Re: Prednisone and osteoporosis

[Guest guest]

Bonnie,

What are you taking now to hopefully increase or restore bone density?

Your experiences emphasize everything I'm afraid of as far as osteoporosis

is concerned. I've always had exceptionally strong bones. A few years ago

a dentist told me that I don't get cavities because my teeth are too hard

for them to develop! Never had a broken bone except maybe a toe one time

when I rammed it into a doorway. Now, I don't know if I need to be extra

careful about bumping into things for fear I'll be like my grandmother and

fracture from contact - or if not now, how soon that might happen. I went

from 120% of average for women my age to only 97% of average in just a year

and a half. At that rate, I wonder where I'll be next year? Have you had

fracture problems besides your hospital experience? What about back pain?

Take care,

Geri

[Guest guest]

Dear Geri:

I was wondering what your actual gm/cm2 numbers were on you bone density

scan. The reason I ask is because you said you showed 97% of average on your

test, yet they are calling it early osteoporosis. My BDS result showed 93%

of average for the spine, yet they are still calling it 'borderline' just

barely still in the 'normal' range. I think it's interesting that different

centers have different interpretations of the results. Did your imaging

center use the 'World Health Organization' guidelines?

Kathy (AIH)

Seattle area

[Guest guest]

Hi Geri,

Thanks for your note. I have a prescription for Didronel to help prevent

further bone loss but I don't know whether it actually builds bone as Fosamax

claims to do. I need to talk to my doctor this week. I am consistently

taking Caltrate Plus (1200 mg.) daily and will continue to do so in light of

my recent report. I am upset with myself for letting this condition

deteriorate. Years of prednisone use (and being remiss in taking the

calcium) not only caused the osteoporosis, but also spinal compression

fractures (L-2, 3, 4, & 5). So to answer your question, yes I do have back

pain but take nothing for it. I also need arthroscopic surgery on my knees,

partially because of the prednisone and also because I had a pre-existing

problem with my knees. Since both the knees and back bother me, I can't be

on my feet for long periods of time.

I know that exercise is an important factor in combatting osteoporosis.

I never exercised (other than to bend over and pick up something off the

floor!)...just hated the " E " word. However, I have starting walking in the

evening when it isn't too hot. I have been trying to walk 3 miles several

times a week. I am hoping that this will be beneficial. At this point I

don't know whether I can ever recover the bone loss. All I do know is that I

want to remain active and not end up in a wheelchair, which is my greatest

fear.

I'll talk to my physician this week and let you know what she thinks

about the situation...whether I should take the Didronel or try the Fosamax

(although I am a little reluctant in light of the side effects you

experienced). I'll keep you posted.

Bonnie

AIH and post transplant

[Guest guest]

Hi .  I can certainly understand your concern about making your

Osteoporosis worse.  My Rheumy watches me very closely.  I have a bone scan

every 2 years.  I also take LEUCOVORIN, 2 pills 12 hours after I inject my

Methotrexare.  I take a Actonal pill 1x a week, and each day I take 2

 Calcium w/ vit. D pills. These 3 are all types of calcium.  I do have

Osteopina, which has not gotten any worse.  I also have blood work done every

2-3 months.

 

I have had both knee's and a hip totally replaced due to O.A. and R.A.  Each

person here is so different with health issues and other diseases.  For me,

Pred. works so well, and I have a life now.  We all have to make a decision of

what we want and need to take to make ourselves feel better.  I will never be a

candidate for Biological drugs so right now I am happy with all my choices.

 

I wish you many pain free days ahead. Take care of yourself.

 

Hugs,

 

Barbara

From: <anelica1016@...>

Subject: [ ] Prednisone and osteoporosis

Date: Thursday, May 20, 2010, 8:58 AM

 

I was just wondering how your bones are handling the pred.? I already have had

osteoporosis since 37 yrs. old and am really trying to stave off any further

damage to them. My RA has suggested a trial of Prednisone and I really don't

want to start on that route. I do understand for some of you, the pain is so

dibilitating that its pred. or stay in bed with awful pain.

Osteoporosis runs rampid in my family and I believe is the cause of my

grandmother's spine crumbling and stenosis, pinched nerves, so on.

Also, in the beginning of this disease, was it hard to determine whether it was

coming from the joint or ligaments/tendons/muscles?

Thanks everyone and wishing all of you a pain free day.