I talked to a lady in the pool yesterday who had no knowledge of what she was taking!
She has been on fosamax for over five years but did not know anything about issues when having extractions.
She asked me what my concerns were and I mentioned only a few with her being so unaware.
I did tell her when she needed an extraction which is a certainty considering her age to go to an oral surgeon and ask for the blood test to check the risk.
It reminded me how important it is for us to do our own research which is so easy now with the Internet and it is our responsibility to be informed.
Even my wonderful GP did not know about the blood test to check the risk before having an extraction after three years on fosamax or similar. She thanked me and informed other GPs.
I don't know about the risk, what can the blood test tell us?
It is called 3Y CTX and if CTX is less than 150 it is safe to extract a tooth. This applies to actonel and fosamax. The reason you go to an oral surgeon is he/she knows about the risk and they remove it in a certain way. My guy described as going from the side in..
The risk is after three years of taking biphosphonates.
We all need to be aware of what we're taking, and the possible side effects, don't we!
Thank you Kathleen for passing this info onto to us all. I had never heard about this blood test before. I shall be asking my GP about it - after all she is supposed to specialise in osteoporosis!!
Yes Chris, ignorance is not bliss nor is it being responsible!
Mary, do not be surprised if she does not know. This information came from an oral surgeon who has tried to save many jaws! My GP is the kind who receives new information and acts on it.
If your GP doubts it she can look it up.
Thank you Kathleen. Its good to be pre-warned about this test. I realise my doctor is a GENERAL practitioner, but if one specialises in a subject I would like to think one, at least, has the latest info at hand!
The GPs cannot know it all as there is too much to know. My GP is wonderful but she was glad to know this and passed it on.
Hi Kathleen
Even after only a few weeks I have found that there are dental problems with the medication used to treat OP. I have (had) two porcelain crowns in my lower jaw and both of these have become detached, the dentist putting blame on the alendronic acid which affected the base to which the crowns were attached. One base disappeared completely while the other was rebuilt by the dentist and the crown reattached with no guarantee that it would remain so. Whilst I knew that there could be problems with extractions and damaged jawbones, I never really expected teeth to drop out, particularly artificial ones. It tends to make me wonder what else I should be keeping both eyes on. Now reading furiously everything available regarding OP.
Your request for my T scores:
Right hip joint neck T= -3.5 with various reducing levels along the femur.
Left femur wards T= -2.3 with various lower levels along the femur
Spine L1-L4 T= -1.3 which doesn't seem too bad although the risk for this level is considered moderate.
Only the first one is osteoporosis and the others are osteopenia.
My worst one is -4.3 at the base of the spine and up higher is -3.4. The hips are under -2.5 so osteopenia only.
My main concern with taking the AA was swallowing and getting it caught.
I just don't trust the drug but if my osteoporosis gets any worse I will have to reconsider.
My GP said if my X-rays had turned up bone issues like frail looking bones then I would have to reconsider but no comment was made about my bones from the X-rays.
I will recheck maybe later this year.
Hi Kathleen
You are wise to be wary of AA , despite doing everything correctly I still damaged my throat with those pesky tablets!!
I was interested in your comments re your xrays. My previous doctor was brilliant in advising me to have regular xrays to see the results of my medication, however he has now retired and my present doctor has told me every five years is the norm. Is it the same in Australia?
In the meantime.... Best Wishes for the 22nd January - My husband and I have beaten you by two years!
Mary D
I do not know about the timing of the X-rays. I think it happens if your GP decides you need it.
I have never balked at taking medication before but something told me to be very wary.
X-rays are different from bone density scans but my GP still looked for some hint in them.
thanks for your well wishes for our anniversary.
Read recently that in order for bone thinning to turn up on standard x-ray you have to have lost about 30% of your bone mass. That is why the bone density scans are preferable.
Aristotle, whether you are on OP med or not, please do everything you can to take the right suppplements and eat the right food and get the right exercise to help your bones rebuild. I can't give you any advice because iI know some of the "natural" things are probably contraindicated when on certain meds, but I'm sure there is quite a lot you could safely do, with advice from your medical people.
Feminine intuition is one of the most powerful thoughts we have - you are wise to be wary - go with the flow….
Hi Anhaga, thanks for the comments, I agree about doing the correct thing while remaining consistent with the restrictions imposed by the medication. Luckily the AA doesn't have a lot of restrictions which is just as well since I have a whole host of intolerances which mean that I can't have dairy, eggs, gluten and quite a variety of other foods. However this has been ongoing for around ten years and I have a diet regime which covers most necessary items. I didn't know about the K2 vitamin but have already researched and ordered a continuous supply. Calcium and vitamin D (5,000 IU daily) have been standard for me for some time. As regards my medical professional, I get the feeling that his budget is more important than the health of his patients and it is better to do my own research and question using any and all other resources - this site for instance, .whilst keeping in touch with the professional and requesting prescription medicine as required.
I have been exercising regularly for some years and have now modified my program so that I do not do anything that could cause damage my bones in any shape or form. It does seem that this will probably be a lifelong project which, with all the available technical, medical and social support, should be achievable. If you or any other kind souls have any advice, suggestions or comments, I welcome them and will consider them all, carefully.
That is why my GP was surprised because my bone density scans were so bad especially at the lower part. If the X-ray had highlighted such a loss then I would have to rethink my reluctance to take the Meds.
Also, I have little bones so she was pleased with the X-ray.
I think so. My husband said they should have a slippery coating.
One person having issues with the Meds is one person too many!