[Wellness] Zometa and Osteoparosis

["Bunny Phillips" <bunny55@bresnan.net>]

Just wanted to let you know that my osteoporosis has excelled at a high rate.  Two years ago the local medical center decided that they would try Zometa IVs every three months.  A year later I went to a bone research doctor in Denver and he said that I the standard was only once a year.  Zometa is a trial drug not yet approved for osteoporosis, but because my osteo was so bad, they thought that it was the best treatment.  Unfortunately, they now believe that the every three month treatments made my bones brittle.  I was taking my calcium, hiking and faithful with my weight bearing exercises (all the right things) when my pelvis fractured with no trauma. (stress fracture from walking and hiking) I am only 56 years old and it is very unusual for someone my age to have this happen.  The doctors are starting to think that it was from the Zometa.  I had radiation and chemo about 8 years ago.  I wasn't warned about how fast osteo can come on.  I am writing to warn everyone one who has had cancer treatment,to be on full alert for osteoporosis.  Especially if you can't take hormones.  The doctors now believe that along with your calcium, you need to take high doses of vitamin D.  Higher than what comes with standard calcium supplements.  They are doing a study right now that is starting to show that high doses of vitamin K also helps prevent and rebuild bones. 

If your doctors recommend that you try Zometa.  Please be sure that you are only dosed once a year.  The study on this drug is not complete, and I was a guinea pig.  I may have been ok with one treatment a year, but the local docal podunk doctor overdosed me.  There is a new med. that has been proven to increase bone mass, but you can't take it if you have had radiation.  There is hope that in two years there will be a new med that is supposed to increase bone mass.  It is still being researched and studied.

In the meantime, I am walking around like a glass doll.  Only two months ago I was working as a back country ranger.  Now I am in a walker and wheelchair.  Sooooooo ladies......beware.  Take your calcium, extra D and extra K.  That's the only thing I know to do right now.

Regards,

Bunny

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