Actonel | Arthritis Information

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Hi everyone. Sorry about another new post, but just wanted to know if anyone else is on Actonel and does it actually help.

Thanks guys.
No nothing.  But did you know if you reply to your own post it brings it back to the top?
 
Hugs,
 
Pip
Thanks Pip. No I didn't know that.Hi lostpoet, I am on Actonel. My dr. started it in Feb, when my constant groin pain was finally diagnosed as osteoporosis. All my docs thought it was osteoarthritis  of the hip, but a CT scan finally was done and I had 2 fractures in the left side of my pelvis.
 
I don't know if it works or not. That is just a faith thing, really, as you don't feel any different with it. It is supposed to be the best, according to my doc. But obviously, it takes a while to actually build bone.
 
In fact, on May 5, I took a very bad fall in my home. Bruised and cut my face and felt as though I had hurt the r. side of my pelvis. In the ER, they did several tests on my hip/pelvis area and, sure enough, I had broken ,my pelvis AGAIN, but on the right side! I was admitted to the hospital, had more tests and then sent to a nursing home to recover. I only stayed in the  nursing home for 1 week, then they agreed to let me come home and sent a therapist to me.
 
I will definately stay on the Actonel or something, to build bone lost to osteoporosis. I have lost over six months since Ive been recovering from the breaks. It's so depressing to be confined to bed and see four walls for months at a time!
 
I'm finally starting to be able to get up for several hours at a time, and looking forward to getting on with my life. I must still use my scooter or power chair to get around, but as long as I'm part of the world again, I can accept that.
 
Sorry to hi-jack your post, but just wanted to let you know why Actonel and similar meds are so important. Did your doc put you on it? Did you show osteoporosis or osteopenia on a DEXA scan?
 
Good Luck to you!
Hugs, Nini
Hi LostPoet, I've been on and off Actonel and now I'm on it for the longterm.  Several years ago I had a 12% bone loss, have been on Actonel, calcium, magnesium, Vit. D and just recently I had a bone scan done and I've gained 2% bone.  Guess, I'm a believer.  LindyHi Poet,
 
I 've been on actonel a yr now since my dex scan showed i have osteoporosis.   my doc will have me do another dex scan in a yr to see if there is improvement.  i'm also trying to get 1500 mg of calcium daily and starting vit d.
 
i probably should have had a dex scan earlier but put it off for a variety of circumstances.  joint damage from 30 yrs of RA makes it difficult to do weight bearing exercise to build bone, plus I'm middle age (post menopause), so a candidate for thinning bones.  after being laid up after 2 hip replacement surgeries, my sacrum (tailbone area) fractured and i didn't fall or anything, twas osteoporosis.  that pain was several times worse than any RA pain.
 
i'm concerend about side effects of actonel, there are no long term studies, and there is a concern over jaw issues after certain dental procedures, but I feel I have no choice but to take actonel.
 
if i could go back in time, or if i had osteopenia (pre osteopororsis) i'd be more diligent about calcium and vit d intake, weight bearing exercise, etc..    

Hi Nini. You did not highjack my post you gave solid information that was very helpful. I have been on Actonel now since March off and on 9meaning when I can afford it) I had to quit my job. Yes I had a bone density test. I have both  osteoporosis or osteopenia along with RA.

So sorry you have had such a hard time of it all. Chin up!

Lostpoet

Hi Linb,

Wow that is great news to hear! I guess it works just slow.

Thanks Bunches!poet,

 
if you don't have insurance or having problems affording actonel, consider contacting the actonel company, they may have an assistance program and provide a discount card or something, plus, consider asking your doc for free samples.
 
Hi Joie! Thank you for the good  advice. My Ra Dr. did give me one free sample when I first started taking it. I will ask again. Thanks Bunches!Joie,
I used to lift weights and it made me feel good. That was about 2 years ago. Now I feel like I can't lift a dime.
How much does actonel cost?for anyone who can't afford actonel, I would do a google search for actonel coupons or actonel patient assistance. Here's one that came up:
actonel coupons
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