Bone Scan- Dexa Scan Mania

--Clicking on pic should make it viewable--

Do you have bones?

As most of you know, (and among other things), I have been diagnosed with severe Osteoporosis.
And am now up to 28 fractures...

Has your doctor ever mentioned having a bone scan? (Especially if you are post-menopausal, or an over 60 male).

See why they might just "THINK" you need one- Do the click below! ↓↓↓

Bone Scan Mania: A 12 Year Drug Industry Con Finally Exposed.
«  SpeakEasy

http://blogs.alternet.org/speakeasy/2012/01/19/bone-scan-mania-a-12-year-drug-industry-con-finally-exposed/
or

www.blogs.alternet.org/speakeasy/2012/01/19/bone-scan-mania-a-12-year-drug-industry-con-finally-exposed/

From the article:

"... Nor do the bone drugs even prevent fractures–their intended purpose! By suppressing bone remodeling, they are supposed to stop bone loss. But since the bone is not being renewed, it becomes brittle, ossified and fractures. The thigh bones of patients on bisphosphonates have “simply snapped while they were walking or standing,” after “weeks or months of unexplained aching,” reported the New York Times in an article called “Drugs to Build Bones May Weaken Them.” Oops. Medical journals and patients on the web site askapatient have been reporting the fractures for years...

...it should be even more embarrassing that the con only surfaced when the biggest bone drug patents are expired so the drug companies don’t even care–because the big bucks are behind them."

The human skeleton is made from 206 bones which create a framework that supports and protects the body's soft tissues and organs.  Movement is the result of the muscles acting on the bones of the skeletal system. Muscles are connected to bones by tendons; bones are connected to each other by ligaments. The places where bones meet each other are called joints.  The main difference between the male and female skeleton is that females have a wider pelvis to allow for childbirth. Smaller diferences include a shorter, straighter clavicle in the female (resulting in narrow sloping shoulders), as well as a smaller skull and smaller, lighter bones.  The skeleton produces red blood cells from the bone marrow of certain bones and white cells from the marrow of other bones. The skeleton's bones also store minerals such as calcium.  Babies are born with 270 soft bones (about 64 more than an adult); many of these will fuse together by age twenty, into the 206 hard, permanent bones.  Click on a label at the right, or a link below, to find out more about each part of the skeleton.

SKULL | CERVICAL VERTEBRAE | CLAVICLE | RIBS | SPINAL VERTEBRAE | PELVIS | SACRUM | FEMUR
PATELLA | STERNUM | HUMERUS | ULNA | RADIUS | HAND PHALANGES | FIBULA | TIBIA | | FOOT PHALANGES | BONE

Biology | Science & Math | Worsley School

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HTML & design by Bill Willis© 1996 - 2012Wunderland Website Design

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Bone Densitometry

Every day, physicians use radiography, or x-rays, to view and evaluate bone fractures and other injuries of the musculoskeletal system. However, a plain x-ray test is not the best way to assess bone density. To detect osteoporosis accurately, doctors use an enhanced form of x-ray technology called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). DEXA bone densitometry is today's established standard for measuring bone mineral density (BMD). It is a quick, painless procedure for measuring bone loss. Measurements of the lower spine and hips are most often done.

The DEXA machine sends a thin, invisible beam of low-dose x-rays with two distinct energy peaks through your bones. One peak is absorbed mainly by soft tissue and the other by bone. The soft tissue amount can be subtracted from the total and what remains is a patient's bone mineral density.

The amount of radiation used is extremely small—less than one-tenth the dose of a standard chest x-ray.

More portable devices that measure the wrist, fingers or heel are sometimes used for screening, including some that use ultrasound waves rather than x-rays.

