Osteoporosis and necrosis of jaw

Hi Scorpio. Sorry to hear about the osteoporosis. Unfortunately as we get older we are more prone to it because of the changes in our hormone levels after menopause. I have been recently diagnosed with osteopaenia the stage before osteoporosis in my left hip but do not have to take tablets for it. As my diet is somewhat compromised since my ops for jaw cancer I went to a dietician for advice about increasing calcium in my diet. She gave me some great ideas which I am following. She also told me to get my vitamin d levels checked as it is crucial in assisting absorption of calcium in our food. She told me to take a vit d capsule during winter but not during summer as you can overdose on it. As I live in Australia there is plenty of sunlight during summer as this is the main way to get vit d naturally. I also went to a physio to get advice on weight bearing exercises to help my hip. With all these actions in place I am hoping that the osteopaenia will not develop into osteoporosis. Have you been given advice about your diet and weight bearing exercises? This might help in slowing down or halting the osteoporosis. I initiated these things myself as my GP did not seem too concerned but I know how serious osteoporosis can be with the possibility of broken hips and don't want that to happen.

Lyn

Thanks Lyn,I haven’t been given any advice yet as I’m waiting for my appointment to go back to the doctor to discuss treatment options. I’m not really worried about the osteoporosis- just the risk of jaw necrosis from the treatment. Sounds as though you’re doing well which is great to hear!

Bridget

Is HRT an option? 

Hi Dani. My GP took me off HRT after I developed cancer as she said with my history she didn't want to take any chances of it causing another cancer. Maybe she was a bit over cautious but apparently there is a link for some with HRT and cancer. Don't know if that is disproved now but at the time it was a thing. 

Lyn

Sophie66 said:

apparently there is a link for some with HRT and cancer.

The breast cancer thing has been yo-yoing for years, hasn't it? Chaps look away..... I take oestrogen pessaries for GSM. GP suggested oestrogen patches and progesterone pills which abolished all the hot flashes I still got at 70 years of age. I stopped taking the last two after four years because I just got fed up of all the pills I was popping. The nightly ritual with my mouth is enough !!!!!!

Hi I take ibandronic tablet and have for years. I eat really healthy, do weight bearing exercises four times a week, do yoga Pilates and walk every day. Not much more I can do to be honest. My mum had osteoporosis and I think it is just genetic. I do worry about the onr with both taking the ibandronic and RT but there's nothing I can do to change it unfortunately just keep looking after my teeth and do everything possible I can to help myself. I was osteopenia and have just moved into osteoporosis in my lower back but hoping all my weights will help me . X

I have had regular mammograms over the years and nothing has ever come up. I have now got into the age range where I can stop having them but it is still a recommendation so am thinking about it. Haven't had any menopause symptoms for years now so I am lucky as they can be difficult. 

Lyn

Hi Jg. It is great that you are so proactive that is all we can do. Fingers crossed that it makes a big difference and that ORN does not raise it's head. 

Lyn

Sorry for delay in reply Danni; I’ve been laid up with a flu bug. Not sure whether HRT is an option for me as I had the menopause age 42, and I’m now 73! I have another blood test booked for three weeks time, and will discuss treatment options with the GP after that. In the meantime I’m taking calcium and vitamin D. 
best wishes,

Bridget

That’s really useful to know, thanks. I’m beginning to come round to the idea that I need to take the meds and try to stop worrying about the risk of jaw necrosis! I wish you well, sounds like you’re doing all the right things,

best,

Bridget