I am a patient of severe Ankylosing Spondylitis. The first symptoms were at the age of 14 (now 61). This was diagnosed at age 24, having started the medication of anti-inflammatories, from the Butazolidin, Voix (just to name a few) and lastly Humira. The effect of the Humira was positive as it alleviated pain and increased flexibility. The side effects directly linked with this treatment were: Dermatitis in various parts of the body. Blisters and subsequent dry skin on the scalp; Dry skin in the ears and behind; rash on the groin and buttocks. Soon (about 2 Months) after commencing the Humira treatment, pain began to be evident on the right leg (Femur), to the extent that strong pain killers were required to alleviate the pain. (This is the same leg that was subjected to a "Hip-Replacement" 4 Years ago). "X" Rays and a CT scan was conducted. The results indicate that there is a "Pinched Nerve" on the lower back, thus causing the pain. It also concluded that there is a severe case of "Osteoporosis.” The multiple exams, X-Rays and tests never indicated the presence of "Osteoporosis.” Today’s results indicate severe. Published: June 05 ::

I have taken Boniva for about 18 months. The doctor tells me my bone density test is worse. My daughter is a Veterinarian. She suggested a Gluten Free diet. She feels I am not absorbing the Boniva or the daily doses of Calcium with D. I could have Celiac Disease which does not allow absorption of certain medications and foods. I went to my Internist. He did a panel of tests for Celiac. It was negative. My daughter says this is because I was already on a GF diet for 3 weeks. My Internist disagrees. I do not want to take any more medication. Do you have any suggestions? I walk a great deal and run up and down our steps (in house) about 100 times a day. I take no other medication except vitamins etc. Published: February 17 ::

I have just been diagnosed with osteo of the spine, which surprised me as I worked alone in my landscaping business for 25 years heavy lifting and long hours didn't bother me. I never was big on milk or calcium tabs as they made me sick, but I love yogurt and cheese. I breast fed my 2 kids til 2 years old. I'm a non-smoker, lite coffee and wine drinker. My mother has rheumatoid and osteo and 1 sister with osteo. I had a hysterectomy (fibroids) and colon cancer (no chemo), both situations caused anemia and both required blood transfusions. I would like to know if anemia played a larger roll in this than genetics. Published: February 17 ::

I have pain in my lower back and neck. My teeth are horrible. I used to have pretty teeth now I'm getting them pulled for dentures. I don't know if all this is the cause of osteoporosis, but it is happening to me. I have emphysema and have taken a lot of steroids. I also had a hysterectomy in my 30's. I smoke, which is bad. I'm having a very hard time quitting. I can't afford the new medicines to help me quit. Times are hard. I am so scared of breaking a bone. Two years ago I broke my arm. It took one year in a cast for it to heal. Published: July 28 ::

I had no symptoms at all. In fact, at the present time, I have no symptoms. My doctor wanted me to have a bone density test (I am 51), and the results came back as osteoporosis. To date, none of the drugs have worked for me, as I have had severe muscle and bone pains. I am thinking about taking Evista, but that doesn't sound very beneficial to me either. Published: July 15 ::

I am 49 years old and was diagnosed with osteoporosis. The results of the scan indicated that I have the bones of a 75 year old. I have been lactose intolerant for the past 25 years, and the lack of calcium has finally paid the price. I was on a calcium supplement for several years, but I was also diagnosed with fructose malabsorption several months ago. Because the chewable calcium tablets have fructose in them, I stopped the calcium. Also, because I have many allergies to medications, my doctor has suggested I take the once a year IV treatment for osteoporosis. I have read that you need to be postmenopausal in order to utilize the IV treatment. Since I am perimenopausal, I am confused as to what to do. Published: September 26 ::

My daughter and I took a bone density test at the request of our doctor. My daughter is off the charts. She was treated for leukemia as a young girl and took a lot of Prednisone. This was back in the late 60s and 70s. I took it for allergies until I had an unusual side effect. My osteoporosis is mild. But with my daughter’s chemotherapy, hers is very bad. We have not started any treatment yet. She has hepatitis C from a blood transfusion, so the doctor and I will decide this week. My suggestion is to take calcium with vitamin D and magnesium when on Prednisone. Published: August 27 ::