I have Osteoporosis!

I went for my well woman visit yesterday and during that visit we discussed my mammogram results and my bone density test results that I had done last month. I have an appointment for October 18th with the ST Louis Breast Cancer Center to have my mammogram results read by them. There is something on there that I want a second opinion on. Then my bone density test shows that I have osteoporosis. My doctor isn't 100% sure why I have it, but the fact that I'm in menopause AND a WLS post-op is probably contributing factors. I will be doing the IV Boniva treatments every 3 months for the rest of my life to treat this. I will admit, that for the past several months, I've not been good about taking my supplements at all. So I'm not sure if just a few short months could do this much damage so quickly, or if I wasn't taking enough even before that or what. I just wanted to post to remind everyone to TAKE THEIR SUPPLEMENTS!! It's very important!!!! I've heard some reports that our bodies adjust and we start absorbing more nutrients - I don't believe we do!! I just ordered some Baratric Advantage chewable vitamins. I want to make as sure as I can that the vitamins I take in are more readily absorbed and chewables make it easier for our bodies to absorb them than to try and get it from a pill that may or may not get dissolved completely.

I'm sorry to hear about the osteoporosis. Isn't Boniva in a pill form, too? You can't do that, I guess? This is definitely a good reminder to take get that calcium! I hope your second opinion has some reassuring news. What really bugs me is that when it comes to health, it takes FOREVER to get any answers or to have anyone be able to squeeze you in. Healthcare in America definitely needs some retooling, because it's getting clogged and no one is getting proper care any more. I've got my fingers crossed for you! Pamela

Wow Traci - I'm sorry to hear about those things. I've heard about the Boniva treatment in I think a monthly pill - maybe not for us WLS people? My bone destiny test showed that I could use more calcium, so I have made sure to double my dose. I hope you get good news with the mammogram results. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers - please keep in touch!! Hugs, Nancy

Thanks ladies Yes, it's because we're WLS patients that I'm doing the IV Boniva. We just don't absorb all of any pill we take, and it's cruicial that I get this Boniva in. I had a biopsy/spot removed on my breast this morning. It'll be 2 weeks before we get pathology back on that. I don't go to the specialist until the 18th of Oct to discuss my mammogram results, which are unrelated to the biopsy I had done today. Whew! I'm soooo glad I had WLS, otherwise I'd still be dealing with diabetes, high blood pressure, GERD, and all that other junk that's now GONE!! in addition to these piddly little things I'm dealing with now. :D

Hi Tracy, Well, this must be why I logged on tonight. I too have been diagnosed with osteoporosis and was prescribed Boniva and was on it for a year until this past June. There is news about this class of drugs that caused me and my dentist to consult my endocrinologist about the possibility of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), a condition that denotes the death of jaw bone tissue. It appears more pronounced in cancer patients but has appeared in noncancerous patients. It appears more with the use of the IV Boniva so that's why I decided to write you. Here is a thumbnail news release that you might use for your own research prior to beginning a regemine of Boniva. My endocrinologist said the benefits didn't outweigh the detriments in my case. I am simply urging you to get several different opinions before you begin this treatment. Don't overlook the necessary testing to be sure your Blood Calcium levels are high enough to accept this treatment before you begin it -if you decide to go ahead and take bisphosphonates. >Fosamax and other Bisphosphonates Linked to Debilitating Jaw Disease >Date Published: Wednesday, September 6th, 2006 > Bisphosphonates, a class of medications used to treat osteoporosis and advanced cancers that have spread to the bone, have been linked to osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), a condition that denotes the death of jaw bone tissue. Popular bisphosphonates include Fosamax, Boniva, Zometa and Actonel. These drugs have become some of the most widely prescribed medications throughout the world. Merck's Fosamax recorded sales of $3.2 billion in 2005 and over 22 million prescriptions written in the United States alone, according to IMS Health. It is estimated that over 2,400 Fosamax patients have reported serious jaw bone problems, including osteonecrosis of the jaw, since 2001.< Please get busy on your computer and find out as much as you can and talk to your doctor about absolutely all the plusses and minuses. I don't pretend to know what is best for you (or anyone but myself) but I thought this was important enough to submit for your consideration. Hugs, Cathy At goal: 175lbs

Thank you Cathy! I will certainly discuss this with my doctor before starting any treatment. Traci