It seems like there is just no good drug to help our bone density! No matter which one I read about...... they all end with all the horrible and deadly possible side effects. It is so scary...... because my Doctor said I am at risk.... my sister had breast cancer at an early age. She had a portion of her breast removed. She has been past her 5 yr date since then by many years.... so that is the good news.
I take Evista daily. Taking Fosomax weekly hurt my stomach.... so my doctor changed me to Evista daily several yrs ago. Oh and I am 55 yrs old. I have been postmenopause for about 6 yrs.
Question: how is a woman to decide what to do? Take a drug or don't take anything and just try to eat tons of calcium??? (the 2nd option is what my husband would like me to do. He does not believe in the drugs).
Thank you in advance for a reply or comment. :-))
I took Actonel (a bisphosphonate like Fosamax) for a year, and quit because it was killing my stomach. I found I did just as well by following a strict course of exercise: 5 days a week, 30 to 45 minutes of weight-bearing and light "bone jarring" (jumprope) exercises. If you have any Curves gyms around, they're a great place to follow this type of exercise regimen.
I assume you've had breast cancer, and are battling falling DEXA scores? It's a tough choice, for sure, whether to do the drugs... First, make sure your diet is good, and you're supplementing with calcium and vitamin D if necessary. Then, make sure you're exercising, and doing the right types; our post on weight-bearing exercise should help you out here. Then, if your scores continue to drop steadily and quickly... consider the drugs. That's my opinion (and keep in mind I'm not a doctor; just a breast cancer survivor). Good luck to you - PJH
Thank you PJ Hamel. Lots of good info. Luckily I do exercise..... 4 - 5 times a week. I go to "bootcamp" workouts. Just have to check the site you mention to be sure I'm including the correct exercises now.
I have not had cancer.... my sister has. My bones are scanning as Osteopenia, which I'm told is the stage before OP. Thanks again for your tips! :-)
Thank you PJ Hamel. Lots of good info. Luckily I do exercise..... 4 - 5 times a week. I go to "bootcamp" workouts. Just have to check the site you mention to be sure I'm including the correct exercises now.
I have not had cancer.... my sister has. My bones are scanning as Osteopenia, which I'm told is the stage before OP. Thanks again for your tips! :-)
Ah - then, you might find these two articles helpful: Osteopenia: Do You Really Need the Drugs, and Osteopenia Treatment: Not Worth the Risk and Expense? Check 'em out... PJH
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Calcitonin should probably not be used by anyone, unless REALLY desperate.
Look at Best Pills/Worst Pills: "calcitonin nasal spray as a Do Not Use drug ". This drug did poorly in its trials, is the least effective medication and never proved hip fracture protection or significant bone density changes....The FDA, with its current guidelines would never even approve this drug today.