I was just diagnosed with osteopenia. I started with Actonel and after 3 weeks I am having terrible heartburn and stomach pain. I never have heartburn so this must be due to the Actonel.
My question is do I continue with the med and just take Pepcid AC or would I need to try something else?
Also, I workout and am at good weight/BMI for my age and height. With the very beginnings of osteopenia(1.5) do I really need medication at all?
And, lastly, I just moved to a new state. I wanted to get my yearly physical exam so I just called a local doctor and saw his PA, which was fine, and he reported the bone density results with a prescription via mail. However, now I would like to find a doctor or professional that knows about osteopenia. What do I look for, an internist, nutritionist, a woman's wellness center?
I appreciate your answers and time in responding. I am really at a loss because I have been so fortunate to have had 53 years with no real health problems.
Thank you.
Tricia
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suffering from acid indigestion
- By tricia5858
- Posted July 25, 2008 at 1:24 pm · 10 replies
- In Osteopenia (low bone density)
- Shared with the public
Explore topics in this discussion:
Exercise Cancer Fosamax Osteopenia Pepcid AC Actonel Menopause Gallbladder attack Pain Heartburn Osteoporosis Prilosec
10 replies
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- Newest first
- By Floridagal
- Posted July 25, 2008 at 2:46 pm
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Hi Tricia,
Well I personally would not take it if I where you. One thing you can try is what I do. I only take the meds cause I am in severe stages (so they say) I had a lot of trouble too. My Dr. has me taking one Prilosec the night before I take the pill. He told me I can take also some tums before and after the pill. I am finding tums very helpful throughout the month and that way you get the extra calcium too. Good luck to you! I hope it helps!
- By sdivas
- Posted July 25, 2008 at 4:24 pm
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Tricia, do you remain upright for over 30 minutes after taking Actonel? Have you checked over your nutrition which often leads to heartburn? Can you sleep upright with pillows instead of flat? What time is your last meal prior to bedtime? Questions to consider prior to taking Prilosec as Prilosec used with calcium carbonate (Tums is calcium carbonate) decreases calcium absorption. I'd suggest posting a subject discussion "Looking for doctor - PA." There may be community members that direct you to a doctor that focus on osteoporosis in your area. Sandi
- By Poet-Lady
- Posted July 25, 2008 at 7:10 pm
- Report post
Hi,
Here is my story.
I am 53. I am a small, white female. On May 2 of
this year I had my first bone density scan. The test showed that I have osteopenia in both the hip and spine.
My rheumatologist gave me a prescription for Fosamax. I took it only for one month.
I talked to my gynecologist. She said at 53, I
MAY BE too young to start prescription medications such as Fosamax. She is doing some research into
osteopenia for me. She also suggested exercise.
I am also doing some research.
Here is some items that you may want to consider -
1. The National Osteoporosis Foundation has an
exercise video called "Be BoneWise". I
have started to use it.
2. The National Osteoporosis Foundation
has information on their web site about
the FRAX algorithm. This algorithim helps
doctors determine when to start medication.
I am going to ask my gynecologist about this.
3. There is a new soy and zinc based prescription
drug called Fosteum. So far about 20,000
prescriptions have been written for it -
which is not many. The web site is
www.fosteum.com.
I an going to ask my gynecologist about this
also.
Take a while and do some research before
you make your decisions.
Good Luck!
- By Floridagal
- Posted July 25, 2008 at 7:17 pm
- Report post
Poet-Lady
I think your smart in doing research. I think this stuff is all too new. I am taking it, but I am not sure that I will continue. Let us know how you make out. I think talking to the Gyno is a good idea! I will check out that web site. That is a new one to me.
- By Floridagal
- Posted July 25, 2008 at 7:25 pm
- Report post
sdivas,
Did I understand you to say that tums is bad? One Prilosec a month will not hurt you. That was advised by my Dr.? I eat early in the day, I can sleep flat and I still have severe heartburn with Actenol. This drug along with the others does this to some people that take it. Maybe your one of the lucky ones. I know most dont' have it but I personally do. There is a rising problem with espohogeal cancer from heartburn, it is not to be taken lightly if you have it .
- By sdivas
- Posted July 25, 2008 at 11:01 pm
- Report post
Floridagal, I did not write in my post that Tums was bad. If you have been advised to take Tums and Prilosec by your doctor, it is between you and your doctor. Sandi
- By nobonesaboutit
- Posted July 27, 2008 at 1:27 am
- Report post
Dear Tricia5858,
It is very concerning if you have continuing "heartburn" and pain after taking your medicine. I Started on Fosamax as the first osteo med I took and ended up with esophageal erosions. That's why they have those warnings on the commercials about heartburn and pain. I honestly thought I was having a gallbladder attack when it got so bad for me. The GI Dr did an EGD and found the erosions. Good Luck
- By Floridagal
- Posted July 27, 2008 at 1:11 pm
- Report post
nobones,
Wow that is scary. I also am suffering with sever heartburn on the Actenol. It scares me as my cousin just had espophogeal cancer and my Dr. says it is on the rise. Makes you wonder why it is on the rise? Glad yours wasn't cancer. I think any of us that are experiencing heartburn need to take it seriously. Talk to your Dr. about it too! Good luck to you nobones!
- By CelticRose
- Posted July 28, 2008 at 9:12 am
- Report post
Tricia,
I was first diagnosed with Osteopenia (1.3) in my femoral neck in 2006. I had another bone scan in 2008 and my level is now 1.6. Neither my primary care doc nor my GYN thought I should take any drugs at this point. The GYN thinks the bone loss may slow down. She says women lose 50% of the bone that they will lose within the first few years of menopause. But....I'm hypothyroid so that does put me more at risk. Even so she said they usually start treating with drugs when levels get to 2.0.
It really seems to depend on doctor's varying opinions whether they recommend that people start taking drugs sooner or later. Then you have to decide what's the best for you.
I'll have another bone density test next spring. Meanwhile, I'm trying to take and do everything I can to build bone naturally!
IMHO - if you are having that much trouble with Actonel now you may want to stop taking it.
Good luck!
Mary
- By tricia5858
- Posted July 28, 2008 at 1:21 pm
- Report post
Thank you for your responses. I took my weekly Actonel on Saturday, with lots of water no resting etc. Sunday and today I feel terrible.
I am looking into other ways to help my bones. I made an appt. with a doctor today and I hope to get some more suggestions that do not include meds like Actonel;at least not at this point.
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