Osteoporosis involves a gradual loss of calcium, causing the bones to become thinner, more fragile and more likely to break. The DEXA test can assess your risk for developing fractures. If your bone density is found to be low, you and your physician can work together on a treatment plan to help prevent fractures before they occur. DEXA is also effective in tracking the effects of treatment for osteoporosis or for other conditions that cause bone loss. Bone density testing is strongly recommended if you:

• are a post-menopausal woman and not taking estrogen.
• have a personal or maternal history of hip fracture or smoking.
• are a post-menopausal woman who is tall (over 5 feet 7 inches) or thin (less than 125 pounds).
• are a man with clinical conditions associated with bone loss.
• use medications that are known to cause bone loss, including corticosteroids such as Prednisone, various anti-seizure medications such as Dilantin and certain barbiturates, or high-dose thyroid replacement drugs.
• have type 1 (formerly called juvenile or insulin-dependent) diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease or a family history of osteoporosis.
• have high bone turnover, which shows up in the form of excessive collagen in urine samples.
• have a thyroid condition, such as hyperthyroidism.
• have experienced a fracture after only mild trauma.
• have had x-ray evidence of vertebral fracture or other signs of osteoporosis.

For more detailed information on this examination, visit RadiologyInfo.

From:  http://www.radiologyinfo.org/index.cfm?bhcp=1

RadiologyInfo.org tells you how various x-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound, radiation therapy and other procedures are performed. It also addresses what you may experience and how to prepare for the exams.

• The website contains over 115 radiologic procedures and is updated frequently with new information. 

All material on the RadiologyInfo.org website is reviewed and approved by experts in the field of radiology from the ACR and RSNA, as well as other professional radiology organizations.

All the info, plus more, can tell you why YOU are your own best doctor!

XOXO
Me

PS
My newest blog will be up shortly, but I am still clearing out my drafts folder

Prevailing "Current" (A Collective RANT)!

The Daughter, The Dog- and The Daffodil!

Good Morning All;

Once again I have been a slugabout; about blogging, about everything.

This morning even waking with a bit of a migraine, which I will try to sleep off later.

Having dealt with pain in my back, and now in my shoulder- Both more a bit unrelenting. At times that even the pain pills I have do not help.

So, on Monday I finally called my GP and Casey drove me to the appointment.

Seems as though I now have bursitis, and tendinitis in my shoulder; and some other damn ailment of my elbow- (that I can neither recall nor pronounce). 

Save for the tendinitis, they are here to stay.

As far as my back goes, and recalling the one time that I had a kidney infection, I thought perhaps I had another UTI, or had even passed a wee stone. The 'stone' came to mind because nothing made that pain even get a little better.

But with one quick little pee in a bowl, and they quickly realized I had no such 'luck'.

But hey, I do have a 'new' fracture in my damned osteoporotic back. This makes 28. (Which oddly enough is the number of teeth I should have; less now following the poison Reclast I had infused early last year).

Ah hell, I quit.

I have jumped (literally and figuratively), through their every damn hoop. I have taken 'everything' including advice, chemicals, vitamins, medicines, minerals, holistic, (and otherwise) for so long that I am a walking talking list of shit to not even waste your money on.

I have even worn my brace, faithfully; then again I have NOT worn it faithfully too.

I have exercised 'til I am blue in the face.

I have changed my diet, and my posture. 

I even change my underwear on a daily basis.

All, seemingly, to no avail. "Avail" equaling relief.

I am more than frustrated.

And I believe I even passed trying to be depressed about it long ago. 

Then someone threw in the terminal aspect. 

Now it is onward to the "itis'es".

A maelstrom of "Morton Salt meets Murphys Law" days...

I honestly thought I was making everything better, had turned a corner on the fractures, and was even feeling better. 

Correction, I was feeling amazingly~better just a few weeks ago!

Perhaps I overdid it. 

Casey is constantly on me to stop "doing"  And I would ...  if I could.

But if I stop, I would soon get a letter along with a fine from the Village Gods telling me to cut my lawn, or pay them to come in and do it.

Call Randy.

Not gonna happen.  

As it is, he already takes care of his own place, his Dad's place 45 miles away, plus his Mom's place- about 20 miles away.

Add to that, that his dad had a stroke on Sunday past- More of a TIA, but at any rate, it has left him with slurred, unsuccessful speech- and a weakness and vulnerability of his right side. Thank God Randy had gone up there that day... "Dad" is now at the VA Hospital in Milwaukee. 

