Osteopenia/Fosmax/Alternative?

May 16, 2003

Katrina,

There's been research (don't have refs) re physiological reasons why

we are more subject to osteoporosis, not to mention less activity.

Aside from l500 mg of calcium citrate (not carbonate--risk of kidney

stones) and Vit K 200 mcg , Actonel once per week is considered by

the straight medical community to be as effective as Fosamax and far

less risky to the gut. Some studies also show that magnesium (which

we need anyway) also helps so you might look into upping that too.

There's a blood test that shows calcium loss from bones , which

indicates effectiveness of the drug. It's called n-teleopeptide.

And of course Vit D about 800 mg / day.

Judith Wisdom

> I had my second bone scan while at Mayo Clinic.( I am in

menopause) .Results were " significant bone loss for her age " and

Fosmax was presribed. I'm very concerned w/ these results...unless

it's just the interpretation/wording, this seems a bit rapid since my

1st test a couple of years ago showed minimal andno red flag

indicated.

> Info on Fosmax so far:

>

> Very dangerous if one does not take properly (Burn esophagus). Have

to stay upright 30 min. It is taken once a week.

> Can prevent AND replace bone mass.

> My osteopath not impressed and concerned w/side effects.

> My PC mixed. Helps some, some not. Not as concerned w/side effects

(if taken correctly).

> My 80 something friend HAS replaced bone mass, no side

effects.

I am taking natural prescription progesterone and estrogen. My

compounding pharmacist thinks some prevention may be gained from the

estrogen. But agrees if it does not seem to be helping, Fosmax would

be

indicated.

While addressing everything else health wise, I feel

I have seriously lagged on this. Have several risk factors for

osteo.

> I also have

degenerative spine disease (is that osteoarthritis?), a seperate

problem but having both (and more) is freaking me out.

> What are other PWC

women in menopause doing or researching about their

bones?

What are most potent routes for prevention wholistically?

Are there some for REVERSAL? How promising or dangerous do you think

Fosmax is (if taken properly)? Do we have any extra concerns with

it? (Besides having to stay upright or forgetting

this!!!!) With a

wholistic background, this time of increasing complication, dwindling

supplement funds, cross-eyed from researching,more prescription

decisions... not in the least thrilled. Yet, if they are tool to save

my ass, can not just dismiss them. Really feeling between rock and

hard place and hate that. Can ya relate?

>

> Katrina

May 16, 2003

I would read up on new research on Vitamin K. I you don't have enough, your

body lines your arteries with calcium instead of getting in your bones.

www.Lef.org has some good articles on V. K. Also, you say you are taking

" natural prescription " estrogen and progesterone. I am not an expert in this,

but that confuses me a litte. Because the article I just read on natural

progesterone said that the drug companies all change the hormones some because

that is they only way they can get a patent. So they aren't natural. But if

you aren't getting it from a drug company, then I don't know why you would need

a prescription. They recommended rub on progesterone cream for rebuilding bone,

and said most people had too much estrogen. But I'm sure that must vary.

Thanks,

Doris

May 16, 2003

(Thanks Skee)

>>>Which reminds me, I have heard about some research done

> with standing on a vibrating platform to increase bone mass.

> The idea is that it simulates the vibrations on your bones that you

> would get from exercise, and stimulates the bones to increase

> their mass. Last I heard, it is still in the experimental stage, but

> they are trying to develop it for commercial use.<<<

Hmmm, well that is extremely interesting. Wonder where I might find a vibrating

platform?? God knows what else that might do to the CFIDS/ME system!?

K

>

> Skeesix

> Hi,

> My mom also has CFS ...

May 16, 2003

hi -

my doc suggested the following alternatives to Fosamax (after what I've read

about the drug, I'm not all that impressed with the results) - 1 mg. vit. K, 3

mg. Boron, 2 AEP Calcium (from Needs or Beyond a Century, a new form of calcium

supposed to be absorbed into the *cell*), and Ipriflavone.

Weight bearing execise is the best way to stabilize and increase bone mass, and

my ob-gyn highly recommends this! " Strong Women Stay Young " on book and tape

by Miriam is a great resource. If you feel you can't even lift 1 lb

weights to start with, find a good local physical therapist who will work with

you on this. Lifting light weights isn't as hard as it might seem, since its

not aerobic.

Judith G

May 17, 2003

Here are some links in regards to the vibrating platform.

http://www.nature.com/nsu/010809/010809-10.html

http://content.health.msn.com/content/article/49/39952.htm?pagenumber=3

http://my.webmd.com/content/Article/34/1728_85890.htm?printing=true

http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/health/WABC_oncall_081601osteoporosis.html

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>>>> Which reminds me, I have heard about some research done

>> with standing on a vibrating platform to increase bone mass.

>> The idea is that it simulates the vibrations on your bones that you

>> would get from exercise, and stimulates the bones to increase

>> their mass. Last I heard, it is still in the experimental stage, but

>> they are trying to develop it for commercial use.<<<

>

> Hmmm, well that is extremely interesting. Wonder where I might find a

> vibrating platform?? God knows what else that might do to the CFIDS/ME

> system!?

> K

>>