THR Merrimay's on the other side now THR

[Merrimay]

@subie2021, good info here. Thank you! I haven't had a fracture either (since I was 10 and tried climbing a tree in ice skates). I think these meds may be lifesaving for some, but need more info before I sign on. Certainly the advice to take the daily type over the monthly makes perfect sense. Don't like those side effects at all. Thanks for responding so quickly.

 

[Woodstockhip]

@Merrimay -- I'm with you. I'm not going to bother with a bone scan since I wouldn't take the medicine anyway. Plus, when my surgeon was finished with my hips, he said that I had "good bone stock" which is good enough for me! As for the weather -- it went from 52 this morning to 12 presently and the only bones that DON'T hurt are the titanium ones.

 

[Merrimay]

@Woodstockhip, so true that my titanium hip is the only part of me that's working! I'm thinking now that I'd like every joint and my brain "replaced" for Christmas.

 

[Merrimay]

1 degree here as I write. Minus 14 with windchill. Oh, and I just lost power!

 

[myglasshalffull]

My primary wants me to have bone scan and my next BIG physical is mid January. I'm in complete agreement that I wouldn't take that medicine either. The side effects are worse than the condition!
Why would we take something that might cause us to get another hip fracture?!?!
We had temps here yesterday AM in 50's with wind driven rain, it's 8 degrees this AM.
Fortunately our power stayed on but we saw several trees come down with gusts of wind over 50 mph. We live in an area with huge pines scary when it's windy.

 

[Merrimay]

Oh, yes, big trees are scary. I live among so many trees that GPS can't find my house!

Do PCPs refuse to treat us anymore if we refuse to take a medicine they recommend, like osteoporosis meds? When I told my new pcp that I'd read too many stories about their side effects, she said firmly, "I disagree!" Then, without yet having access to the results of my medical records at my old pcp or my OS, she said: You've had a hip fracture." No, I never did.

 

[myglasshalffull]

My primary said "you've had 2 breaks in 3 years"..."yes, cause I fell..."
Didn't just break on their own!
But I must say I have a great relationship with her, she's pretty much no nonsense and does listen. I think I started seeing her in my 40's, I'm now 70!!!

 

[Merrimay]

Sounds like you and she have a proven track record. She sees and hears you.

This is my 3rd PCP in "stiletto" heels. I remember when healthcare providers wore commonsense footwear. I doubt she's much of an expert on osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, or joint replacement. Theoretical "knowledge" at best.

To these young women, I'm just a new patient over 65+. None of them bother to look away from their computer screens much when I'm talking. I'll give her a year, then just use urgent care and sppecialists. I have helicopter insurance to fly me to the city when I need emergency care.

But, oh, I've fallen through the cracks of the US "primary care system."

 

[lanstan]

Prolia is a newer drug that works better than some of the older oral or monthly ones. Prolia works by blocking a protein called RANK. The drug attaches to the RANK protein and helps prevent osteoclasts from breaking down bone. Over time, Prolia helps to improve the density and strength of your bones by slowing bone loss. This lowers your risk for bone fractures.
It matters what your diagnosis is but osteoarthritis is very different from Osteoporosis. I have osteoporosis which puts me at high risk for breaking bones. The risk is much much higher of breaking bones from osteoporosis than from the meds to help strengthen bones. Always good to do research and then make a decision best for you. Its not a one size fits all kind of thing. I have never broken a bone and have taken this med for 4 years.

 

[Merrimay]

@lanstan, thank you for sharing your experience! I've not had a recent bone scan, although I did have one eight years ago (when I turned 60. Results indicated strong enough bones at the time). I suspect my trouble is osteoarthritis, as it has been since I was 45. Certainly it was the culprit behind my need for an Oct 22 hip replacement. I'll keep you posted as I learn more about my bone density.

 

[Merrimay]

Hey Hippies, probably a dumb question here. I've been using my Activity poles faithfully in an effort to improve my limp, and think it is improving! But the rest of body (both sides, neck, lower back, knees) are killing me. Hips ok, oddly! Should I assume that my body aches are related to the readjusting associated with "improving" my limp? That's my guess.. I had the limp for 15 years easily.

But thought I'd run it by my expert pals.

 

[Jaycey]

Should I assume that my body aches are related to the readjusting associated with "improving" my limp?

If you limped around for 15 years then yes, your body is trying to adjust to a new way of walking. Take the slow and steady approach to building up your walking. Push through will only result in more aches and pains. Using your poles is a great idea!

 

[myglasshalffull]

My shoulders hurt when using walker and cane, just think we are putting pressure on body parts that aren't used to it. So you having some aches using the poles probably makes sense.

 

[Merrimay]

Thank you, @myglasshalffull and @Jaycey! I'm guilty of "pushing through" because I live alone, have pets and a house to maintain. But I am trying g to be good

 

[Merrimay]

Thought I'd give an update on my taking curamin in lieu of nsaids for those who, like me, have dealt with unacceptable side effects from ibuprofen, etc.
I most certainly do feel an easing of the pain when I take the curamin, and for now I'm sticking with the product. An added plus is that it has none of the turmeric that is so high in oxalates, which can cause kidney stones in those who are susceptible.

So anyone else out there who needs more than Tylenol but can't handle ndaids, you might try researching curmerin. If it interests you, run the idea by your PT or doctor. My former PT recommended it, and I'm grateful she did. It took me about 2 weeks to feel the diff, but I really do now.

Again, this is just for what it's worth. Research it first if you're interested, then talk to your doctor and/or PT.

 

[CricketHip]

Hi @Merrimay are you referring to Curcumin?
If that’s what you meant, I’ve heard several people say it has helped them also.
I like that you recommend asking your Dr first, it’s always good to make certain, especially if you take other medications.

So glad it’s helping you!

 

[Merrimay]

Hi @CricketHip , yes, but I use a product that is called curamin and has a higher rate of absorption than most curcumin supplements. It's also the most studied curcumin supplement. Can't vouch for other curcumin supplements.

 

[CricketHip]

Ahh, okay. That makes better sense to me, so it’s like a specific brand name? Obviously I need things spelled out.

 

[Merrimay]

Yes. Curamin is the name of the product. I got mine at GNC, but it's also available on Amazon and directly from the manufacturer, Terry Naturally. But I'm sure there are other good curcumin supplements out there. Only bring it up because some of us can't take nsaids and may want to research curcumin or Curamin.

 

[Merrimay]

@Layla , at some point you explained the cause of muscle stiffness to another member, but I've not been able to relocate the thread. It was something someone told you after you'd had surgery...do you recall? If so, would you share it again? Thanks!