Looking for alternative way to strengthen bone mass.

Hindsfeet

http://www.askapatient.com/viewrating.asp?drug=20560&name=fosamax

I had my first fosamax tablet yesterday. I woke up in the middle of the night and felt like my stomach and body was on fire. I felt as if a bomb went off in my body...literally. My bones hurt. I can't begin to explain the pain I'm now in. I'm never taking this drug again!!!! 

website posted makes me feel like it's not in my head or alone. This is real!

Anyone ideas to alternative ways to strengthen the bone? I am hoping some of the alternative ladies still lurk here and can help me. Thanks...

voraciousreader

Are you feeling better now???

voraciousreader

Why not call the doctor? When I had my first Zometa infusion it was awful. Subsequent ones were better. Drank a lot of fluids and took Tylenol.

voraciousreader

Eve... I was thinking earlier today whether or not you would be a good candidate for Zometa based on the Azure study and/or Gnant's study. In the former study, women 5 years post menopausal did well... Had few recurrences and built bone. Likewise in Gnant's study, women over 40 who also did ovarian suppression did well.... Why not discuss Zometa with your doctor. 1 infusion every six months for three years...

sweetbean

Lift weights.  Get a personal trainer and start lifting weights.  It's the best bone strengthener there is.

Anonymous

Hello, sure looks like this med is not for you.  I have no bone problems yet, have been faithfully taking my cal/mag and D but more can be done:

"Do not forget the other nutrients that strengthen bone. Not only the calcium is good for the bones, we must also eat foods that contain vitamin B12, phosphorus, magnesium, fluorine and silicon. We recommend the following food: oily fish, egg yolk, spinach, whole and fortified milk, butter, cream, food rich in protein as meat, seafood, nuts, whole grains, black tea and mineral water.
In addition to physical exercise is highly recommended to practice some discipline as yoga or tai chi. Through the practice poses that keeps the skeleton strong and healthy, it is also a good way to prevent all types of bone disease"

http://healthcentrics.net/strengthen-bones.html

Also  

"Numerous positive clinical trials have shown 600 mg/day of ipriflavone to be an effective way to prevent bone mineral density loss in postmenopausal women"

http://wellnessevolutions.com/medical/osteoporosis.html 

I hope you feel better soon Evebarry 

voraciousreader

Sweetbean... Small bones sisters have a rough time building bone. I do weight bearing exercise and walk 3 miles a day, enjoy dairy products, take D3 and STILL have issues. The Zometa is supposed to be a two prong approach. Increase bone and reduce cancer recurrence.

Anonymous

Evebarry, your reaction to your first dosage of Fosamax was exactly like mine...EXACTLY!  I thought that I would rather risk a broken bone than feel this way ever again.  I dreaded the next week but took my dose and was stunned to have nothing near the reaction of the first dose.  I did feel a little flu like for a few days but even that mostly has backed off as I continued on (I took my 7th weekly dose this morning).

So my best advice is to try one or two more weeks and, if you experience the same side effects as you did this week, contact your doctor to discuss other options. 

I'm sure you did, but also carefully follow the directions for taking it to the letter.  I dread Monday mornings because I really don't like to take that much water on an empty stomach first thing in a morning, and then wait 30 minutes, but it's become tolerable and I just try to do some light chores in the kitchen to keep me upright while I wait until I can eat.

Did your doctor also tell you to take a calcium and vitamin D supplement?  If not, you might want to talk to him/her about that.  Mine insisted that it was as much a part of the repair process as the Fosamax.  And as others have noted, exercise (especially light weight bearing exercises) are helpful, too.  Good luck!!

Hindsfeet

Sherry...you have a good oncologist.

VR, I still feel horrible.  I can't recall in years feeling this bad. The herceptin wasn't even this bad.

Have you ladies looked at the website I posted. These testimonies were similiar to mine. I learned that if you have a low blood pressure (which I usually do), you are more likely to have side effects.

