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• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 40-49 >> Emma - Interview 14 >> Emma is taking strontium ranelate and would like her GP to refer her to have a scan more frequently so that they can monitor any change.

In 1984 Emma had a hysterectomy. In 1992 she complained of severe headaches and was started on hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Diagnosed with osteoporosis around 1994-6 following ribs fracture. Current medication: Strontium ranelate (Protelos) 2 grams every night. Emma also takes omega 3 and cod liver oil.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 23-39 >> David - Interview 37 >> David who has had arthritis most of his life and was diagnosed with osteoporosis when he was 23, has a bone density scan every six months to monitor p

David was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis (re-diagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis) at the age of two and on 2006, following a hip fracture, he was diagnosed with osteoporosis. He thinks that osteoporosis is the result of his arthritis and the long-term use of steroids. On alendronic acid once weekly and calcium two tablets a day.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 40-49 >> Susannah - Interview 04 >> The side effects she may experience put Susannah off taking her medication.

Susannah was diagnosed in 1978. Over the years she has had many fractures; to her spine, wrists, toe, ribs, etc. She describes her condition as “extreme osteoporosis”. Susannah does not take any medication. She is concerned about the side effects of drugs.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 40-49 >> Susannah - Interview 04 >> Susannah’s consultant has urged her to take her medication because if she falls she is at a higher risk of sustaining a hip fracture.

Susannah was diagnosed in 1978. Over the years she has had many fractures; to her spine, wrists, toe, ribs, etc. She describes her condition as “extreme osteoporosis”. Susannah does not take any medication. She is concerned about the side effects of drugs.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 40-49 >> Michelle - Interview 02 >> Michelle was advised by her GP to stop taking Actonel because she had been taking it for almost 15 years and would no longer benefit from it.

In 1981 Michele was diagnosed with severe endometriosis. In 1995 and following a health assessment she was told that she was at risk of osteoporosis and was initially put on etidronate. Two years later her medication was changed to risedronate (Actonel). She also has coeliac disease.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 70+ >> Betty - Interview 31 >> Betty lives in the outskirts of a big city and it takes her around one hour to get to her hospital in the city centre. She can’t walk long distances a

Betty was diagnosed in 2004 and was initially put on Fosamax but then changed to Pamidronate infusions every three months. She stopped her treatment for two years because she no longer was able to use public transport. Her new hospital is nearer and her daughter drives her there.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 50-59 >> Margery - Interview 40 >> A combination of HRT and bisphosphonate significantly improved Margery’s bone mineral density.

Diagnosed in 1994 after a DXA scan revealed severe osteoporosis. Her consultant prescribed Fosamax at first, then added Calcium, Vitamin D and HRT. Currently she carries with the same treatment minus HRT and takes Calcichew D3 Forte. She has regained bone density and is osteopenic.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 23-39 >> Jane - Interview 19 >> Jane has osteopenia and wants to keep the strength she has gained in her bones. She wishes she could be prescribed bisphosphonates to prevent bone los

Jane’s excruciating back pain that started during labour wasn’t investigated until after six weeks later. Eventually she was diagnosed with osteoporosis through pregnancy but also with Coeliac disease. Jane says that she had coeliac symptoms for many years but again, these were not investigated. She is on Calcichew D3 Forte but not on medication for osteoporosis.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 50-59 >> Susan - Interview 11 >> Susan felt that she hadn’t received enough information from her doctors about the side effects or the effectiveness of her medication.

Susan was diagnosed in 2005. She was put on alendronic acid but started having a severe burning sensation on her throat. She stopped taking the medication. She is very concerned about the possible side effects of pharmacological treatments.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 60-69 >> Linda - Interview 21 >> Linda saw a private doctor to find out information about the type of exercise and diet she should be following.

Diagnosed in 2005 and prescribed Fosamax 70 mg, once weekly and calcium tablets twice daily. A bone density scan in 2007 revealed that her bone density has improved and that she is osteopenic rather than osteoporotic. Linda continues taking her medication.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 60-69 >> Victoria Iris - Interview 30 >> Victoria Iris plans her travel by air very carefully. She recommends holidaying on a cruise ship.

Victoria Iris was diagnosed in 1989 and at that time the only treatment available was HRT. Over the years her treatment has changed; Didronel, daily Fosamax and weekly Fosamax. Currently she is on the 18 months Forsteo (teriparatide) treatment. Victoria Iris developed Kyphosis but she didn’t become aware of it until it was evident.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 50-59 >> Marylin - Interview 12 >> Marylin hopes that by taking medication sooner than her mother did, she will continue to be mobile in her retirement.

