Osteoporosis Q & A

My original bone denisty was -2.5 about 5 years ago. Two years ago it was up to -2.0. The latest reading is -2.6 and is primarily in the hips. I have been on Fosamx for 5 years. My doctor doesn’t recommend any other treatment, he says there isn’t any. He told me that 2.6 is not something to worry about and that I could have another bone density and it could come back a higher number, that these things vary. I am 70 and worryng about breaking a hip. Some advice please.

There is a medication called Forteo, a daily injection medicine that is a replica of : the hormone, parathyroid hormone (PTH). Forteo can increase : bone mass and is useful particulary in patients with prior : fracture or worsening bone density. Discuss the risks and : benefits with your doctor as it applies to you. : How great a concern should the risk of bone cancer and increased heart rate play into a decision to start treatment with Forteo for a woman past 75 on chronic steriod therapy? Is Boniva as successful in treating bone loss?

Is there an age limit when not to treat with biphoshonates patient with an osteoporotic scores by DEXA? Example: 93 year old lady who was on treated with oral steroid by primary MD for knee OA for 3 years, but have stop taking it for a few months.

Can OTC joint aid (ie congrotin/glucosome) be taken while on Forteo? What is your opinion of Forteo?

76 Year old woman (now) who suffered MVA in 1995 with three spinal compression fractures..T-12, L-1 , and L-2.. Condition does not stabilize, suffers another fracture 1999 L-2, 2003 L-1 shatters and 2005 T-11. Patient now has severe kyphosis and scoliosis and has osteoporosis. The accumulated affect of fractures and resulting curvatures have taken a toll on her lung capacity. She has lost over 11 inches in height, cannot breath and is have problems digesting. She is on fosomax and calcium suppliments. She has severe pain and sometimes nerve spasms. Has been taking neurontin ona nd off. (Calcium supplements and Fosomax aggrevate her gdigestive problems now she is on nexium. She needs realignment to enable her to be more upright and satble and thus enable her to breath better, digest better, etc. Can she be evaluated for Kyphoplasty? IF so, how do we go about getting her seen? We are in Philadelphia, PA. She is not a candidate for surgery, obviously.

I am 65 yrs old. Have been on Actonel almost 3 years during which time my bone density went from -2.8 to -3.3. My osteo doctor has suggested the injectionable Boniva in combination with Evista Do you think this form of Boniva injected every 3 months might be metabolized better and thereby work any better than the Actonel has. I have had all tests 24 hr urine, Parathyroid, and Vit D levels done and all were okay. My GP doctor suggested I remain on just the Actonel and have bonescan repeated in a year before trying something different Am at a loss as how to proceed.