OSTEOPENIA?????????

haljas · July 29, 2006, 3:08am

Hi there,

haljas · July 29, 2006, 11:57pm

Hello there,

Just wondering if anyone can answer this question????? I posted yesturday and there hasn't been not even one response....

Looking for advise on this one please......

Thank you,

Cyndi

shoregirl · July 30, 2006, 1:50am

Hi Cyndi!
I also have oteopenia which showed up on a bone density test. My Doc says it is really a condition that occurs before you get Osteoporosis. Mine is in my left hip and spine. Because i was on prednisone at the time i was prescribed Fosamax, however I never took it because i was having some stomach distress and thought it might be harsh at that time. I do take calcium though.
You should let your endo know so a decision could be made. It is important to stay ahead of the game so your bone mass does not erode further. Cortisone is not good for the bones even though we all need it at times.
I have since been prescribed Actonel for the Osteopenia which i will start soon. It can help reverse your bone loss.
Good luck and take care!
Caprie

haljas · July 30, 2006, 3:37am

Hey Ducky,
Thank you for the links, however I was only able to see the second one, but it was info I was not aware of...Thank you and anything that you find I would really appreciate....

Caprie,
Also want to thank you for your advise , my endo did say that he was on the fence whether or not to put me on meds for the Osteopenia,but he decided to wait until we do another Bone density test....After I told my rhumey about the findings, he still suggested the cortisone shot,don't you think he would know better and he knows that I am only taking my calcium and vit D?????

I guess I should contact the Endo hey>??????
Cyndi

Ducky · July 30, 2006, 11:41am

Hey Cyndi... ok, I don't know why the 2nd link didn't post right.. I even tried editing it and it still won't do it right... anyways, this is what the link said:

What about osteoporosis in patients on long term cortisone-related medications?

Patients with severe asthma, and those with chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, may need conrticosteroids for prolonged periods of time.

Corticosteroids such as Cortisone, Prednisolone or Prednisone can cause osteoporosis in patients if taken chronically. Corticosteroids cause decreased calcium absorption from the intestines, increased loss of calcium from the kidneys, and increased calcium loss from the bones. Increasing dietary calcium intake is important but alone cannot stop the corticosteroid-induced bone loss.

Management of patients on long term corticosteroids should include:

Adequate calcium (1000 mg daily if premenopausal, 1500 mg daily if postmenopausal) and vitamin D intake.
Periodically reviewing with the doctor the need for continued corticosteroid treatment. (To find the lowest effective doses if continued treatment is necessary).
For patients taking corticosteroids for more than 3 months, a bone density study may be helpful to measure the extent of bone loss. A bone density study can be repeated in the future to measure any further bone loss.
Regular weight-bearing exercise, and stopping smoking cigarettes.
In patients with moderate to severe osteoporosis as measured by a bone density study, or in patients already having suffered osteoporosis related bone fractures, anti- resorptive medications such as Fosamax, Didronel, or Calcitonin should be considered.
It is important to remember that corticosteroids should not be stopped abruptly. If corticosteroids are to be stopped, they should be gradually tapered under a doctor's supervision.

As far as your rheumy suggesting the cortisone shot, he may feel like it's still early yet, and it may not effect as bad. How many shots have you had? I would still suggest that you let your Endocrinologist know about it, and maybe he will consult with your rheumy for the best plan of attack... Good luck to you and let us know what he / you decide!

Duck

Confirmed Diagnosis of - Psoriatic Arthritis/Spondylitis/Graves Disease/GERD/Scoliosis/Hiatal Hernia/Graves Disease of the Eyes/Chronic UTIs

Current Meds - Enbrel/Prevacid/Synthroid/Nitrofurantoin

Past Meds - Inderal/PTU/Prednisone/Voltaren/Feldene/Mobic/Cortisone and Steroid Shots

Additional Supplements - Multi-Vitamin/Bromelian/Acidophilus/Green Tea

A little about me...