceos ( calcium and Vit D on GP’s advice.
Thanks for sharing that encouraging information.
I have concluded that it is all a matter of managing the correct dose of Prednisone and that is elusive for me so far.
At the onset 9 months ago I began with 20 mg Prednisone and when I hit 9 mg I was once again experiencing pain so from here on in I will manage my own level and am now at 13 mg which I think is still not enough. My last ESR is 31 which was done yesterday so I have regressed again. At least your info has given me a bit of peace of mind an to not worry about taking this drug for a very long time.
I improved my bone density in a year between DXA scans. At the time my dose of pred was still over 5 mg most of that year. I did not take any OP medications. I took some supplements, ate a very healthy diet and added some new types of exercise to improve bone strength.
Alebeau, I was on 7mg and had to go up to 30mg to get relief. Currently on 4mg tapering to 3.5 using DSNS a modified protocol. Take your time and do not rush into a FLARE!
the canadian diet for osteoporosis has met with some success, sorry i cant find the link fir you, but im sure others can. it looks promising, along with appropriate exercise and maybe supplements. best wishes to you!
Have you a proven diagnosis of osteoporosis? Have you had a dexascan and if so, what were your t-scores?
Many doctors will tell patients they need medication when in fact all they have is a slight degree of osteopenia and nowhere near osteoporosis. I had been on pred for well over 7 years at my last dexascan - it was hardly changed from the baseline one I had at the start after 2 months of pred.
- i thought i wrote you back do you not see it eileen i will do it again
Hi Eileen,
I have been waiting to here from you. I have been off predisone for almost 2 years, I had PMR for 1 1/2 years. I had a bone scan and my numbers do not look good. Here are my T scores. My spine is -2.4, my neck is -2.1, my hip is -2.2 my forearm is -3.0 My arm is not looking good. I am really scared to take the meds. What do you suggest? My functional Dr. said I should take Bone builder chewable Metagenics if i do not want to take the meds for osteoporosis. Thanks for you help.
Looks like they wont let me send my response to you. Don’t know why. so frustrating. I do have osteoporosis in my arms. T-3.5
I am a pinch away from it in my hips and spine. t -2.4 and -2.1.
Lets see if this get thru. thx I would love to hear from you.
Thats wonderful! however, everybody is different. I also have a very good diet, take calcium and vitamin D, and do lots of different kinds of weight bearing exercise. Through DEXA scan diagnosis my osteoporosis has become worse. It’s very good to get a variety of input from people who have had success and not had success but I think it’s also important not to feel bad about yourself because you cannot have success merely by taking vitamins or doing exercise as others have. just like some people continue to have significant symptoms with PMR, And don’t ever get off their prednisone, while others do, bone density problems also take a different course in different bodies.
eileen please let me know your thought on taking meds for osteoporosis im so afraid they may cause a pmr flareup thx
Two points. Do you also take Vitamin K2? And have you been tested for secondary causes of osteoporosis?
Karen, Eileen is away on a working trip just now so it may be difficult for her to get back to you for few days. Be patient!
In the meantime, if you haven’t already read it please have a look at my account. Just google: healthunlocked my osteoporosis journey