Thank you so much for the information regarding zinc supplements. I will discontinue use. So comforting to know that you are out there answering everyone’s questions. You are the best.
As a CPNP (pediatrics care), I truly believe you captured the essence of providing health care. The listening, couseling and teaching that a provider offers are the critical factors to enhancing health and wellness. APRNs are just as qualified as MDs or DOs. It takes a team!
I wonder if the side effects of the osteoporosis drugs are under-reported. I personally know and know of several women who suffered from severe side effects; one mentioned a full waiting room of women seeing a physician for treatment due to severe side effects. Not sure how to interpret the information but it has put me off treatment despite a concerning diagnosis.
I am one of those patients!! Last Spring diagnosed with Osteoporosis in my lower back. My RA doctor prescribed Risedronate and by the next morning I was so sick --worse than Covid! It lasted for several days. I even took a COVID test to ensure that it wasn't just bad timing. I told my doctor I wasn't going to take this once a month drug anymore. She then said I could do the IV treatment once every 6 months --I replied absolutely NOT! If a once a month drug caused this many side effects what is once every 6 months going to do? She then prescribed a once a week drug. This was months ago. I told her I would try it when I had nothing going on in my life because I needed to plan to be sick. I see her next week for my 6 month appt and still haven't tried the drug.
Lisa, your experience is very similar to the experience of a close friend; she tried several different drugs, with a severe reaction to every one of them. Another woman underwent something like an 8-hour surgery on her jaw after taking one of the drugs, after which her doctor told her no more drugs (as if); at a subsequent check-up the doctor's waiting room was full of women who'd had problems with side-effects. I don't understand why there isn't more reporting on this. How can side-effects be rare, as most doctors say, when our anecdotal experiences dispute that? I wish I had an answer! xo
I know of a woman, diagnosed with o'penia in her early 60s, who began taking one of the early Rx. She went off it (I think when bad press indicated it was not helpful). I don't recall the timeline but her Dexa results persisted, in spite of Ca supplements and daily walks of 2+ miles through the neighborhood. More recently she was on a course of a newer Rx, but due to changes in providers, she ran over the recommended duration and got a call one day to stop the Rx immediately. I don't know of side effects, other than a mild case of persistent IBS, which may not be due to the Rx. In the past year she upped her walks to include a weighted vest, and she's doing some resistance training at a gym. Recent Dexa showed o'porosis in one area, o'penia in others. Personally, I don't intend to take the Rx, if my o'penia progresses. I have been more conscious of my diet to include cheese and yogurt, plus eating the fat and connective tissue that comes on meat, along with eating more fatty fish. Exercise includes a weighted vest walk, jumping jacks, overhead presses, wrist curls, thigh-master reps, or mostly low-impact cardio or weight lifting videos. Practicing balance, good posture, and varied movements help to prevent falls. I just feel like diet and lifestyle are the keys for me, above risky Rx.
Thank you so much for the information regarding zinc supplements. I will discontinue use. So comforting to know that you are out there answering everyone’s questions. You are the best.
I have had the same Primary Care nurse for over 20 years at the VA. I could discuss anything with her. Professional and easy to talk to.
Now she is retiring and am worried about what comes next with lay offs at the VA. Never worried with her there.
As a CPNP (pediatrics care), I truly believe you captured the essence of providing health care. The listening, couseling and teaching that a provider offers are the critical factors to enhancing health and wellness. APRNs are just as qualified as MDs or DOs. It takes a team!
I have an ARNP for primary care, and the *only* drawback is that she’s getting in high demand and scheduling is tight!
I wonder if the side effects of the osteoporosis drugs are under-reported. I personally know and know of several women who suffered from severe side effects; one mentioned a full waiting room of women seeing a physician for treatment due to severe side effects. Not sure how to interpret the information but it has put me off treatment despite a concerning diagnosis.
I am one of those patients!! Last Spring diagnosed with Osteoporosis in my lower back. My RA doctor prescribed Risedronate and by the next morning I was so sick --worse than Covid! It lasted for several days. I even took a COVID test to ensure that it wasn't just bad timing. I told my doctor I wasn't going to take this once a month drug anymore. She then said I could do the IV treatment once every 6 months --I replied absolutely NOT! If a once a month drug caused this many side effects what is once every 6 months going to do? She then prescribed a once a week drug. This was months ago. I told her I would try it when I had nothing going on in my life because I needed to plan to be sick. I see her next week for my 6 month appt and still haven't tried the drug.
Lisa, your experience is very similar to the experience of a close friend; she tried several different drugs, with a severe reaction to every one of them. Another woman underwent something like an 8-hour surgery on her jaw after taking one of the drugs, after which her doctor told her no more drugs (as if); at a subsequent check-up the doctor's waiting room was full of women who'd had problems with side-effects. I don't understand why there isn't more reporting on this. How can side-effects be rare, as most doctors say, when our anecdotal experiences dispute that? I wish I had an answer! xo
I know of a woman, diagnosed with o'penia in her early 60s, who began taking one of the early Rx. She went off it (I think when bad press indicated it was not helpful). I don't recall the timeline but her Dexa results persisted, in spite of Ca supplements and daily walks of 2+ miles through the neighborhood. More recently she was on a course of a newer Rx, but due to changes in providers, she ran over the recommended duration and got a call one day to stop the Rx immediately. I don't know of side effects, other than a mild case of persistent IBS, which may not be due to the Rx. In the past year she upped her walks to include a weighted vest, and she's doing some resistance training at a gym. Recent Dexa showed o'porosis in one area, o'penia in others. Personally, I don't intend to take the Rx, if my o'penia progresses. I have been more conscious of my diet to include cheese and yogurt, plus eating the fat and connective tissue that comes on meat, along with eating more fatty fish. Exercise includes a weighted vest walk, jumping jacks, overhead presses, wrist curls, thigh-master reps, or mostly low-impact cardio or weight lifting videos. Practicing balance, good posture, and varied movements help to prevent falls. I just feel like diet and lifestyle are the keys for me, above risky Rx.