During scans for my lower left side pain, possibly diverticular disease, it was found that I had a spinal fracture and a hemaginoma. I had no back pain and no idea when the spinal fracture occurred. As a result of this I had a bone density scan and have been diagnosed with osteopenia and in one area, verging on osteoporosis. I have been prescribed Alendronic Acid, and, reading about it, I am terrified! I am reluctant to refuse to take it as I might then break some bones, but the possible side effects, particularly the effects on the jaws, dizziness that some people report and esophagal damage are throwing me into a whirlwind of uncertainty. I had bad heartburn and esophagal spasms last year which resolved by themselves but would not like a repeat of that!
I know now that many people have no serious side effects at all and would love to hear from them! I have also been prescribed calcium with Vit D supplements.
Although I have had my appointment with the Fracture Clinic , I have been given an appointment with the spine clinic this week and hope I get an opportunity to discuss my fears. I will also book an appointment for a dental check up and see what my dentist feels about this medication.
If if there is someone who can encourage me, I would love to hear from them!
Look through some of the posts on here over the past year or so as many many people share your worries about AA. Research has proven that nutrition, supplements and appropriate exercise can improve bone density. Some doctors don't seem to know that. Make sure you get enough vitamin D and also add Vitamin K2. Weight-bearing exercise like walking is also essential.
I know! Those posts are what is worrying me! I am going to look into Vit K2. I walk a lot so was surprised I had these problems,
It could mean you need more micronutrients to make sure calcium can get into the bones. And if you are small framed there's no way your bone density will match that of the Western standard, based on a larger body type.
Actually I think your oesophageal problems might mean AA is contraindicated. Maybe someone else will be able to comment on that.
That’s what I thought too!
I would say I am medium framed. 5 foot five and 134 pounds at the moment.
I really have have to make a decision but it is so hard knowing I have a fracture. I hope I will get a chance to discuss it at my spine clinic appointment on Wednesday.
So, prunes and Imodium?!
Like you I was a bit worried when first prescribed AA and had read all the scare stories but my doctor reassured me these were rare so I went ahead. For the first 3 weeks when I took the pill on a saturday morning I had tooth ache, in all my teeth. It wasn't that bad really just an achy feeling at the root of all my teeth which lasted for a couple of days. After the first 3 I seemed to get used to them and after 6 months on them I haven't any other problems at all. When you take them you have to drink a whole glass of water to make sure they go all the way down and then consume nothing else for 1/2 hour. My doctor said the oesophagal problems were because 'old ladies were taking them then going back to bed for 30 mins' and they recommend staying or sitting upright for the 30 mins. I think the most worrying thing is that they are called '. . acid' which is off putting.
So, anyway, I have had no 'real' problems with them and whilst I generally dislike taking any pills at all, if they help with the bone thinning then I suppose you have to look at the bigger picture?
My problems are as a result of Coeliac disease and I'm hoping that all my bloods are back to normal next month so I can, perhaps, stop taking AA.
Good luck and good health.
Thank you, Philip! That is encouraging! I certainly followed instructions and sat very upright for three quarters of an hour having taken the tablet with a large glass of water.
I know nothing about imodium but apparently studies have proven ingesting a few prunes everyday does help improve bones. They contain boron, but so do other foods, but maybe there's something else in boron as well.
Something else in prunes, oh for an edit button.
Ah, so you are actually already taking AA? In that case, first I hope your doctor made sure your calcium and D levels were optimum first. Secondly, it's likely the most benefit and lowest risk of serious side effects is in the first two or three years, so you may find that's all you'll need, especially if simultaneously you are doing as much of the so called natural stuff as well. Do let us know how you get on.
Just started today but feeling uncertain. I will see how it goes and certainly will add more natural stuff as well as my supplements. My calcium levels are OK. Depending on how I tolerate AA will determine if I go the course. Thanks for all your help!
‘Old ladies were going back to bed’ Hope your doctor did research to make that finding. My sister had issues and she was careful to stay upright. I have swallowing problems so decided not to start AA.
Alison,
I notice you have started AA so no good trying to advise you to wait and try natural means alone.
But I would advise you to add some help anyway.
Some people who have broken bones have been found to lack magnesium. So it is worthwhile to add that. The drug companies make a lot of money and their motivation Is not always to help us.
Vitamin K2 aims the calcium onto the bones so a very good idea to have that.
Bones are living so it makes sense to support the renewal process.
Many foods do this too. Yoghurt, bony broth, jelly, avocados, leafy greens and prunes are among the foods that can help with that.
Hope you keep well and don’t worry because that is counterproductive. Also, weight bearing exercise is important and even a little bit helps.
All the best.
I don't know Kathleen but I'm old enough to take everything people say (even doctors) with a pinch of salt.
Hello alison
I have been taking something similar to AA for almost 3 years now and have improved my t-scores greatly, with no side effects. I also take K2, calcium and D3 and magnesium. I have a slight problem with the magnesium. Philip is correct. The way you take it greatly lessens the risks. I drink at least 75 mls of water, usually a litre. I stand for an hour, ironing with everything laid out the evening before, so no bending.I wait a full hour before I eat. I have had no side effects and was assured by 2 dental surgeons that a problem could occur, but only with tooth extraction. If this was necessary, I would be give antibiotics before and after the extraction. I have an implanted tooth and it is rock solid. Drug companies do make money but that is no different from the 37 billion dollar US supplement industry. I too am very anti drugs. But having weighed up the facts, not to mention the 2 fractured vertebrae, I am very happy with my decision. I lead a normal life ( except for frequent trips to the toilet, one morning a week!!!
Alison. I have just reread your post and suggest you ask if you should pospone taking the meds at this time, if your t-score is still in the osteopenia range. Of course there may be other factors but personally I would give the D3 and calcium a chance first, and up the exercise. I was too far into the osteoperosis bracket on a good diet and exercise plan, when I was diagnosed, but you might be able to reverse your "decline" However, talk everything through with your specalist. Good luck
Have no idea why they removed my post. Basically I said I had reread yours and saw you were still in the osteopenia bracket and therefore I felt, it might be an idea to try and halt your decline with the supplements, diet and exercise before starting the meds.
But, suggested you talk over your concerns with your professional.
I have had one dose but will discuss my concerns on Wednesday at the Spine Clinic appt. on Wednesday. in the meantime, I will certainly take magnesium and up my intake of foods containing Vit K2. And I will keep up my walking regime. I aim at 3 miles a day but often do much more. Thanks!