Casey is unable to mow- But there is some good news too, as she has her teeth now! Hopefully she can eat much better and get her damned blood sugars under control. If/when that happens, it might even help with her skin infection that [still] just won't go away. 

She will be getting her insulin pump, (YAY!). Just that it takes so long to be able to program it accurately for someone who has such a wacky diet due to her mouth, then add the pain within her entire digestive tract.

My girl needs a break already! 

Hey God, are you up there? 

Are you listening?

I have been a member of a pancreatitis group since 2008- And recently there was a 'fight' about God on there.

I swear if I hear one more person say that "God" has given them their respective diseases I am going to vomit. 

That is NOT the definition of karma, (not religiously-whacked or otherwise).

While I may admit that I possibly could have 'earned' my own maladies, there is no way in hell that Casey did!
End of my little sermon. 

 - - Just not the end of the ranting. hehehe

Speaking of illness, you recall my good friend Polly- Her husband has just been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease, also called "ALS". 

Rich is only 58 for cryin' out loud! He is also very very active. 

They will be heading to university in Denver next week to learn much more. 

What a horrible thing it is, and I am feeling so badly for them both.

I was into town a few weeks ago to do some shopping- And I needed badly to obtain some Sudafed. 

(Are anyone else's allergies worse this year, or is it just me)?

Anyway, to get Sudafed you have to show your ID- They scan it. 

Asking why, the gal looked me over (leered at me), top to bottom- and said, "So we know who buys a bunch of it and maybe makes crack with it."

I could not help myself at her tart reply but to then ask for the biggest box. (Another leer over her glasses)...

I also got a box of the PE stuff for the high blood pressure end of things. She leers at me a third time and asks if I have high blood pressure. (Is this bitch my new doctor, or what)? I say yes. She THEN tells me not to even take that because it could mess with my b/p.

At that, I asked for a Kleenex and blew my stuffed nose right in front of her.

What a bitch she was! (OK, I concede that I was also getting to that point), especially when I handed my used Kleenex back to her and "Correct me if I am wrong..." as I pointed out that these meds are available over the counter for a reason. 

Grrr....

One more "Grrr" as I relate that I have been unceremoniously kicked off the site I was using for information on my osteoporosis. And this because because I took umbrage at the notion that we should LIE TO OUR DOCTORS about what we take!
Just another dumb broad. But it's crap like that, that others might do, at her suggestion, and then wonder why their doctors cannot figure out what is wrong.

What a stupid viscous circle!

"What a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive"

Had I known I would be removed and blocked from the site, I would have told her in more colorful, and much less nice, language.

Oh well.  Win some. Lose some.

There are more than a few of us that hopefully will be setting up our own site- but I remain at a loss, even after checking into about 10 'discussion' places where to even begin the site.

Any suggestions would be most helpful. There would be 2 or 3 that would be 'administrators', so that would also have to figure into it all.

OK. Whew.

I am done ranting.

Well, unless something else comes to me whilst I am showering.  hehehe

Hope all is well with everyone?
My love to all!

XOXO
Me

Is Decaffeinated Or Decaf Coffee Healthy?

Caffeine is the most widely consumed drug in the world. 

Coffee addicts who switch to decaf for health reasons may not be as free from caffeine's clutches as they think.

Caffeine is the most widely consumed drug in the world. Coffee addicts who switch to decaf for health reasons may not be as free from caffeine's clutches as they think. A study conducted by the researchers of University of Florida put forth that decaffeinated coffee is not entirely caffeine-free. Also, it is important to understand that there are a number of significant chemical compounds present in coffee, other than caffeine, which also have strong effects on the body. ">The common active constituents include chlorogenic acid, caffeol and diterpenes. Many health disorders that are aggravated by coffee are still affected by decaffeinated coffee, despite the lowered level of caffeine, due to these other phytochemicals that remain in decaf coffee even after the decaffeination process.

