Just been diagnosed today.  Don't want it.  Still in shock.  Anyone with knowledge and experience, please talk to me.

I haven't got it thankfully and I don't know a lot about it, has your consultant recommended any medication for you?  A friend of mine is on Fosimax which is supposed to increase the bone density.

I was given a prescription today.  He didn't spend time explaining things, just told me to take one tablet a week.  I looked online and see that a lot of this stuff can cause cancer of the oesophagus, which has scared me half to death.  I've been given Alendronic Acid 70mg tablets.

my 42 year old sister has had this for 5 years, and diet has helped, 1 pint of milk a day, apricots, almonds yogurts etc

Linda

It's important to take magnesium and boron along with calcium to maintain bone. :)

http://www.naturesbest.co.uk/OsteoGuard®--The-UKs-Best-Bone-Formula-P743/

Thanks Linda.  Is your sister on any sodium trihydrate drugs such as Alendronic?

Jean, I think that Alendronic Acid is another name for Fosimax/Fosamax, my friend was told to always take it sitting up and to drink loads of water to wash it down to clear it from the oesophagus.  Presumably, if the precautions are taken, they will reduce any possible side effects.

Thanks Oldilocks, I just did a search and found it's the same thing.  I guess it hasn't helped me not having things explained.  Just a prescription, and he told me to be sure to read all the instructions properly.  Gads!  I've got a far better vet than GP!

Isn't t'internet a wonderful thing!!  :)  My friend has been on it for years (the Fosimax not the internet!!  :)  ), her bone density is periodically monitored and is found to be increasing with each scan, so the medication has worked in her case! :)

> found to be increasing with each scan

That's reassuring.  Thank you.

We all hate having things go wrong with us don't we?  But most things can be 'sorted' these days, so don't worry!  :)

My MIL has this and was told to take calcium pills every day- and I now take the same pills as well...

I am sure you will be fine- just eat a good diet as long as your calcium- I was also told you have to watch calcium intake cause you can have to much calcium me cause I never knew this....

I was also told you have to watch calcium intake cause you can have to much calcium  me cause I never knew this....

Absolutely.  Without the other components to utilise the calcium, you can end up with calcium sludge in your arteries (like my Mother -not good) rather than helping your teeth and bones. :(

PS  I like your signature words Dollface!  I don't argue with anyone who disagrees with me anymore! :)

Doesn't weight bearing exercise also help bone density, ie walking?

Thanks for the link WestCoast.  I've just ordered some.  Far easier to take a couple of the one supplement that has magnesium, vitamin D etc all in the one tablet.

Yes my 22 year pld son has it due to massive medication when younger. Yep What they said and lots of milk, yoguart ect and exercise also assists building up bone mass. Its not all doom a gloom it just makes you feel mortal!!

Thanks for the link WestCoast.

You're welcome.  Natures Best are really good quality supplements.  They are the 'available to the public' version of Lamberts, which many practitioners prescribe on a regular basis. :)

Jean sorry to hear that wasnt the news you wanted to hear but if your Doctor didnt explain things thoroughly then you really should go back, either to see them or another Doctor you are comfortable and happy with.
The internet is a marvellous thing to research but sometimes we look at things that are extremely rare or not the case for us as individuals but end up scaring ourselves witless. I think the guidance and advice from a professional is really needed.

Hope it all works out for you.

Hi
In very basic terms bones are made by cells known as osteoblasts, and destroyed by those known as osteoclasts.  Ideally these two should work in harmony.  Alendronic Acid is a biphosphonate and these work by slowing down the bone destruction by osteoclasts.  If there is any calcium deficieny present this usually needs to be corrected before treatment start in order for the biphosphonate to work efficiently - the Dr may prescribe a form of vitamin D for this, something such as Calcitrol, to increase calcium absorption.  It may be useful to note if you suffer from an increase in heartburn-type symptoms as occasionally Alendronic Acid can irritate the throat and stomach.
There are other types pf bipshosphonate available such as Risedronate and also Zoledronic acid, the latter of which can be administered as a yearly injection if the person affected is not good at remembering to take a tablet every week. 
Weight bearing exercise is good for increasing bone density (e.g. walking) as physical stress along the bone shaft causes new bone to be laid down.  Exercises such as swimming and cycling are non-weight bearing so whilst they are great for improving fitness levels and maintaining a healthy body weight (also essential in osteoporosis maintenance) they do not help increase bone density.  It is important to get the balance of exercise right as too much can have the opposite effect.
Apologies if you already knew all this :)

> If there is any calcium deficieny present this usually needs to be corrected before treatment start in order for the biphosphonate to work efficiently - the Dr may prescribe a form of vitamin D for this, something such as Calcitrol, to increase calcium absorption.  It may be useful to note if you suffer from an increase in heartburn-type symptoms as occasionally Alendronic Acid can irritate the throat and stomach.
>

Doc didn't even mention taking any supplements, but I've ordered online from a link that WestCoast gave me.  He didn't say anything much, except to be sure and read the instructions that came with tablets.

> Apologies if you already knew all this :-)

Grateful for any information.  Thank you.  :-)

Oh, he did say it's in the spine, but I assume everything that you told me still applies wherever it is.

Hi
Yes it applies wherever it is in the body for the drug info.  I would just double check with your doctor, or pharmacist, if the supplements are ok to take with your medication as they may not be needed or they may react/compromise your medication (sorry I haven't read what supplements you are looking at).

I think most people have to go for a DXA scan (to measure bone density) every so often to check progress.