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Osteoporosis

(9 Posts)
Ana Tue 16-Dec-14 21:09:20

I have a yearly injection of zolendronic acid because I can't swallow tablet as big as the alendronic acid ones prescribed for my osteopenia.

I must say, any bone aches and pains I may have had have gone, and my teeth seem to be fine, but I do know the risks and my dentist is aware of my treatment.

Crafting Tue 16-Dec-14 20:56:12

I have osteoporosis too and take alendronic acid. My GP told me to get my teeth checked and to tell the dentist I was taking alendronic acid which is now recorded on my notes.

tiggypiro Tue 16-Dec-14 13:09:44

Thanks everyone. I am lucky that so far I have no pain whatsoever and can still do all the heavy digging I want (!). Other than a bit of sciatica being a bit of a nuisance I am quite capable of walking though have used walking poles for long distances since the leg break.
Thanks mcem for the dental advice. I am due a check up in a couple of months but will ask for an earlier one.
At the moment 'Carry on Regardless' is my mantra - never been known to give up too easily !!

annodomini Tue 16-Dec-14 12:45:41

Probably as a result of 3 years on prednisolone (steroid), I have borderline osteoporosis in my left hip (the right one is a replacement). I am taking strontium ranelate and Adcal because I already have a reflux problem and can't take alendronic acid. I am trying very hard to be careful about where I put my feet and when on holiday with my family they keep an eye on me! I'm rather fond of the Adcal tablets which are my daily 'sweeties'!

POGS Tue 16-Dec-14 11:50:43

mcem

They say you learn something every day and I have.

I have the family curse of Osteoporosis/Osteoarthritis but I have never thought about it affecting my teeth.

Your post was so familiar and I have had practically the same thing happen to my back tooth. My dentist was brilliant and repaired it but I have to go back as the filling has 'dipped'.

I will ask him his thoughts, thank you.

tiggypiro

Not a lot to say other than it is a case of some give in, others try and keep going. No doubt bad days and some a little better?

I have found a level with medication using Tramadol and Meloxicam works best for me, mixed in with diazapam when I go into spasm. There was a certain amount of
experimenting over the years to know what works best.

I do believe people have varying pain thresholds and whilst it is a case of time will tell, all I can offer is hope you do not deteriorate from the place you find yourself in at the moment.

Don't be shy of using a walking stick if you are prone to falling. flowers

mcem Tue 16-Dec-14 11:19:28

I'm in a similar situation and would strenuously advise that you have a thorough dental checkup before you're much further into the Alendronic acid programme.
I'd had a routine 6monthly check just a few weeks after starting on Risendronate sodium and nothing showed up.

This summer, completely without warning, a back tooth disintegrated. The walls of the tooth simply fell off leaving the core which was predominantly an old filling.

Because of the Risendronate, my dentist felt he had to refer me to the local dental hospital. After assessment, they decided to remove the remains of the tooth rather than attempt any invasive treatment. It went very well with no problems at all but I was taken aback by the discussion and advice I was given.

In some cases the jaw becomes very brittle and dental treatment can cause serious problems. They felt very strongly that noone should be prescribed such medications without full investigations. My routine checkup showed up nothing but both my dentist and the dental hospital specialist recommend more care before starting bisphosphonates.

Tegan Tue 16-Dec-14 11:17:15

Calcichew contains Vit D I believe.

Anya Tue 16-Dec-14 10:41:05

I would hope you are also taking Vit D with your calcium?

tiggypiro Tue 16-Dec-14 09:45:29

After breaking my leg 6 years ago and my wrist this summer (both in my opiion because I did something a bit daft) I was sent for a bone density scan. It seems I have osteoporosis in my left hip which to be honest I was quite amazed by. I am now on calcium twice a day and Alendronic Acid once a week.
Other than carrying on as normal and trying not to fall (!!) has anyone any tips ? What I did forget to ask was how bad it was but shall do when I go back for the medication review. I am not worried about this diagnosis and will not start wrapping myself in cotton wool but just thought some of you could give me some of your wise words !