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I Have Osteroporsis- -2.8 On The Spine. I Am 57
Question: I have osteroporsis- -2.8 on the spine. I am 57 years old. Because of an absess under a root canal I had to have a tooth pulled then need an implant so I cannot take fosamax or any of those other medications. My dr suggested two other medications but they can cause bone cancer. So I don't want to take them either. What is your suggestion. I eat heatlty, work out 5 days a week...spinning class 3 times a week mostly standing while riding and weights 2 times a week. I just started drinking 2 glasses fortified oj and vitamin D 5,000 units and 5oo mill of calcium citrate. What would you suggest?
Brief Answer:
In my opinion, you should take Fosamax and follow lifestyle measures- detailed explanation below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
My opinion is that the best course of action in your case is to take Fosamax and also continue with lifestyle modifications that are beneficial for patients with osteoporosis.
The reasons why I think Fosamax is the best choice for you are:
- pharmacological treatment is recommended for all patients with a T score of -2.5 or worse. In your case, it is -2.8 so you do fulfill the criteria to take medications for osteoporosis. Actually, it is necessary to take medications for osteoporosis to prevent progression and fractures.
- Fosamax is the first-line therapy for osteoporosis, which means that strong medical recommendations approve it as the first treatment for osteoporosis
- even though it was thought that Fosamax use increases the risk of dental implant failure or complications related to the jaw bone, studies do not support this. So, studies have found that patients that use Fosamax have a rate of dental implant failure and jaw bone complications very similar to that of patients that do not use Fosamax.
As for lifestyle modifications:
- good daily intake of Calcium and Vitamin D. If you choose to take Fosamax, please do not take it close to the time you take the calcium and vitamin D as these may reduce the absorption of Fosamax and its effect.
- you need 1200 mg of calcium with food daily and 600 Ui of Vitamin D supplements to fulfill your needs. Calcium absorption with food may be compromised by dark green leafy vegetables so you need to make sure you do take at least 1200 mg a day (this is a link you may use to calculate calcium content in different kinds of food https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/calcium_content_of_selected_foods/)
- keep active. Weight-bearing and muscle strengthening exercises are recommended. A physiotherapist may also give you proper advice on which are the best exercises in patients with osteoporosis and also make sure you perform them accurately.
- avoid smoking and access alcohol intake
Finally, I would also recommend you to have a TSH check and rule out thyroid problems as thyroid may cause osteoporosis if it is not functioning well and treatment, in this case, should include treatment of the thyroid disorder, if any is present.
I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
In my opinion, you should take Fosamax and follow lifestyle measures- detailed explanation below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
My opinion is that the best course of action in your case is to take Fosamax and also continue with lifestyle modifications that are beneficial for patients with osteoporosis.
The reasons why I think Fosamax is the best choice for you are:
- pharmacological treatment is recommended for all patients with a T score of -2.5 or worse. In your case, it is -2.8 so you do fulfill the criteria to take medications for osteoporosis. Actually, it is necessary to take medications for osteoporosis to prevent progression and fractures.
- Fosamax is the first-line therapy for osteoporosis, which means that strong medical recommendations approve it as the first treatment for osteoporosis
- even though it was thought that Fosamax use increases the risk of dental implant failure or complications related to the jaw bone, studies do not support this. So, studies have found that patients that use Fosamax have a rate of dental implant failure and jaw bone complications very similar to that of patients that do not use Fosamax.
As for lifestyle modifications:
- good daily intake of Calcium and Vitamin D. If you choose to take Fosamax, please do not take it close to the time you take the calcium and vitamin D as these may reduce the absorption of Fosamax and its effect.
- you need 1200 mg of calcium with food daily and 600 Ui of Vitamin D supplements to fulfill your needs. Calcium absorption with food may be compromised by dark green leafy vegetables so you need to make sure you do take at least 1200 mg a day (this is a link you may use to calculate calcium content in different kinds of food https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/calcium_content_of_selected_foods/)
- keep active. Weight-bearing and muscle strengthening exercises are recommended. A physiotherapist may also give you proper advice on which are the best exercises in patients with osteoporosis and also make sure you perform them accurately.
- avoid smoking and access alcohol intake
Finally, I would also recommend you to have a TSH check and rule out thyroid problems as thyroid may cause osteoporosis if it is not functioning well and treatment, in this case, should include treatment of the thyroid disorder, if any is present.
I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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