Diagnosed in 2005 and currently on alendronic acid 70 mgs once weekly, Calcichew D3 Forte and for her back pain she takes Co-Dytramol one a day. Marilyn’s mother has rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. After her diagnosis she took the decision to retire at sixty and ‘enjoy life’.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> A health professional explains about Osteoporosis >> Dr Bhalla - Interview 42 >> Dr Bhalla explains the different treatments available to someone with osteoporosis and those who have sustained a fracture.

Dr Ashok Bhalla is a consultant rheumatologist at Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Bath.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 40-49 >> Chris - Interview 23 >> Chris believes she needs to find the information she wants herself and not rely on medical professionals to get it for her.

Diagnosed in 1999. She is taking Actonel and Calcichew D3 Forte. Initially she was taking Actonel 5 mg once daily but found it impractical, especially during working days. She now takes 35 mg once weekly. She still experiences back pain but not as severe as before diagnosis.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 60-69 >> Elizabeth - Interview 09 >> Elizabeth only takes painkillers when she is doing something more strenuous or when she feels she really needs them.

In 1978 Elizabeth fell and broke her femur and an x-ray revealed that she has osteoporosis. She has been on alendronic acid for several years now but she thinks that it is not that effective because while on it she has had several other fractures.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 60-69 >> Elizabeth - Interview 09 >> Elizabeth attributes her dislike of taking painkillers to a generational ‘thing’ and a way of not giving in ‘to old age’.

In 1978 Elizabeth fell and broke her femur and an x-ray revealed that she has osteoporosis. She has been on alendronic acid for several years now but she thinks that it is not that effective because while on it she has had several other fractures.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 60-69 >> Cressida - Interview 01 >> Cressida was told by her consultant that the day would come when she would need pain relief treatment.

Diagnosed in 1989; on alendronic acid 70 mg once weekly. In 2007, admitted into hospital for rehabilitation and pain control. She had physiotherapy and hydrotherapy and also commenced on a buprenorphine patch (for pain control). On oral glucocorticoid for asthma for about 26 years.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 50-59 >> Dennis - Interview 13 >> Dennis is unable to take stronger painkillers because he is taking anti-depressants.

Dennis was diagnosed with osteoporosis in 2004. In 2007 his spine ‘collapsed’ and he had two operations. He has to wear a supportive back brace for the next nine months. Until recently he was on Pamidronate but his treatment for osteoporosis is under review. He takes Calcichew D3 Forte and cod liver oil and Co-codamol for pain relief.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 60-69 >> Shelia - Interview 29 >> Sheila needed to start taking morphine when other painkillers stopped being effective.

For the last five years before her diagnosis in 2003 she suffered from severe and painful backaches. She was in a wheelchair and her husband was her main carer. She was eventually referred to a consultant who secured funding for her to go on to the teriparatide treatment (Forsteo).

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 40-49 >> Robert - Interview 28 >> Although morphine patches give more continuous pain relief they only take the edge off Robert’s pain.

Robert was diagnosed with osteoporosis at the age of forty-three. Robert had to wait seven months before been referred to a bone metabolic specialist who sent him without delay to have a bone density scan. Now his osteoporosis is under control but he continues experiencing severe pain due to the damage caused by the condition.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 60-69 >> Cressida - Interview 01 >> Morphine patches have made a tremendous difference to the pain Cressida experiences.

Diagnosed in 1989; on alendronic acid 70 mg once weekly. In 2007, admitted into hospital for rehabilitation and pain control. She had physiotherapy and hydrotherapy and also commenced on a buprenorphine patch (for pain control). On oral glucocorticoid for asthma for about 26 years.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 50-59 >> Keith - Interview 38 >> Keith’s medication makes him irritable. He tries very hard not to be irritable at work.

His diagnosis came about in 2007 after medical investigation for a lump on his breast. The lump proved to be benign but the blood tests indicated that he had low testosterone levels and a DXA scan revealed mild osteoporosis. He was put on HRT treatment (testogel).

• Topic
• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Medication for osteoporosis >> Medication for osteoporosis

Medication for osteoporosis

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Pain and medication in osteoporosis >> Pain and medication in osteoporosis

Pain and medication in osteoporosis