Steroids and Osteoporosis

[stephwest]

I got results of A DXA (short for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan today from my GPA medics confirming borderline Osteoporosis caused as a side effect of Pred --- can you imagine the shock--- warned not to overdo exercise which may cause fractures, recommended to take D3 + Calc (more f*** pills) they reduced Pred from 20mg to 15mg ASAP and to 12.5 in 4 weeks.
Muscles already weakened and now this.
Am losing weight down to 61kg.
Has anybody else got Osteoporosis or brittle bone and what has been the outcome????
All best
Stephen

[Pete]

I had osteopenia when my first dexa came back. I've been taking the calcium/D pills, and the second dexa showed no change. I'm supposed to have another dexa in August.

[annekat]

I think that's a problem for a lot of us, and some of us are already predisposed to osteoporosis. I can't report, as I haven't had a bone density scan since before I knew I had Wegs. I had some osteopenia in my upper spine. I take Calcium and D3 along the bone-building supplement Fosamax (alendronate sodium) but have been slacking off on the Fosamax as I've been taking it for several years and there are some warnings and possible negative effects from it.

What I've been wondering just lately is, does anyone know, could the prednisone be causing or contributing to the bone erosion many of us have had in our sinuses? Or would that have happened anyway due to the damage caused by the disease?

[pberggren1]

Strontium is key to bone support.

[KimH]

Hi I was just diagnosed with a compression fracture of L1 and L 2 . I was not doing anything more strenuous than yoga and weeding my garden. I was hoping to be able to get my body moving and that is delayed. I start physical therapy and I am looking forward to learn safe exercises. My doctor is ordering a bone scan and we will decide on meds and/or supplements. The three years of pred has turned my bones into swiss cheese. LOL. Perhaps you can also look into physical therapy and learn safe ways to rebuild your muscles. Next time I am in Wexford or Galway I can share with you some exercises.

[Alysia]

Strontium is key to bone support.

I asked my GP about it. she didnt know anything. she promised to search about it and then to tell me more. are you taking it as a supplement ?

[stephwest]

Strontium is key to bone support.

Have you seen the side effects of Protelos 2g granules sachets
Common: More than 1 in 100 people who take Protelos

• abnormal laboratory test results
  
• altered level of consciousness
  
• dermatitis
  
• diarrhoea
  
• eczema
  
• headaches
  
• heart attack
  
• loose stools
  
• memory loss
  
• nausea
  
• thromboembolism of the veins including pulmonary embolism

Uncommon: More than 1 in 1000 people who take Protelos

• seizures
  
  Protelos contains:
  
  • aspartame (E951)
    
  • maltodextrin
    
  • mannitol (E421)
    
  • strontium ranelate
    
    
    All best
    Stephen (trying not to break a leg)
  
  
  

[LisaT]

I just added this to my ever-growing list of questions for my next appointment. I think I will tell my GP's office they'd better book me two timeslots… or she will be behind for the rest of the day!

[drz]

I got results of A DXA (short for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan today from my GPA medics confirming borderline Osteoporosis caused as a side effect of Pred --- can you imagine the shock--- warned not to overdo exercise which may cause fractures, recommended to take D3 + Calc (more f*** pills) they reduced Pred from 20mg to 15mg ASAP and to 12.5 in 4 weeks.
Muscles already weakened and now this.
Am losing weight down to 61kg.
Has anybody else got Osteoporosis or brittle bone and what has been the outcome????
All best
Stephen

After my last bone scan I was advised to continue on the generic Fosomax which I had hoped to get off after three years. After long term use it can cause the very problems it seems intended to prevent. I am careful to try avoid falls since I was warned I might shatter like an egg. So far no breaks, but lot of dental problems and issues as my teeth often shatter and fall apart.

[Jaypfei]

Three MRI's and found out I had seven bulging disks, severe osteoporosis , osteoarthritis and scoliosis. The bulging most likely due to years of heavy lifting. The significant loss of bone is due to hereditary disposition for osteoporosis , but neurologist did say that prednisone was also a factor. Gotta love prednisone! I've been taking a drug called Forteo. I just past my first year and now have till April 2015 and hopefully will never have to take another osteoporosis drug. Forteo was designed primarily for cancer patients. But with some of the drugs we have to take its an option for us. Yes, with any drug there are possible side affects, but I felt it was worth the risk. Especially after I fractured a rib leaning over the tub.