Almost 2-1/2 yrs. not PMR...down to 7-1/2mg, feeling stable.
tried tapering several times in the last few months to 7m, but flared instead. Was good on the 7-1/2m for 8-11 weeks before trying to taper to 7m. My rheumatologist believes I have been on the prednisone long enough to worry about spine fracture. My initial
bone scan at diagnosis was good. He has suggested I take Actonal to preserve bone density because a fracture f the spine would be a huge, life-changing, painful setback. I have read the literature.
i know women who have used other bone-saving meds and have suffered irreversible damage. My rheumy will not insist that I take the Actonal, but he highly recommends it.
I will have another bone scan in a few weeks. Should I wait and see the results before deciding on the Actonal. I have been taking calcium and Vitamin D all along...and eating well. Has anyone taken the bone-saving meds and not had bad side-effects?
Sorry...that was 2-1-2 years INTO PMR...
So he's suggesting you take Actonal without knowing if you need it? Really?
Waiting a few weeks will definitly not make a difference - wait and see if you actually have a reason to worry before adding another drug into the mix!
My rumi also insisted and i took the weekly dose once and was sick as a dog.
I no longer listen to my rumi before i do research. My bones are good and i too take vitamins and eat well.
My GP said he would be proud if i didn't take them. He said no one is winning a nobel prize over these drugs.
I have taken alendronate for a year plus some calcium because I went from great bones to preosteoporosis in a few months while on heavy doses (60 mgs) of pred. I have had no bad reaction and will have another scan soon. Over 70, we are more likely to have real bone problems. Ann11195
My GP suggested exactly the same a couple of weeks ago as he felt I had been on steroids for quite a long time. I pointed out to him my Dexascan eighteen months ago was excellent. He said he was still worried. I said if my T score was negative I might consider it. We had a short "discussion" and he backed down.
HI Kathy,
i would wait for your DXA scan results before making any decision as as the jury is still out on whether these drugs are indicated for osteopenia, but stll recommended for osteoporosis and you don't know whether you have reached that stage or not. I'm 57 and after 8 months of prednisolone showed osteoporosis in my lumber spine and osteopenia in my left hip.Now that I am off the prednisolone I'm hoping the osteoporosis process will slow down and improve with diet exercises and supplements targeted at bone health. there's lots of information on the osteoporosis site from people taking the treatment and those trying a more natural approach.its worth having a look and gathering evidence before starting these drugs in particular the long term affects. Forewarned is forearmed !
Yes wait for your results. Then do the research - there is a lot more than Calcium and D3 which will help the bones, notably Vitamin K2, as well as magnesium, boron, and a few other things. Don't rely on dairy for your food sourced calcium - leafy greens, fish (with the bones like tinned salmon or sardines) are a better idea.
Without any other experience besides taking Pred for my GCA and Calcium Citracal for my Osteopoenia for years without increase, I hope you will get all the info / replies you expect and need .
I exercises daily, I follow a healthy diet I kep my positive attitude - this is a great thing to
do!
Take care🌸
I did not mention other Supplements ,Vitaminins , medicines, etc etc
The tapering is the key though.
In general the doctors use to do it too fast and the consequence is a flare up what brings the dangerous I would say, biggest problem/ danger.
We better use our experience based on our past set backs and wisely do our tapering - firm and slowly.
Take care🌸