Coffee is highly acidic and it can stimulate the hyper-secretion of gastric acids. Coffee creates more reflux than caffeine added to water, suggesting that other components of coffee contribute to its aggravating effect. Decaf coffee has been shown to increase acidity to a greater degree than either regular coffee or caffeine alone due to the fact that decaffeinated coffee is made from Robusta beans.

This in result aggravates health problems such as acid reflux, GERDS and ulcers making people susceptible to the detrimental effects of high levels of acidity. Decaf coffee consumption has also been associated with a greater incidence of heartburn than drinking any other fluids. Therefore, quitting coffee may reduce stomach problems that are associated with the high acidity of decaf coffee.

Decaf coffee increases cholesterol and heart attack risk

Several studies have shown that decaffeinated coffee raises the risk for heart attacks similar to regular coffee in spite of the lowered levels of caffeine. A U.S. National Institutes of Health study suggested that drinking decaffeinated coffee increased the risk of heart disease. This study showed that the group drinking decaffeinated coffee experienced an 18% rise in non-essential fatty acids in the blood, which can drive the production of LDL cholesterol and an 8% rise in apolipoprotein B - a protein associated with cholesterol linked to cardiovascular disease.

Levels of LDL cholesterol, a strong predictor for heart attacks, increase after coffee drinkersswitch from regular coffee to decaf coffee. These finding suggests that a phytochemical present in coffee other than caffeine is responsible for the subsequent LDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B activity.

The fact is that caffeinated and decaf coffees are known to be made from different beans. Decaf coffee is often made from Robusta beans, which contain a much higher content of fats called diterpenes. Diterpenes are known to stimulate fatty acid production in the body. Thus, decaf coffee has proved more harmful effects on the heart as compared to regular coffee. Coffee oils other than caffeine have also been demonstrated to elevate liver enzyme levels, further inhibiting the liver’s ability to effectively regulate serum cholesterol.

Also, chlorogenic acid is found in both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee. It is believed to raise plasma levels of homocysteine, which is associated with increased susceptibility of developing cardiovascular disease. Reducing intake of both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee may be important in controlling plasma homocysteine levels.

Decaf coffee may lead to osteoporosis

According to an osteoporosis expert of Creighton University in Omaha, there occurs a loss up to 5 milligrams of calcium for every six ounces of regular coffee that you drink. As little as 300 to 400 mg of caffeine a day doubles the risk of hip fracture.

Low bone density increases chances for developing osteoporosis. Metabolic acidity contributes to demineralization of the bones. The high acidity of decaf coffee increases the risk for developing osteoporosis. It alters bone cell function, increasing osteoclastic bone resorption and decreasing osteoblastic bone formation. Avoiding regular and decaf coffee and including 3-4 servings of calcium rich foods a day can reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis.

Decaf coffee leads to increased incidence of rheumatoid arthritis

Decaffeinated coffee intake is independently and positively associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) onset. According to researchers from the American College of Rheumatology, older women who drink four or more cups of decaffeinated coffee a day are more than twice as likely to develop RA as regular coffee drinkers. Moreover, drinking more than 3 cups of tea per day is actually associated with decreased risk of developing RA. 

Decaf coffee increases risk of glaucoma

Caffeine consumption may be harmful to people with glaucoma because it increases pressure within the eyeball. While caffeinated coffee more significantly increases intraocular pressure, decaffeinated coffee also causes a rise in levels of pressure within the eye. People at risk for developing glaucoma and those who already suffer from glaucoma should avoid anything that further increases intraocular pressure to avoid damaging their eyes.

Link to cancer and organ damage 

The decaffeinated coffee is likely to contain the solvent methylene chloride that is used to remove caffeine from coffee. This process leaves small amounts of this chemical in the beans. Methylene chloride is a proven carcinogenic that is toxic to lungs, the nervous system, liver, mucous membranes, and central nervous system (CNS). Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage.  Ethyl acetate is an alternate solvent used to extract caffeine. As this chemical is in low quantities found naturally in fruit, companies often market coffee decaffeinated using this process as naturally decaffeinated. However, this is a chemical with serious health consequences. 

