Please help me decide about the Osteoporosis treatment I am being offered

[nowandagainfriend]

In the last 2 years there has been a dramatic reduction in my bone density and a recent Dexa scan showed that I now have Osteoporosis particularly in my Spine.

It has taken ages to be seen but I saw a lovely Consultant today who is really trying to encourage me to start a course of infused Zoledronic Acid (Bisphosphonates) as soon as possible.

The issue for me is that I am really worried about taking this drug and just don’t know what to do. I am scared of the implications if I don't take it, but terribly nervous about the way my body reacts to drugs, and the side effects.

Among the side effects are warnings of Atrial Fibrillation, compromise to the Immune system, Flu like effects, Bone, Joint, Muscle pain etc. etc

I already have Heart, Thyroid and digestive issues as well as Sjorgrens Syndrome. I also have a large number of allergies.

One of my biggest fears is that this drug will be infused with a 12 month dose all given on day 1. I have a history of a serious reaction to another drug (for Cholesterol) given in a similar way about 5 years ago. It was scary knowing that was in my body, I was reacting very badly to it and there was nothing they could do about it.

I am wondering if anyone else takes Zoledronic Acid (Aclasta) as an infusion and would share their experiences with me?

Alternatively would anyone share their experiences of any other Osteoporosis treatments they receive.

I am reading so many horror stories on google and trying to get a more balanced view from real people in order that I can decide whether to accept or decline treatment.

Ive not had the infusion but was on an oral bisphosphonate for many years, without any side effects whatsoever. Personally I'd go with what your Consultant recommends. I don't know which websites you got your information from, but sites such as the Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland clinic have good informaiton.

I would also get a referral to a physiotherapist as weight-bearing exercise is really important for bone health. I managed to stabilise, possibly reverse, both osteopenia and osteoporosis through regular exercise with dumbbells.

Plus a healthy, Mediterranean type diet - lost of vegetables, a fair amount of lean protein, healthy fats, complex carbs and dairy in the form of yoghurt and labnah.

I have 6 monthly zolendronic infusions at present ( in my case to reduce the risk of a breast cancer recurrence)….. absolute walk in the park after chemo….I’ve had 5 now…..20 mins in and out, not a single side effect. The jaw necrosis risk thing did worry me at first….but I make sure I go to dentist and hygienist 6 monthly ….and had a filling done before I started treatments

I took oral Alendronic acid for osteoporosis with no side effects and I also have an autoimmune disease. It reversed mine to osteopenia and so I’m very glad I took it.

@PaminaMozart @LoveTheSoundOfRain @Kitkat1523

Thank you, that all sounds a lot more positive than I was feeling when I left the hospital today.

I have been a walker all my life so already do a lot of weight bearing exercise but although my Hips are not as serious as my Spine, both are in the Osteoporosis range. I also have a relatively high Veg / Fruit diet (Zoe 30 a week)

My biggest frustration is that I wasn’t offered HRT at Menopause and now I am being constantly told that my degree of Oestrogen depletion has impacted so many areas of my health. I am relieved to see the current focus on Menopause and really hope my DD and her generation will not be similarly affected.

I know how you feel, @nowandagainfriend - I went through the menopause when HRT was considered a cancer risk, so never got it.

I think with your complicated medical history you would be very sensible to approach any new drugs very cautiously and in a step by step manner. I would ask the consultant what they can suggest to address your osteoporosis that allows for this sort of approach

I’m 58 now…was never offered hrt ….wouldn’t have wanted it anyway….I don’t particularly excercise…bit of dog walking that’s my lot ….my bones are ok…think it’s luck of the draw…. Hope you able to make your decision ok