osteoporosis

I too have been prescribed alendronic acid and Vitamin D following bone scan but do not take continually as read of negative side effects. I try and get as much sunshine as much as I can, ( read up on skin protection etc), get a balanced diet and do weight bearing exercise and core strengthening to prevent falls I.e. Pilates. Was due second bone scan after 10 years but Dr said No point as there is no other treatment. Look after YOURSELF I say and live as well as you can for as long as you can.

Once you get the Blue Badge you'll be surprised just how many Friends (with cars) you've got.

Human Nature is so Predictable

Unfortunately, with my dear husband having departed at a young age, I have now nobody to transport me. Just about once or twice a year my dear brother offers to take me and my ancient mum out, who is a chicken compared to me!

Yes, as DaphneB says, the blue badge is for you whichever vehicle you are in; you just have to remember to place it absolutely correctly - my friend put hers upside down (not wrong way up, it could still be seen) by mistake and got a fine which they would not cancel!

I have been taking calcium + magnesium and vitamin C which you need for the bones to absorb the calcium apparently, plus occasional Vitamin D because I broke a bone recently.

I find Im68now's facile "Look on the bright Side" comment thoughtless and insensitive, especially when it was repeated.
However, Cath9 you do not have to be the driver to qualify for a blue badge parking permit. You can apply for one for whoever drives you (e.g. DH or another family member or friend) and this can be used in any vehicle you are in, even a mini cab.
So if you think it would be useful, I would say go for it.
And regarding Osteoporisis being reversible, yes indeed. DH had it 20 years ago because his diseased liver was not metabolising fatty acids. Many years of a med called Didronel has restored his bone density to roughly what it should be for a man of his age (not particularly good, but could be much worse)
Good luck.

There is a known link between fractures of the femur and taking Alendronic Acid long term.

In March 2010, the FDA started its own investigation into the link between femur fractures and bisphosphonate drugs, including Fosamax (Alendronic Acid) The American Society of Bone and Mineral Research submitted its report to the FDA, underscoring the bisphosphonate risks. The research, which was later published in the “Journal of Bone and Mineral Research,” found that long-term use of Fosamax and other bisphosphonates were linked to “unusual but serious fractures of the thigh bone.”

I came off Alendronic Acid and changed to Strontium Ranelate but had to come off that as there was an increased risk of heart problems.

So for over 3 years now I've been treating it through diet and supplement. Had a DEXA scan in Wednesday so will feed back if there's been an improvement, but as Nanamaz just posted improved bone density isn't the whole story.

I was diagnosed with osteoporosis several years ago after I went to my GP with severe lower back pain and he sent me for a DEXA scan, which revealed a fractured lumbar vertebra. After a couple of years taking one calcium + Vitamin C tablet a day for six days a week, and one Alendronic Acid tablet a week, I had another scan which showed my bone density had improved. I still take the same medication and still have lower back pain on standing for a long while, or bending, relieved by sitting down for a while. My GP has referred me for another DEXA scan as I had a bad fall some months ago which caused a fractured leg. Whoever said "growing old is not for wimps" was quite correct!

I did find it early; about 2002, when a health clinic was offering a bone density scan, which proved that my bones were weaker than they should have been for the age I was then.
As I said to Im68Now, to get a blue badge for my car is not possible as I cannot see on my left side.
All, due to a childhood illness, as I have a diseased scar on my right temporal lobe. Had a lobotoomy in 1970, when it was the talk of the town! They couldn't take all the diseased scar away but they did take my left side vision and pattern reconition away. So I am unable to drive. However, even though I now hardly get any seizures and if so no one would not know, But I still have to take these AEDs which is the cause of the problem, having been on them for so long.
They are going to refer me to a clinic, but I doubt that will do much good with taking this AED.

Look on the bright side, you can get a blue badge for the car. Theirs no cure, you can't replace the layer that's gone.

Sorry you are wrong Im68Now if diagnosed and treated early enough osteoporosis is treatable. It isn't completely curable and some medication may always be needed but bones are not irreplaceable. Basically your bones are constantly renewing themselves but with osteoporosis the loss is greater than the replacement rate. Proper treatment- medication and exercise can change this. I was diagnosed with this in my 50s, thanks to treatment I now have a lesser version osteopenia, am on a 'drug holiday' and am in my 70s.

Look on the bright side, you can get a blue badge for the car. Theirs no cure, you can't replace the layer that's gone.

Thanks, do let me know ansixty,

Yesterday, in the evening, I was in such severe pain, couldn't walk without support and it took a while to get my legs into the bed. I am still bit painful today but can walk around, just not sure about going shopping.

I am going for a DEXA scan on Monday as when I had my knee op the surgeon said my bones were spongy and I should get them tested. I will report back when I get some results.