Question 1

my dr office called and said to start fosamax (alendronate) as my bone density test came back not too good. arent there choices? shouldn't a patient get consult ?

Accepted Answer

Yes and maybe: There any many choices for medications like fosamax (alendronate), (alendronate) some doctors choose that one first because it's the cheapest. I'm not quite sure what you mean about a consult, if you have questions about treatment call that doctor that wants you to take the fosamax (alendronate).

Question 2

should i take the new medication forteo? i have been taking actonel, (risedronate) my last bone density test showed i had 10 percent bone loss.
i am afraid to take the drug because of the side effects. is there something else i can
take?

Accepted Answer

Actonel (risedronate) : Actonel (risedronate) and Forteo are in a class of drugs called bisphonates.  These drugs are very valuable in preventing fractures of bone due to progressive loss of bone density called osteoporosis.  Yes the drugs have been associated with several significant side effects, but like any drug you need to weigh the benefits against these side effects.  Spinal, hip and long bone fractures can have serious life altering effects on ones life, more serious than the side effects, so if you are at risk of fracture, which your bone scan indicates, then use of these drugs are justified. This is a conversation you need to be having with your physician since they know you better than anyone on this board can.  They can review the risks and benefits to help you make a decision.

Question 3

took fosomax for 7 yrs with little benefit (slightly worse each yr), then no meds x2 yrs.  which has best risk/benefit ratio:  reclast, (zoledronic acid) prolia, fosomax?  ctx test results >300 so md eliminated forteo.

Accepted Answer

Reclast (zoledronic acid) maybe: The reccommendation now is to have 5 yrs of a bisphosphnate-you had 7.  The point of the therapy is to prevent further deterioration not necessarily to improve it.  If Forteo is not an option the best might be Reclast (zoledronic acid) as is it given by IV and will have the best absorption. Prolia has merit as well but has many more potential side effects that you need to review with your doctor.

Question 4

are you able to have scoliosis surgery, with a bone density score of -3.1? all other health is good.

Accepted Answer

Bone density spine: you are at a higher risk of having complications if hardware is to be used.  with a low bone density hardware has a harder time holding in the bone.

Question 5

bone density test showed i had osteopenia couple of years age. since test i've had spine surgery with instrumentation. can i get another test done?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Depends on level of instrumentation on whether your spine will be able to be tested and compared to previous.  Hips will still be able to be tested in order to risk stratify you.

Question 6

what to do if i just had leg surgery, how long is it to build back bone density?

Accepted Answer

6 weeks for healing: You had leg surgery.  You want to know how long to heal.  6-8 weeks will have the maximum deposit of collagen to the skin or scar.  The bone gets tacky in 7 days after surgery but still takes 6-8 weeks to heal.  The body continues to remodel over time.  Eat well focus on breathing and exercise when you can.  Be well.

Question 7

positive, intense uptake on bone scan, lose spinal hardware, bone marrow edema , family history, paternal taking forteo to strengthen bones. ??ideas?

Accepted Answer

For one: You probably should remove the hardware. Increased uptake is informing you there is bone activity. You don't state on what phase. This could indicate a fracture or infection.... The doctor should have a clinical suspicion of what he is looking for. 
If removing the hardware a bone biopsy can be performed if suspecting infection.

Question 8

is it possible to gain bone mass and strength without using fosamax (alendronate) when your only 28 & how?! t score of -6 and have 5 spinal compression fractures

Accepted Answer

Osteoporosis: You are very young to be having such advanced osteoporosis.  There must be an underlying reason for this.  I would recommend that you see an endocrinologist to help with your diagnosis and treatment.

Question 9

diagnosed w/osteoporosis and spinal fractures high risk for more fractures is there anything i can do to gain bone mass w/out scary meds like fosamax (alendronate)?

Accepted Answer

If  you have: already been diagnosed with osteoporosis, and already had fractures, medications may be the only way to make a significant improvement in your bone density.  Lifestyle changes at this point will likely not make a big enough difference.  Are you 28 years old?  It is unusual to have osteoporosis as a young adult without an underlying medical condition.

Question 10

i just started forteo, osteoporosis and failed spinal fusion. is there a greater chance of bone cancer fron pth and mbps interaction?

Accepted Answer

Don't worry: Forteo is excellent and not likely to cause anything but improved bone over a period of 2 years.
Bone cancer is very unlikely simply based on Forteo but if you are still having substantial back pain please have your doctor follow up on other possible causes.

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Doctor answers about:

How does Forteo better than taken Prolia and Fosamax for bone strengthening for surgery for disk and nerve decompression and very low spinal bone density

A member asked:

My dr office called and said to start fosamax (alendronate) as my bone density test came back not too good. arent there choices? shouldn't a patient get consult ?

A member asked:

Should i take the new medication forteo? i have been taking actonel, (risedronate) my last bone density test showed i had 10 percent bone loss. i am afraid to take the drug because of the side effects. is there something else i can take?

A member asked:

Took fosomax for 7 yrs with little benefit (slightly worse each yr), then no meds x2 yrs. which has best risk/benefit ratio: reclast, (zoledronic acid) prolia, fosomax? ctx test results >300 so md eliminated forteo.

A member asked:

Are you able to have scoliosis surgery, with a bone density score of -3.1? all other health is good.

A member asked:

Bone density test showed i had osteopenia couple of years age. since test i've had spine surgery with instrumentation. can i get another test done?

A member asked:

What to do if i just had leg surgery, how long is it to build back bone density?

A member asked:

Positive, intense uptake on bone scan, lose spinal hardware, bone marrow edema , family history, paternal taking forteo to strengthen bones. ??ideas?

A member asked:

Is it possible to gain bone mass and strength without using fosamax (alendronate) when your only 28 & how?! t score of -6 and have 5 spinal compression fractures

A member asked:

Diagnosed w/osteoporosis and spinal fractures high risk for more fractures is there anything i can do to gain bone mass w/out scary meds like fosamax (alendronate)?

A member asked:

I just started forteo, osteoporosis and failed spinal fusion. is there a greater chance of bone cancer fron pth and mbps interaction?

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