I have never been real enthused about the osteoporosis drugs out there. My family history of osteoporosis is very strong. My mother, who became very inactive, had a hysterctomy, refused HRT (prior to fosamax) lost about 6 inches in height. She now had pretty bad Alzheimers, so we dont really know how much pain she is in, but she denies it if we ask....on the other hand she doesn't know who we, her kids are.

You have to weight bear to prevent osteoporosis, and you need adequate intake of not just calcium, but vit. D and other minerals...It is good to take a balance.

Weight bearing can be as simple as walking a few miles even if painful, and lifing soup cans in the kitchen. A good clinical exercise specialist or physical therapist can help with exercises. They are essential. I know, that I at times have not followed thru as well as I should have, but something is better than nothing. Also, have your gait analyzed, in case you need orthotics...also that needs to be done every two years.

I stuck with an estrogen patch, very low dose, but that works OK for me, it isn't for every one....I have not had a bone density since my go around with IV steroids back in the fall of 2005, but I am not going back on them unless it is a matter of life or death. I dread having the bone density scan. I feel like I can't take any more bad news.

My gastroparesis will likely prevent me from taking any fosamax like drug as well.

Drugs are often dumped on the market too fast, especially if there is a market for them, and then other drugs which are potentially life savers for orphan diseases sit on the shelf because there isn't money to be made.

Men get osteoporosis too, but at a later age. Osteoporosis is more common in people who weigh less than 127# that sounds so specific...127!

This is one issue that speaks to pain control....if you don't have good pain control, you can not be active. I don't care if it takes morphine to keep some one upright and walking around, it is justified. When adequate pain meds are withheld and people become immobile, osteoporosis and pathological fractures occur, and this is devastating. I brought this up to my physician, and have had fairly good luck with pain control, although, I don't require morphine... yet. Without pain meds that work, whatever they may be for your specific case, discuss your immobility with the doctor, and make sure you get help, before disability increases.

I am wondering if there are any class action suits on the alendronates?

Knowing what to do is tough. We are all looking for breakthrus and ways to alleviate suffering, and sometimes, what gets recommended to us only contributes to suffering....It is a really hard road to travel.

Speaking of interventions to alleviate suffering....there are morphine pumps...I know they have a lot of downsides and contraindications, but some spinal patients have had good luck with them. It won't work for me, but maybe some of you could benefit, just be very very informed before you make any decisions. Consider all the downsides of spinal intrusion.