From here.

Alternative Treatments To Bisphosphonates

G'Mornin' Again!

Are you tired of this subject yet?

As you know, I have over 25 fractures, and cannot afford to be ignorant.
Entire article found here.
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In This Section: List Of Bisphosphonates | Antiresorptive Medicine |Alternative Treatments To Bisphosphonates

The dangers of taking Fosamax and other bisphosphonate drugs: information on alternative treatments

"It’s only in this country that people rush to chemical medicines and consider that first," says herbalist Ocoee Miller. “About 85 percent of people in the world use herbal medicines as their healing modality of choice.” Miller is the teacher of the class “Herbs Build Better Bones” at the Community Mercantile in Kansas. She states that people develop conditions like osteoporosis because they do not eat whole grains and exercise enough. This is actually paralleled by western medicine, which states that a healthy diet and regular exercise is one of the best ways of preventing osteoporosis (Livestrong.com).

Whether you choose herbology or not as your alternative method of treatment, it is important to know that legitimate alternative treatments exist for the ailments that bisphosphonates treat.

People have suffered broken thigh bones, painful surgeries, and some have even died needlessly from taking the drug Fosamax. 

The problem is that the general public is grossly misinformed about the long-term effects of taking the drug. Merck & Co., Fosamax’s manufacturer, still will not admit that there is a connection between long-term Fosamax use and the following severe side-effects:

• Femur fracture
• Brittle bones
• Esophageal cancer
• Osteonecrosis of the jaw

This is despite numerous research studies, testimonies, and prominent news articles.
If the public had been aware of these side-effects, many would have sought an alternative method of treating their condition. As part of weitzlux.com’s ongoing commitment to provide information and resources on Fosamax, we have created a whole section detailing alternative methods of treatment for the ailments for which Fosamax, and other bisphosphonates, are prescribed.

What are the ailments bisphosphonates treat?

Bisphosphonates are used to treat the following conditions:

• Osteoporosis (in men and women)
• Osteopenia
• Paget’s disease

What are the alternative treatments? (WebMD.com) (Livestrong.com)

Osteoporosis/ Osteopenia

Medications:

Calcitonin– this drug is often prescribed to treat osteoporosis in women. It works to bring in more calicium to areas of the body that need it. Men can take Calcitonin if they have normal levels of testosorome. The side-effects are very minimal.

Raloxifene– this is another alternative to bisphosphonates; however, the FDA has issued a warning that the drug puts its users at risk of blood clots.

Changes in diet:

Calcium– Part of the problem with osteoporosis is that the bones are not getting enough calcium. Calcium can be found in: dark leafy vegetables, tofu, low-fat dairy products, and almonds. Calcium supplements also help. The recommended amount of calcium intake is 1,500 milligrams a day for both post-menopausal and pre-menopausal women.

Vitamins– Increasing your vitamin K and D intake is considered to be a vital technique in fighting osteoporosis or osteopenia. Vitamin K is an essential factor in bone metabolism. A deficiency in vitamin K causes a loss in bone-density and fractures. Vitamin D helps bring calcium into the body. Studies conducted on these vitamins show that in three years patients showed less bone loss than those taking a placebo or vitamin D alone. Many people taking antibiotics and/or those that have decreased liver function have been known to suffer from vitamin K deficiency. Leafy green vegetables and vegetable oils such as canola oil or soybean oil contain a lot of vitamin K1.

Vitamin K2 is a very potent form of vitamin K, and is found in meat and diary products. A study conducted in Japan showed that vitamin K2 aided in bone density and reduced spinal fractures in people suffering from osteoporosis just as effectively as etidronate (a bisphosphonate).

Oils– Omega-3 fatty acids help you absorb calcium, reduce calcium loss, and aid in bone growth.

Decreasing Alcohol and Caffeine– Excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeinated beverages decrease bone density and the inhibit body's natural ability to absorb calcium.

Vegetables– Eating vegetables is essential especially to people suffering from osteopenia. A diet that includes lots of rich green vegetables can provide the body with the ideal amounts of phosphorus and calcium.

