Question 1

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 2

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 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

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 5

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 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

what treatment is better for postmenopausal osteoporosis
traditional bisphosphonates or newer generation like forteo and prolia injecions?

Accepted Answer

Individual case: Different patients respond to different treatment options. You and your doctor can discuss your test results and go over the risks and benefits of each to determine the best medication for you.

Question 8

i had a severe allergy to forteo. doc wants me on prolia for severe metabolic osteoporosis. is it similar? i don't want to die from injection.

Accepted Answer

Different: Prolia is different than forteo. The mechanism of action is completely different. Talk to your doctor about your concerns. His/her recommendation is within the standard of care for osteoporosis treatment.

Question 9

what is the definition or description of: nerve decompression surgery?

Accepted Answer

Making space.: A nerve is in a tight space may be irritated or damaged, causing pain and/or loss of function (weakness or sensory changes). Surgical decompression aims to make more space for a nerve; relieve the pressure on it. Usual places where this occurs are across certain joints (wrist, elbow, sometimes knee) & as the nerve exits the spinal canal formed by the bones of the spine - arthritis or disks pinch.

Question 10

i took omeprazole for 3 years , if it had effected bone density, will this return to normal upon stopping the medication?or is that bone loss longterm

Accepted Answer

No issues: It is highly unlikely that a 38 year old would have experienced any bone loss after 3 years of omeprazole. Do not worry.

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Doctor answers about:

How is forteo better that other bone strengthen medication like Fosamax or Prolia for surgery of poor bone density and nerve decompression

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:

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:

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:

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:

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

A member asked:

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

A member asked:

What treatment is better for postmenopausal osteoporosis traditional bisphosphonates or newer generation like forteo and prolia injecions?

A member asked:

I had a severe allergy to forteo. doc wants me on prolia for severe metabolic osteoporosis. is it similar? i don't want to die from injection.

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: nerve decompression surgery?

A member asked:

I took omeprazole for 3 years , if it had effected bone density, will this return to normal upon stopping the medication?or is that bone loss longterm

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