Hi all - I have been caring for my Mum, since she had a fracture of the sacrum last year, followed by a pelvic fracture too. Both of these were not after falls etc., just everyday activity. MRIs noted osteoporotic fracture. After recovering from the sacrum fracture, she then had pelvic one, which meant she couldn’t walk for 3 months - very hard for someone who has always been so active and seems so much younger than her 83 years. She’s walking again now, with a stick, but by no means back to where she was.
The GP, after being pressed (I pointed out osteoporotic mention on MRI notes during a home visit, she hadn’t even noticed), prescribed AdCal and also Alendronic Acid. After talking to friends, about their parents’ experiences, I suggested a DEXA scan to check bone density at this stage. I also discussed the medication, and side effects (Mum has had a little hair loss, impact on appetite, swollen lower legs and feet). I was given short shrift by the GP - telling me the scan won’t happen until 3-5 years on the meds. From what I have read here, that’s often the case, but seems barmy to me - why would you not check the density beforehand?! And the doc said the “medication is working, no question, it will be. No, there are no alternatives, and if the side effects are too much, just stop taking it….no, no alternative! No, blood test is no use, no need for that…” I know it’s rubbish about no alternatives, as a mate’s Mum switched to injections, and another to infusions.
I feel a second opinion coming on! I’d love to hear what other experiences are, if anyone has had similar to this? And any experiences with Alendronic Acid, and side effects? The past year has been hard enough for my Mum, and we lost my Dad in 2023. It just makes it harder, when GP shuts down any questions, and washes their hands of my Mum, who has never needed anything from the NHS most of these years.