Posted by Nadezda on November 6, 2009, at 7:40:38
In reply to Re: Desperated no wheelchair what to do for osteoporos, posted by Phillipa on November 5, 2009, at 23:51:19
It's not really a catch-22. There are drugs that treat osteoporosis. They aren't perfect, as seldom said-- but they work.
If you truly are worried about ending up in a wheelchair Phillipa-- the answer should be clear. Take a drug-- whether it's forteo, fosamax, boniva, or some of the newer drugs that are being developed.
But from what I learned with my mother, your spine density score should be worrying-- and I would begin a course of treatment immediately.
Also, while it's recommended not to take bisphosphonates for more than 7-10 years, your bones do not immediately return to pre-drug levels-- although they do begin to weaken again. Also because of their long half-life, my mother's doctor recommended that she take occasional vacations from the drug, which would allow her to take it for much longer than simply 7-10 years. There are solutions.
What you need is probably the bisphosphonates now-- to hold you until better drugs are available.
And of course, doing weight bearing exercises is very important. Walking is better than riding your bike, for example.
I put a fair amount of time into helping my mother make these decisions, and I feel pretty confident that I understand the issues.
But of course, you have to do what you feel is best for you.
Nadezda
poster:Nadezda
thread:924427
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20091029/msgs/924693.html