Osteoporosis: Fosamax & Standing

sunpiper12 · 09-26-2006, 12:58 AM

Hi... I've been doing some research regarding osteoporosis since I was diagnosed with bone density loss. I'm a 35-year old C4-5 male quad and almost 14 years post-injury. I saw an osteoporosis specialist who prescribed Fosamax but I haven't started it yet because I've been scared by some of the the things I've read about it... I'm not convinced it's safe. I've also been trying to find out if using a standing frame is really beneficial, as there seems to be some conflicting studies, with no definitive answer... Anyway, if someone could give me a little advice regarding these issues, I'd really appreciate it... I'm quite interested to discover a safe way to manage my bone density loss, or even to reverse it, if possible... Thanks!

queen · 09-26-2006, 05:13 AM

Sunpiper,

I'm a 60 yr old burst L#1 para, had a couple bone density scans and I'm losing bone faster than I'm gaining especially in the spine area where I need it the most.....even just being on Fosamax D, Calcium supp's with magn and swiggin' them down with milk isn't cutting it. My doc wants me on the (shot) Forteo as soon as I qualify for Medicare 11/01/06.

From what I have read and what my doc tells me this seems to do very well for the spine but not so much for hips and the legs. No medical background here, so I don't understand why it's not a benefit for your entire bone structure either???

I would think this is very much like Zelnorm for (IBS) and a benefit for both sexes when bone loss becomes critical.

SCI-Nurse · 09-26-2006, 12:00 PM

To prevent osteoporosis or osteopenia, which is the first step in bone loss, you must have an adequate daily intake of Calcium -1200- to 1500 daily, and have weight on the bones. Without these, the osteocytes(bone cells) have less production and size of the cells which leads to the osteoporosis.
The standing frame is good but until you acquire one-putting your feet flat on the floor or another surface with your normal body weight is also helpful.
Small 2-5 lbs weights can also be used and applied to the extremities.This should be done daily several times a day to really be effective and must be continued for life.
After taking Fosamax you must be in an upright position.There are some other options now besides Fosamax. You might want to ask your physician about those.
Even with Fosamax- I highly recommend you do the above.

CWO

macska · 09-26-2006, 07:08 PM

My son 21 years old, four years post, T4 complete, he has osteo in the hips, lower spine, and femur. He has tried Actonel, and Fosamax.
When he was on Fosamax, he used the standing frame and he had a really bad reaction. His legs were full of red patches. We did see the doctor and he told us that it is a side effect of the Fosamax. So now he is back on Actonel in addition to some Aryuvedic medication.

alan · 09-26-2006, 08:15 PM

I've been sitting for 25 years - guess I'm hosed.

Tiger Racing · 09-27-2006, 02:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunpiper12

I've also been trying to find out if using a standing frame is really beneficial, as there seems to be some conflicting studies, with no definitive answer...

What studies have you seen that don't show the benefits of standing? Just in the past year I've had my orthopod, neurosurgeon, gynocologist, PT, wound care specialist, plastic surgeon and multiple nurses remind me of the benefits of standing for muscle tone, circulation, bone and skin health and blood pressure. I've never heard anyone question the good that comes from weight bearing.

C.

fuentejps · 09-27-2006, 10:58 AM

STANDING IS HUGE. VERY IMPORTANT
im 19 years post. i have stood since rehab. my legs are in great shape. any sci who doesnt stand is doing themselves a huge diservice. especially if your inc. im inc c4/5. and it feels incredible.

lynnifer · 09-27-2006, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiger Racing

Just in the past year I've had my orthopod, neurosurgeon, gynocologist, PT, wound care specialist, plastic surgeon and multiple nurses remind me of the benefits of standing for muscle tone, circulation, bone and skin health and blood pressure.

Lucky you to have some very forward thinking doctors!

Jeff B · 09-27-2006, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCI-Nurse

Small 2-5 lbs weights can also be used and applied to the extremities.This should be done daily several times a day to really be effective and must be continued for life.