Changes in lifestyle:

Sunlight– Sunlight contains healthy levels of vitamin D. 15 minutes out in the sun, without sunscreen can help bone health.

Alternative Medicine:

Herbs– Some herbs such as horsetail can provide your body with necessary compounds that it may be lacking. Horsetail in particular contains high levels of silica, which is a component in collagen that is found in bones. Red clover is another useful herb for treatment. It contains isoflavones, which slow bone loss. The University of Maryland Medical Center considers horsetail and red clover to be common herbal treatments for osteoporosis and osteopenia.

Acupuncture– This is another widely used treatment; however, the positive results are not proven or guaranteed. Studies have shown that acupuncture may certainly decrease pain associated with osteoporosis (Osteopenia3.com).

Paget’s disease
It is important to note that there is no cure for Paget’s disease. The disease can only go into periods of remission.

Medications:

Plicamycin– this drug is prescribed for Paget’s disease and for various forms of cancer. It can affect egg and sperm production and cause birth defects during the treatment period.

Calcitonin– this drug can also be used to treat Paget’s disease.

Diet:

Calcium– A healthy diet with lots of calcium and vitamin D and regular exercise is also very beneficial for treating Paget’s disease (mayoclinic.com).

Alternative Medicine:

Acupuncture– This has been known to decrease the pain of Paget’s disease (WebMD.com).

Can I be compensated for injuries caused by Fosamax?

Yes. We can help you pursue compensation for femur fractures you have sustained from Fosamax use. Weitz & Luxenberg knows how serious these fractures can be and we want to help you receive compensation for them. Simply fill out the form on this page, and a representative will be in touch with you shortly to provide you with a free legal consultation.

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/tc/osteoporosis-prevention

http://www.livestrong.com/article/208732-herbology-definition/

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2011/jan/10/merc-class-will-teach-how-herbs-fight-osteoporosis/

http://www.healthy.net/scr/article.aspx?Id=3303

http://www.livestrong.com/article/32300-tips-osteopenia-treatment-alternatives/#ixzz1CezaP3tE

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001022

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pagets-disease-of-bone/DS00485/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies

http://www.osteopenia3.com/index.html

http://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/tc/pagets-disease-of-bone-other-treatment

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Isn't it something that the best info I have found on Alternative Treatments is found on attorney's website?! 

(Thank you Weitz & Luxenberg P.C.).

Sounds as if these guys really DO their homework!
*** Click here for the history of their firm.  

Very nice! 

And yes they are here for all US Citizens. 

And no, I am not a client. (Too bad, eh)? hehehe

PLEASE do the clicks above. For yourself; and for those you love.

Your bones, once fractured, do not heal correctly, and remain quite painful.

Please also feel free to share this, and all (my) educational osteo entries with those you know that will benefit from them. 

Include all credits and links. (I really don't need a law firm on my back). hehehe

XOXO
Me

BISPHOSPHONATES- (And the official Boniva pitchlady).

Good Monday Morning All;

I am going to 'cheat' today and just copy a note I had written to my good friend, Beth.
Too tired after cleaning up doggie barf all weekend- 

As you might remember, Beth was dx'ed with a plethora of garbage going on in her system- (after she finally went to her doctor that is). hehehe

I am happy to tell you that she has beaten her breast cancer as well.

She recently told me that her doctor had prescribed Actonel, a bisphosphonate.

