Osteopenia

[SCIfor55yrs.]

I forgot to mention that there have been at least a couple of studies that indicate the Fosamax type drugs may help in preserving bone density in SCIs, for example,

http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/con...ract/92/4/1385

I tried it a couple of bears ago. However, every time I took a pill, 4-5 hours later, it was coming out the other end - big time. I tried for 5 weeks, hoping my body would adjust, but no luck.

[new dimension]

My son was put on fosomax eight months post injury as he was already showing signs of osteopenia and we were directed away from calcium supplements for fear of stones etc. Have not been reevaluated as of yet so do not know the effectiveness.

[woman from Europe]

They don't give fosamax here before you have osteoporosis, -2.5 in bone desity. I had -1.1 this time only, last time I had -2.1 so I have been better from standing and eating cheese and broccoli. I was surprised, I thought I couldn't be better.

[thehipcrip]

Originally Posted by SCIfor55yrs.

I forgot to mention that there have been at least a couple of studies that indicate the Fosamax type drugs may help in preserving bone density in SCIs, for example,

http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/con...ract/92/4/1385

That study, however, concludes only that it is effective if treatment is initiated "soon after acute SCI." Do you know if any of the others examine the use of these types of drugs is people with long-term SC damage?

For what it's worth...After I discovered that I have both osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, I asked my ortho doc if he thought these drugs would be beneficial for me. His answer was no -- because of my inability to weight bear, he was concerned that the risks, especially of developing osteonecrosis of the jaw, far outweighed whatever benefits I might receive.

[TFW]

Thanks you guys and KLD for the info regarding fosamax and the websites for info on
this subject. I really appreciate your input. Was very helpful with what decisions I
will make on my health problem. I guess I will have to just deal with the pain, like the
doc said.
Take care

TFW

[alan]

I can't do weight-bearing, unfortunately.

[SCI-Nurse]

TFW, osteoporosis rarely causes pain, in fact it rarely has any symptoms at all unless you get fractures due to it and are incomplete. Are you sure you don't have Charcot joints? Have you asked your physiatrist about this?

(KLD)