Osteoporosis

The first thing we need is a basic understanding of Osteoporosis. I hope to give you an explanation as well as a personal glimpse into what it is like to have it. As I said on the index page I will not be giving credit here as that would be impossible. I have collected this information from various sources, source types, and from personal experience as well.

DEFINITION
Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by the progressive loss of bone density and thinning of bone.

ETIOLOGY
Osteoporosis occurs when the body fails to form enough new bone, or when too much old bone is reabsorbed by the body, or both. While there are a number of causes, hormone deficiencies are the leading cause. Women, especially over the age of 50, are the most frequent sufferers of the disease due to the loss of ovarian function and subsequent reduction in estrogen production that occurs at the time of menopause. Other causes include steroid excess.

SYMPTOMS
There are no symptoms associated with the disease early on but as it progresses it can cause:

Fractures of the vertebrae, wrists, or hips
Low back pain
Neck pain
Bone pain or tenderness
Loss of height over time
Stooped posture

TREATMENT
Treatment goals for osteoporosis focus on slowing down or stopping the demineralization process; preventing bone fractures by minimizing the risk of falls; and controlling pain associated with the disease. Calcitonin and Fosamax are two new medications used to treat or prevent Osteoporosis. A controversy exists on the use of ERT [Estrogen Replacement Therapy] and treatment of Osteoporosis so after talking with your doctor and doing your research, do what is right for you.

MY POINT of VIEW
It was discovered I had Osteoporosis in 1999. The guess is that it is due to long term steroid use. I was given Fosamax 10mg QD but it is a pain to take. You have to take it on an empty stomach with 8 ounces of water and take nothing else for 30 minutes. You also have to remain in an upright position during that time. That part is no big deal. But the first thing in the morning with nothing else for 30 minutes can be a real pain. So, I forget and eat or drink something so then I can't take the medicine. If it is taken in any way other than the directions, you might as well be throwing them away as they do no good what so ever and they are too expensive to be doing that.

2001 UPDATE
I was switched to Fosamax weekly. The is all 70mg in a one dosage pill. Although some people cannot tolerate this dosage, I do fine. I wish my checkbook did as well. Four pills cost nearly $300 and me without prescription coverage.

2001 UPDATE
The new rheumy has added Calcium with vitamin D. I'm to take 4 tabs daily giving me an additional 2400mgs of Calcium.

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You are listening to Memories from the musical Cats, written by
Andrew Lloyd Webber and T.S. Eliot. I felt this song was a perfect selection
for this site because of the affiliation I feel with Grizabella. Although for her,
it was age and not health issues that changed her, neither of us are who we
were before, on the outside, and it can affect how we feel on the inside.

Disclaimer:
The author of this page does not promote, support, or recommend any
particular treatment or medication for any medical condition. The opinions
expressed in stories or links are the responsibility of their authors.
No treatment should be undertaken without the supervision of a physician.