Osteoporosis And Medication

[Susantg3]

Just been advised that I have osteopenia, just about 10 points off full osteoporosis. Considering some of the medications used to rebuild bone. Most have GI or esophagus irritation type symptoms. Have any of you been on them, and which was tolerated best?

Thanks for any input,

Sue

[Ursa Major]

Sue, another problem with those medications appears to be the potential of necrosis of the jaw (as in rotting away). Plus, they don't really rebuild bone, but prevent your body from getting rid of old cells. So, your bone looks denser on the scans, but it will consist of older cells, which will be more brittle. Not exactly an improvement, if you ask me.

The best thing to do is to be tested for your levels of vitamin D and Calcium and Magnesium. Since your body can't use the Calcium and Magnesium without sufficient Vitamin D, and many celiacs are deficient in it, because of malabsorption, you might have to supplement with it (the best way is with cod liver oil, try the Carlson brand, it doesn't taste bad), and especially with Magnesium as well.

I don't know how old you are, but younger people (especially under 30) can often rebuild their bones by diet and supplementation and avoid osteoporosis. But even older people can reverse it to some degree.

Also, weight bearing exercise will strengthen your bones and help with the reversal of the osteopenia.

[trents]

I've been on Fosamax for 2+ years and haven't had any GI problems, but I know people who just can't tolerate it. I have a slight effervesent "fizzie" sensation the first couple of seconds after I swallow it but that's about all. I can't say its rebuilt any of my bones 'cause the dexascan didn't demonstrate any improvement in density but maybe at 55 years old you can't expect much. Maybe the best I can hope for is to slow the bone loss down or arrest it. I have osteopenia as well. The odd thing is it's worse in my femoral neck than in my lower spine. Why would it be worse ove some parts of your skeleton than others?

Steve

[jaimek]

I was diagnosed with Osteopenia as well, and I have been taking Viactiv chews for a while now. They do not upset my stomach at all, and they are tasty too!