Q
: 1
12/10/2008 |
I have osteoporosis and am taking Actonel. My doctor wants me to begin taking Forteo instead as I have a recently broken a bone. I have been reading about "horsetail" that it can heal and increase density in bones. I would prefer that treatment over Forteo. Can you give me more information on the use of horsetail and why it is not being used to treat this disease?
Forteo is an excellent drug and is the only medicine that has been proven to be effective at decreasing the risk of broken bones when the bisphosphonates (like Actonel) don't work. I have no knowledge about "horsetail" and I'm sure that it has not been studied in the way an FDA approved drug like Forteo has. Forteo has been studied in thousands of people and has been proven to be effective and safe. I recommend against using a substance that has not been FDA approved as effective and safe.
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Q
: 2
05/30/2008 |
If osteroporosis is not treated can it damage your back?
When osteoporosis is treated (eg. with Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva or Reclast) the risk of fractures in the back is decreased by 50%. Fractures in the back (called compression fractures), can cause pain and a decrease in height. I hope this answers your question.
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Q
: 3
04/08/2008 |
My three-year-old son was having knee pain and one doctor said he had rickets and gave him a calcium supplement. Please tell me how to identify whether he actually has this sickness?
Rickets is a disorder caused by deficiency of either Vitamin D or phosphorus. A calcium supplement will not correct it. Generally a blood test is needed to find the cause. I recommend that you ask your son's doctor how he/she knows that your son has rickets and consider consulting a pediatric endocrinologist. Good luck!
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Q
: 4
04/06/2008 |
I have taken an over-the-counter antacid for approximately ten years as a source of calcium to prevent osteoporosis. I was, in fact, diagnosed with this bone condition in spite of preventative measures, and was on Actonel for many years with minimal results. I recently reacted violently after taking the Actonel and discontinued it, but now a gastroendoscopy revealed GERD and a sonogram showed gallstones. My question is, does Tums cause gallstones and if so what is the best source of calcium without aggravating my gall bladder?
There are many risk factors for osteoporosis including genetic predisposition, age, and low body weight to name a few. Calcium alone will not prevent osteoporosis if you have significant risk factors. Calcium supplements do not cause gallstones and Actonel does not cause GERD. In addition to calcium, it is important to take adequate Vitamin D (best determined by having a blood test to measure Vitamin D stores). In addition, there are other medications to treat osteoporosis including an annual intravenous medicine that could be considered.
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Q
: 5
04/03/2008 |
I was told that I had osteoporosis. I am 50 years old. A friend strongly suggested a Vertebral Fracture Assessment. My personal physician never heard of it. Nor did the diagnostic center that did my bone density scan. My t-scores were -4.2 for spine, -2.9 for hips. I've had some back pain, but attributed it to breathing issues from the asthma. Apparently I have also lost a couple of inches in height. My doctor says that they should be able to evaluate me for fractures with a simple x-ray. Any recommendation? Thanks.
The newer DXA machines include a lateral (side view) image of the spine from which an assessment for fracture can be done. Your doctor is correct that a plain X-ray can do this equally well. I hope that you are being treated for your osteoporosis. Good luck!
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Q
: 6
03/12/2008 |
What kind of specialist do I need to make an appointment with to find out if I have Osteomalacia?
Osteomalacia usually results from Vitamin D deficiency although low phosphorus conditions can cause it too. Any physician can order blood work for calcium (comprehensive metabolic panel is best), phosphorus and 25(OH)vitamin D level. Endocrinologists are the specialists in osteomalacia.
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Q
: 7
03/10/2008 |
I have broken five bones in the past five years. I just found out today that my vitamin D levels are <6. My serum calcium levels are normal. I am only 50 years old. My dexa scan came back showing osteopenia (for the past eight years) now it is a bit worse. I broke this bone in my foot, not provoked by trauma. I was just walking and also ruptured the tendon to the bone. I am diabetic, so who do I need to see now--an endocrinology or an osteoporosis specialist?
I would recommend an endocrinologist who is also an osteoporosis specialist.
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Q
: 8
02/22/2008 |
Do black hot spots on a bone scan mean cancer only?
By "hot spots", I assume that you mean areas where the radiation is taken up more than in other areas. There are many causes for increased uptake on bone scan such as this and cancer is one of them. The pattern of uptake (what part of the skeleton is involved and the shape of the uptake) can be classic for one diagnosis over another (eg. cancer versus Paget's disease versus old fracture). In some cases, additional imaging studies (eg. X-rays, CT scans or MRI scans) can help to clarify the cause of elevated uptake on bone scan.
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Q
: 9
02/08/2008 |
What is the best supplement for Vitamin D?
Of the non-pill formualations containing Vitamin D, cod liver oil is the best source.
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Q
: 10
02/05/2008 |
I was just reading about the impatient referrals following low-impact fractures that could be due to osteoporosis. I am a 37-year-old female that was walking down a few steps from the house on the way to work. I missed the last step and fell and ended up with a dislocated ankle fracture. I have had a plate and ten pins placed to stabilize the fracture, a temporary cast for two weeks and now I'm in a cast for four weeks. My orthopedic doctor stated that my bone density looked like a 50-60 year old and plans to do a bone density scan when my cast gets removed, the cast should be removed in about two weeks. My question to you is it appears that there is multiple reasons for osteoporosis - if that is the cause for the reduced bone density - what other test would you recommend for someone in my position?
I'm sorry to hear about your fracture. An evaluation for an underlying metabolic bone disorder would be a good idea. This would include blood and urine tests, including calcium, parathyroid hormone, Vitamin D level, complete blood counts, a test for bone turnover and urine calcium. Other test might be appropriate as well. You might want to ask your orthopedist for a referral to an endocrinologist who specializes in this. If you are in our area, we would be happy to see you. Good luck.
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