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Monday, May 12, 2008 Rose asks

Q: I am 47 frctrd 5 bns this yr. lst 1 t12 vrtbra frcture. dr prs forteo t scr -4.75 scared

I am 47 years old.  In the last 1 1/2 years I have fractured 5 bones.  Two in my foot one in my wrist and a few fingers.   About 6 months ago I fell and suffered a compression fracture t 12 vertebrae in addition to a vertebrae fracture and a discocate d disc.   >Io went to a metabolic bone center and took numerous blood tests.  I am currently taking boniva and the doctor say s that my best bet is to take FORTEO.  mY spinal t score is -4.76 and hip is -3.9 average.   My back hurts all the time and the spinal specialist told me that it will be like that forever.   I want to know is their any physical therapist that deals with these type of fractures to build up muscle is there any way to stop the constant pain.  i was a runner 4 miles 5 times a week exerciser and very active.  I had to stay home from work for 6 months to recover and I am now limited in my activity.  And DEPRESSED.  I am returning to work in 2 weeks, I am a single mom and having a hard time financially and must work regardless of pain or not.   I have read about FORTEO and I am a bit concerned about the daily injection and the side effects that it might have.  Does anyone have any information I appreciate allyour help.

 

 

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5/12/08 7:48pm

Thank you so much for sharing your difficult experiences with us, I am so sorry to hear about your painful fractures and early osteoporosis status. With your situation I am not surprised that your doctor is recommending a serious measure such as Forteo -- although it has been known to have side effects in certain patients (severe cramps and leg pain are the most common, as well as discomfort at the injection site), this possibility must be weighed against the pain you are experiencing from the repeat fractures. However, you may not be a candidate for Forteo if you have certain conditions (see www.forteo.com), so do make sure the prescribing physician knows your complete medical history. In addition, you may want to see if you can find (perhaps through your doctor) a specialist known as a physiatrist who deals with physical therapy and rehabilitation, and may be able to advise how to get moving again safely while limiting your pain and discomfort. Good luck with this tough situation and please keep us posted.

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8/12/08 4:09pm

I gave myself daily  Forteo injections for a little over a year.  Forteo did help my bones.  However, the dr's are having me checked every 3 months to begin with.  They are watching for cancer.  I had a choice to make.  I can take a chance with Forteo & now Reclast or I can be bedbound before long.  Cancer of bedbound.  Not much of a choice. 

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