 I have lots of allergies and I'm super sensitive to most drugs. 2007, 2008 dx dcis highgrade, Jan 2011, mucinious stage 1, Sept 2011, IDC high grade her2+ (3+)er + pr+
Diagnosis: 1/4/2012, IDC, 2cm, Stage Ia, Grade 3, 0/4 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2+

Anonymous

Evebarry, the night of the first dose I had the same stomach issues--I would have thought I was having a heart attack if I hadn't just had a cardiologist tell me my heart was fine.  I had never had that kind of pain in my stomach/chest area (I ate Tums every few hours throughout the whole second day...burping helped it slowly clear).  By the end of the next day those symptoms were getting better but I thought my entire body (especially my mid and lower back) had broken.  I couldn't even stand up straight or move without pain in every joint I owned.  And, yes, I had a pretty bad headache by the end of that day.

The 3rd day was much better.  Still felt a little icky but definitely able to work and do normal activities.  And then things got much better from there and were never that intense with the following doses.  My PA said that my reaction to the first dose was not uncommon and that it usually cleared up with subsequent doses.  I also am pretty sensitive to drugs and have a lot of allergies and side effects...it really did get better so you might want to try at least one more week.

So, yes, you have had a not uncommon reaction and, hopefully, with time (starting next week) it will clear up.  If it doesn't, then you should have that discussion with your doctor, even if you need to make an appointment to do it.

Anonymous

Acid-A-Cal or such for balancing the pH, and must take a bioavailable calcium that does not end up in the joints when it is not absorbed properly, which I believe is a sea calcium. 

Fucoidan for bone support

Ionic minerals

Gardening, dancing, weight lifting, impact exercise.  Women who garden with a wheelbarrow, shovel and hoe are said to have thebest of all worlds.

peggy_j

You may find more info in the Bones forum. Lots of discussion on diet, exercise, Vit D, calcium, and other supplements. 

dogsandjogs

So sorry to hear about your bad reaction. I'm lucky in that I have had no side effects from Fosamax. However, my doctor said to take the pill with 2 glasses of water, not one.  Maybe that makes a difference. Ask you doctor's opinion.

MariannaLaFrance

Evebarry- Sorry to hear the reaction from Fosamax. I have had bone resorption issues, and this is the protocol my doctor has me on:

• Magnesium 2X daily (300 mcg?) sorry, cannot recall the dose. Normal dose. Designs for Health brand.
• Calcium- 1500 daily, taken at various points during the day (4 tablets)
• Vitamin K (necessary to uptake the calcium in the intestine)

 I do weight bearing exercise (includes weight lifting and running, but walking would do if you are not a runner) 4X week, for an hour or more at a time. This is very important, probably just as important as what you are eating. 

Good luck with it, and please let us know if you find something that works for you! 

Anonymous

Marianna, I just saw this.  I definitely need to get MK4, it's not in my multi, thanks !

MK4 versus MK7 for Bone Health

http://www.nbihealth.com/t-mk7-hip-fractures.aspx

Vitamin K is associated with osteoblasts. Osteoblasts are cells that build bone and produce a protein called osteocalcin. Osteocalcin is a protein-like glue that incorporates calcium into the bones. Without vitamin K2, osteocalcin cannot be produced in the body. Without vitamin K to control calcium, calcium can drift out of the bones and into arteries and other soft tissues. Vitamin K2 redirects the calcium into bones.

Kaara

Eve:  Why are you even taking this drug?  Do you have a bone density issue?   Is Herceptin supposed to cause this?  I agree with you...this is one of the worst drugs you can take and can cause all kinds of long term issues, including deterioration of the jaw bone in some individuals with periodontal disease.  The is the main reason I decided to take tamoxifen rather than an Al, because I don't want bone issues and more problems with my teeth.  

