Fosamax Side Effects and Benefits My Father Experienced
Fosamax, also known as alendronate, is usually associated with post-menopausal women for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is also seen in men, although less frequently. It is also used to treat bone loss caused by corticosteroid use, Paget’s disease, certain bone cancers and many other reasons.
My father, who suffered a severe stroke and has been confined to a wheelchair for the last five years. He has complained of back pain since the stroke, and there was a period of time about a year and a half ago when the pain became so severe that even sitting up in his wheelchair for more than an hour at a time was excruciating, and he became more and more reliant on narcotic pain medications.
He was diagnosed with diabetes shortly after his stroke, and has been taking Neurontin, also known as gabapentin, daily. Neurontin is an anticonvulsive drug which is often used to treat diabetic neuropathy and other nerve pain conditions.
However, prolonged daily use of Neurontin is listed as a possible risk factor for osteopenia and osteoporosis. Ostopenia is a decrease in bone density that is lower than normal, but not low enough to be considered osteoporosis.
After ordering an MRI, which showed a hairline fracture in my father’s back, and a bone density test, his doctor prescribed Fosamax once a week, along with additional vitamin D and calcium supplements. He was instructed to take it in the morning, and to avoid taking any of his other medications for several hours. He was instructed to sit upright for at least 30 minutes before taking his Fosamax, and to remain upright for at least 30 minutes afterwards. He was also told not to eat or drink anything 30 minutes prior or after taking the medication, because certain foods and drinks, such as the orange juice he loves to have every morning with breakfast, could interfere with his body’s absorption of the drug.
Possible side effects of Fosamax include gas, nausea, constipation, and heartburn. My father complains of constipation at least once a week, but he has been going through a regular cycle of constipation and diarrhea for quite some time, so the Fosamax is unlikely to be the only culprit. He also suffers from swelling of the feet at times, but again, this was a problem prior to the Fosamax.
After a year of taking this drug, my father no longer complains of back pain, and has been able to participate in physical therapy again. In two months, he is scheduled to return for another bone density scan and an MRI, and his doctor will decide whether he should continue to take the drug or not. The drug is part of a class of medicines known as biphosphonates, and they work by slowing down the way the body loses bone and increasing the way the body regenerates bone.
For More Information Visit Consumer Reports
Critical Connection – Tampa, FL – GROW YOUR CAREER WITH ONE OF THE FINEST SKILLED NURSING INSTITUTIONS IN THE COUNTRY. NEW GRADS WELCOME! Physical Therapist Description As a Physical Therapy professional with our company, you will enjoy significant advantages that only can be found with an industry leader. Outstanding advancement opportunities, qualified colleagues, cutting edge programs and continually expanding and services can
It could be any of the three – yes you can have nerve pain in your hands or anywhere else there are nerve endings in your body (which is almost everywhere). Diabetes can cause nerve damage and nerve pain as can gout. It is probably not caused by being poked by needles but more than like a complication of the diabetes or gout.
My Cherished friend, so long since I've been here. I haven't been well, for weeks, just not on line much. I am feeling much better now. My doctors wanted to give me anti inflammatory and pain medications. Of course I refused them. Don't believe in them. It is only ourselves that cause our illnesses, I believe. How are you dear one? … I much enjoyed reading this, and it is so good of you to post as you do. Thank you. Sending lots of blessings, peace,Love, light, happiness to surround you and yours. Hugssssssssssssssssssssssss. Be well, sweet, beautiful friend. Bye [...]
Yes about 9 months there, but add in a surface stay of one year in 0.38 g and another 9 months back in zero-g and you’re talking 30 months outside of normal gravity. No one knows how much permanent bone loss an astronaut will suffer in Mars gravity for a long duration, but the med guys do know about bone loss that occurs after long-term exposure to zero-g. It’s a fact.
My brother, when his wife had breast cancer the first time (she's a survivor) stopped sleeping. He told me that he had learned to lay there, eyes closed, muscles relaxed and COUNT IT AS SLEEP. He learned that he could manage without it.
I keep that in my noggin when I can't sleep. But I take a Benedryl EVERY night, sometimes even two, and it works! Heard about it from other menopausal women (not you yet!) that drink.
I'm sure there are calcium supplements out there, just hit your local drug store/shop rite/walmart/etc. and find it.
lol my cat is sitting next to me and was watching your kitty. molly is hilarious and looks like she wants to be the one doing the video. i love her little i have horrible nerve pain, but piercings I do, bc they help me fight my fear of needles. get shots, injections, blood work, etc. but it makes me real squeamish lol. before i got sick i refused blood work EVER lol. Heat KILLS me. I love the winter bc of that. I have a horrible intolerance to getting too hot. i hate it!