CWO

Please expand on this. I have not been able to stand due to low blood pressure, despite trying to build tolerance with a tilt table.

Do you have any studies or evidence you could point me to? How or where are the weights applied?

Would placing weights on my knees during the day for say periods of 15 mins on 15 mins off (to prevent pressure issues) repeated through the day help, at least with knee and lower leg osteoporosis?

I am already on fosamax and Os-Cal D.

Tiger Racing · 09-27-2006, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lynnifer

Lucky you to have some very forward thinking doctors!

Hard work finding good doctors. I'd feel really lucky if I didn't need so many of them!

C.

09-26-2006, 05:13 AM	#2
queen Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Garden on the Green, Indiana Posts: 1,109	Sunpiper, I'm a 60 yr old burst L#1 para, had a couple bone density scans and I'm losing bone faster than I'm gaining especially in the spine area where I need it the most.....even just being on Fosamax D, Calcium supp's with magn and swiggin' them down with milk isn't cutting it. My doc wants me on the (shot) Forteo as soon as I qualify for Medicare 11/01/06. From what I have read and what my doc tells me this seems to do very well for the spine but not so much for hips and the legs. No medical background here, so I don't understand why it's not a benefit for your entire bone structure either??? I would think this is very much like Zelnorm for (IBS) and a benefit for both sexes when bone loss becomes critical. __________________ Your life is what you make it, and only you have that choice!

09-26-2006, 08:15 PM	#5
alan Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 6,185	I've been sitting for 25 years - guess I'm hosed. __________________ Alan Proofread carefully to see if you any words out.

09-27-2006, 10:58 AM	#7
fuentejps Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: OHIO Posts: 9,067	STANDING IS HUGE. VERY IMPORTANT im 19 years post. i have stood since rehab. my legs are in great shape. any sci who doesnt stand is doing themselves a huge diservice. especially if your inc. im inc c4/5. and it feels incredible. __________________ John@bike-on.com c4/5 inc funtioning c6. 28 yrs post. sponsored handcycle racer

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09-26-2006, 12:58 AM	#1
sunpiper12 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Washington Posts: 20	Osteoporosis: Fosamax & Standing Hi... I've been doing some research regarding osteoporosis since I was diagnosed with bone density loss. I'm a 35-year old C4-5 male quad and almost 14 years post-injury. I saw an osteoporosis specialist who prescribed Fosamax but I haven't started it yet because I've been scared by some of the the things I've read about it... I'm not convinced it's safe. I've also been trying to find out if using a standing frame is really beneficial, as there seems to be some conflicting studies, with no definitive answer... Anyway, if someone could give me a little advice regarding these issues, I'd really appreciate it... I'm quite interested to discover a safe way to manage my bone density loss, or even to reverse it, if possible... Thanks!

09-26-2006, 12:00 PM	#3
SCI-Nurse Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: USA Posts: 41,523	To prevent osteoporosis or osteopenia, which is the first step in bone loss, you must have an adequate daily intake of Calcium -1200- to 1500 daily, and have weight on the bones. Without these, the osteocytes(bone cells) have less production and size of the cells which leads to the osteoporosis. The standing frame is good but until you acquire one-putting your feet flat on the floor or another surface with your normal body weight is also helpful. Small 2-5 lbs weights can also be used and applied to the extremities.This should be done daily several times a day to really be effective and must be continued for life. After taking Fosamax you must be in an upright position.There are some other options now besides Fosamax. You might want to ask your physician about those. Even with Fosamax- I highly recommend you do the above. CWO

09-26-2006, 07:08 PM	#4
macska Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: B.F., NY Posts: 2,823	My son 21 years old, four years post, T4 complete, he has osteo in the hips, lower spine, and femur. He has tried Actonel, and Fosamax. When he was on Fosamax, he used the standing frame and he had a really bad reaction. His legs were full of red patches. We did see the doctor and he told us that it is a side effect of the Fosamax. So now he is back on Actonel in addition to some Aryuvedic medication.