I would stick to my exercise and supplement regimine and have frequent testing done.  

dlb823

Eve, I haven't taken the time to read this entire post, but when I learned several months ago that my bone mass had dropped by 4% (well into the osteopenic range) after having to go off HRT due to my bc dx... And when my otherwise excellent PCP didn't offer me anything except drugs and a suggestion to do things like wall pushups...  I went to a wonderful naturopathic doctor who suggested that I give her a year to try to reverse the bone loss naturally, before considering a pharmaceutical.  So some of the things she's done are (1) complete hormones testing (24-hour urine) and the addition of a couple of hormones I was very low in; (2) the addition of a mineral supplement to aid with calcium (citrate)/magnesium absorption; and (3) the addition of natural TSH to my supplement regimen (I tested in the "normal" range per conventional med, but not where she said I need to be to have my body working optimally).  I also joined a new, smaller, more intimate gym that I really like going to, and I treated myself to a month of sessions (2x/wk) with a personal trainer who really understood my goals and limitations, which got me off to a great start with weights, which I'm thoroughly enjoying.

By the way, I am not on an A/I, and I still had a significant (4%) bone loss in two years, which I attribute to a combination of going off HRT, bc tx, and normal aging.   

I'll be re-testing hormones this month (6 months into the program), but probably won't get another bone scan until the fall.  In the mean time, my body is noticeably stronger, which I'm hoping is a sign of my bones also getting stronger.    

So sorry you've had a rough time with the Fosamax, and hope you can figure out some alternatives.          Deanna 

Hindsfeet

Thanks ladies, I am soooo much better today. I took a oxycodone last night for my headache (left over from surgery).  I'm grateful, I felt good enough to go to work today.

For the person who said she took fosamax with 2 glasses of water, I did as well. I have no doubt, I'm allgertic to it. I can't recall the last time I hurt as bad...not even the recent surgery compares.

Have any of you checked out the link on fosamax I posted? It is an eye opener.  In a strange way it was comforting hearing other patients account of fosamax. After reading many of the post, I knew what I experienced wasn't out of the normal.

Kaara, yes, the bone density test showed bone loss in my lower back. The last few years, I've been more focused on other health issues. I am taking vitamin D. I need calcium and mageseum and strength bearing exercise. So much to do to stay healthy and strong

I'm not going to take anything again (even tums) without a lot of research.  I appreciate everyone's suggestions. I'll go back through them and consider alternative ways to build bone mass. Thanks

Hindsfeet

3monstmama

evebarry, did you really take  oxycodone for a HEADACHE????????

yikes.  No Fosamaz but oxycodone--a HIGHLY addictive drug beloved of addicts--for a headache?  I was nervous taking my oxycodone post surgery.

  

ICanDoThis

Strontium

Hindsfeet

3 monsgtmama...yes, I took it. It was left over from a my recent surgery prescription. It was one of the worse headaches ever! I rarely take pain meds. I rarely take a aspirn for a headache. The headache I had yesterday was extremely severe. I hurt so bad last yesterday, even my bones, and legs hurt so that I could barely stand up. The oxycodone gave me some relief...but it didn't completely rid me of my headache. The only other thing I could had done was gone to the ER for the pain and I'm sure they would had prescribed it for me.  Oxycodone has never made me feel as bad as the fosamax. I only would take such pain drugs for extreme pain.  And, no way would I take oxycodone on an everyday basis or for mild pain.  

apple

don't feel bad about taking a pain med.  if they were so bad, G-d wouldn't have made them.  I remember the oxycodones after surgery.. absolutely no pain but they made me itch.  I take hydrocodone.. a couple, maybe 3 a day.. they sure make the aches and pains go away and I have quite a few.   I'd like to take 10!  but won't. 

peace and love, apple - aka, Mary Magdalen
Diagnosis: 4/10/2008, IDC, 5cm, Stage IV, Grade 3, 4/9 nodes, mets, ER+, HER2+

voraciousreader

I am jealous! I must be allergic to pain meds because all they make me do is barf!

pupmom

My husband and I had surgeries back to back last Fall. I think we have almost 2 entire bottles of oxycodone in our medicine cabinet. Neither one of us took any past day 3 of surgery. That's dangerous shit.

voraciousreader

Way O/T... I was at a defensive driving class last week at my neighbor's house. We got onto the discussion of prescription meds and driving. My neighbor's friend, an orthopedist was there. He said he never prescribes that or vicodin. If patients really want those drugs... He sends them to pain management doctors. He also said he has had parents, who are addicted.. bring their kids in and pretend the teen has an injury and ask for pain meds. He also said that teens will pay upwards of $25 for a Vicodin tablet.... Out of control! DD's partner is a family practitioner. He will not prescribe those meds either. My friend is an independent pharmacist in a rough neighborhood and she doesn't stock it. Sends people to other pharmacies.

Hindsfeet

Bisphosphonates and Osteonecrosis of the Jaw/Dead Jaw Syndrome

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) or dead jaw syndrome is an excruciatingly painful and disfiguring bone disease. ONJ is a condition in which the bone tissue in the jaw fails to heal after minor trauma such as a tooth extraction, causing the bone to be exposed. The exposure can eventually lead to infection and fracture and may require long-term antibiotic therapy or surgery to remove the dying bone tissue.

An increased incidence of ONJ has been associated with the use of high dosages of bisphosphonates required by some cancer treatment regimens. The disease has also been seen in post-menopausal women taking the drugs for osteoporosis. Signs and symptoms of ONJ may include:  jaw pain, swelling of the gums, loose teeth, drainage, exposed jaw bone, numbness, or a feeling of heaviness in the jaw. 

Bisphosphonates and Esophageal Cancer

In September 2010, a study published in the British Medical Journal raised questions about a possible link between long-term use of bisphosphonates and cancer of the esophagus. The study involved an analysis of data from a nationwide medical practice research registry in the UK and followed about 90,000 people for 8 years. It included nearly 3,000 patients with esophageal cancer, 2,000 patients with stomach cancer, and 10,600 patients with colorectal cancer diagnosed between 1995 and 2005.

In people aged 60 to 70 who had 10 or more prescriptions for oral osteoporosis drugs for about 5 years, the study found the risk for developing esophageal cancer risk was 2 in 1,000. Normally, the risk of developing cancer of the esophagus, or throat, in people aged 60 to 79 is 1 in 1,000.

A year and a half prior to the publication of that study, the FDA reported that there had been 23 cases of the cancer in Fosamax users in the US between 1995 and 2008. Another 31 cases of the cancer were reported among bisphosphonate users in Europe and Japan. Since then, several more cases of esophageal cancer associated with bisphosphonate use have been reported to the FDA, bringing the total to 34.

Bisphosphonates and Atypical Femur Fractures

In 2010, the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research Femoral Fracture Task Force recommended that US health regulators rewrite the warning labels for bisphosphonates because of their possible association with atypical femur fractures. The task force recommendation was prompted by its finding that the bone drugs might be linked to the rare, but serious, type of thigh bone fracture. In conducting the study, the task force looked at 310 cases of atypical femur fractures and found that in the majority of cases (291), the patients had been taking bisphosphonates. The majority of patients had been taking the drugs for more than five years. Many of the patients were also taking glucocorticoids, which can lower bone density and increase fracture risks. The report noted that more than half of the patients studied experienced groin or thigh pain for a period of weeks or months before their fractures.

The previous March, the FDA announced it was reviewing bisphosphonates for a possible link to atypical subtrochanteric femur fractures in some patients who had been on the drugs for several years. Such fractures occur in the bone just below the hip joint and can be extremely painful. The FDA announced the review after two studies suggested bisphosphonates might adversely affect bone quality and increase risk of atypical fractures of the femur when used for four or more years.

Bisphosphonates and Atrial Fibrillation

In 2008, a study conducted by researchers at the University of Washington found that treatment with Fosamax could double the risk of atrial fibrillation.  Atrial fibrillation - a chronic, irregular heartbeat - causes fatigue, dizziness and fainting, but it isn't life-threatening.  Women who had taken the drug had an 86 percent higher risk of atrial fibrillation than those who never took Fosamax, the study found. But these results were far from conclusive, doctors say. Fosamax accounted for 3 percent of the atrial fibrillation cases, and 97 percent were the result of other causes. The researchers said their findings showed a need for more study on this potential Fosamax side effect.

A study published in 2007 in the May 7 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine also found that bisphosphonates appeared to increase the risk of irregular heartbeats in some older women. Researchers conducting a review of a 1997 study of postmenopausal women on bisphosphonates found that there appeared to be 50 percent more risk of the heart rhythm irregularity in women who took the drugs than among those who didn't take it. About half of the 6,459 women took Fosamax, and 47 developed atrial fibrillation, compared to just 31 cases among the other women.

Bisphosphonates and Severe Musculoskeletal Pain

In January 2008, the FDA warned that use of bisphosphonates had been linked to severe and sometimes incapacitating bone, joint, and muscle (musculoskeletal) pain. The agency said it was concerned that the association between bisphosphonates and severe musculoskeletal pain may be overlooked by healthcare professionals, delaying diagnosis, prolonging pain and impairment, and necessitating the use of analgesics.

According to the FDA warning, the severe musculoskeletal pain associated with bisphosphonates may occur within days, months, or years after starting a bisphosphonate.  Some patients have reported complete relief of symptoms after discontinuing the bisphosphonate, whereas others have reported slow or incomplete resolution. The risk factors for and incidence of severe musculoskeletal pain associated with bisphosphonates are unknown.  The FDA recommended that healthcare professionals should consider whether bisphosphonate use might be responsible for severe musculoskeletal pain in patients who present with these symptoms and consider temporary or permanent discontinuation of the drug.

Hindsfeet

Why should anyone feel definsive in taking pain meds? After a mx, my doctor prescribed me pain meds. I only took them the first week, because of the pain. Do you know more than my doctors?

There is a HUGE difference in taking one pain drug when in severe pain, and taking a weekly pill that you are allergic to like fosamax. 

How do you think your comments  make those feel, who are dx with RSD or PMPS, who have to be on a pain pump or other pain meds to survive each day. I met others who are and they had no desire to live. I've been to a pain doctor for RSD, and for awhile, I had to be on pain meds. You would do anything if you felt your body was on fire. I' was fortunate that therapy, and pain blocks helped me get off them several years ago, not too long after RSD dx. Every doctor I have knows about RSD before surgery, and take in account I'm at high risk for it spreading or coming back.

I don't think we should diverse to negative aspects of pain drugs especially when people are suffering with severe pain and need it to live. It's feels offensive. And this thread is not about pain drugs... rather, fosamax.

I started this thread because I had a severe reaction to fosamax, and I'm looking for alternative help in strengthening my bones. I wish I had known possible side effects before taking it. For that reason, I've listed the possible side effects. If I had known what I know now the first pill would had never crossed my lips.

I don't mean to offend anyone, just feel hurt by sarcastic comments when I'm looking for help.

voraciousreader

Eve... Many of us, including myself... Have been very concerned about bone density drug side effects. I have a friend who stopped taking Fosamex when she started developing jaw issues. I chose to take the Zometa because of the anti-cancer properties based on Gnant's study. Furthermore, at 84 months after completing active treatment, none of the patients in his study developed serious side effects.



I think one of the problems associated with the serious side effects was caused by giving those drugs for too long a period of time. Like I mentioned to you on the other thread, Dr. Abramson was quick to point out the drawbacks of taking these meds when the risk of FRACTURE was small. But remember, too, the reason why WE are being recommended these drugs. Perhaps you might consider the Zometa in addition to the other suggestions of diet and exercise. Not sure if the side effects of Zometa are much different from Fosamex, but there seems to be a lot of early stage and late stage sisters doing well on it.

voraciousreader

Btw... Because I can't take pain meds, I have had a pain pump and it was a life saver!

Hindsfeet

VR... After my reaction, I believe I'm allergic to anything that has bisphosphonate in it.

How do I know that I had an allergic reaction?  Slightly swollen tongue and throat, beginning of sores on tongue and back of throat, severe headache and as said, chest & stomach on fire, bones inflamed & hurt to the point it was difficult to stand. Oh, flu like feeling all over with 102 tpm. I called my doctor and she didn't call back so I figured she wasn't going to do anything about it...so I treated myself. I drank a lot h20, bendryl, and pain meds.

Zometa is also bisphosphonate and has many of the same same side effects. I looked it up on the web and saw the jaw problem, bones, flu symptoms and etc.

I am so happy I'm recovering. We need to listen to our body. My body said this isn't for me.