Dear Beth; I am hoping you canceled that date you have for getting any more bisphosphonates? Know that once you have osteo anywhere, you have osteo. some bones may be less thin than others, but the disorder is systemic. Anyway, I have a link for you about other peoples experiences with it. http://www.askapatient.com/viewrating.asp?drug=20835&name=ACTONEL From the FDA Osteoporosis Drugs' Safety Subject of FDA Panel - 9 Sep, 2011 http://www.drugs.com/news/bone-may-also-battle-breast-cancer-researchers-say-35253.html Be very careful on all of these drugs Beth.  *** What to use instead... 2000 mg calcium and Vitamin D3 in an OIL base pill. 3x day. More, does not help anything get better faster. One really good multivitamin (I use NatureMade from CVS for Women over 50), and I take 2 daily. Additional Vitamin K2, aka MK4 Also Strontium- But take these at night before you go to bed- on an empty stomach. Mail order or at Streu's which uses, and has ALL Enzymatic Therapy products. Garlic, the refrigerated variety, or Kyolic is best. Take 6 a day until you feel better.  DHEA http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/331.html (Great article). http://www.worldhealth.net/news/dhea_supplements_taken_with_calcium_and_/ More articles: You HAVE TO READ THIS ONE: Janet's story; DEATH by Reclast (also a bisphosphonate) http://www.inspire.com/groups/national-osteoporosis-foundation/discussion/death-by-reclast-janets-story/ Bone building medications destroy bone! http://www.laleva.org/eng/2006/04/bone-building_medications_destroy_bone.html I have a couple of appointments today... But now YOU have plenty of reading to do. I will send more later. Love to you always XOXO Me PS Oh yeah- and TELL YOUR DENTIST!!! Many dentists, mine included, refuse to work on patients that have had bisphosphonates. From here: http://www.dentalgentlecare.com/biop.htm Lots of links on that page, also: "Treatment drug may cause jawbone to die Breast cancer patients, individuals at risk for osteoporosis, and individuals undergoing certain types of bone cancer therapies often take drugs that contain bisphosphonates.  Bisphosphonates may place patients at risk for developing osteonecrosis of the jaws (a rotting of the jaw bones), according to  May/June 2006 issue of General Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry’s (AGD) clinical, peer-reviewed journal. Bisphosphonates are a family of drugs used to prevent and treat osteoporosis, multiple myeloma, Paget’s disease (bone cancers), and bone metastasis from other cancers. These drugs can bond to bone surfaces and prevent osteoclasts (cells that breakdown bone) from doing their job. “Healthy bones constantly rebuild themselves, however, since the jawbones have rapid cell turnover, they can fail to heal properly in patients taking any of the bisphosphonate drugs. Patients need to be aware of the possibility of complications from dental surgery or extractions.”  Since these drugs linger in the bone indefinitely, they may upset the cell balance in how the jaws regenerate and remove unhealthy bone. In their report, the authors refer to the case of a woman who received bisphosphonate therapy intravenously to treat metastatic breast cancer. She then developed osteonecrosis in her upper and lower jaws following tooth removal. “This type of osteonecrosis has been occurring since the advent of these drugs, at this time osteonecrosis as a result of bisphosphonate therapy has no treatment.” end copied material List of Bisphosphonates, + their generic versions in this section: List of Bisphosphonates | Antiresorptive medicine | Alternative treatments to bisphosphonates  A list and description of bisphosphonate medications Bisphosphonate medications have been linked to severe injuries such as femur fracturing. Other side-effects of the drugs, such as brittle bones and osteonecrosis of the jaw, have not and are not being properly disclosed to the public. Weitz & Luxenberg is working hard at rectifying this problem by providing you with up-to-date information and helpful resources on bisphosphonates. On this page, you will find a list of the various types of bisphosphonate drugs and information about each one. A list of bisphosphonates: Fosamax - generic name: alendronate - One of the more popular bisphosphonates, Fosamax is manufactured by Merck & Co. It is prescribed most commonly for osteoporosis and comes in a tablet form, but is also available in liquid form for those that have difficulties swallowing. Fosamax Plus D - generic name: alendronate/cholecalciferol – Similar to Fosamax, Fosamax plus D contains another chemical (cholecalciferol) which is a form of Vitamin D, and aids in the absorption of calcium. Zometa - generic name: zoledronic acid – Prescribed mostly to cancer patients, Zometa helps treat abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood. Didronel - generic name: etidronate –This medication is commonly used to treat Paget’s disease (a disease marked by the abnormal enlarging of bones), however doctors have been known to prescribe Didronel for other bone conditions. Reclast - generic name: zoledronic acid – This medication is used to treat a number of bone conditions including osteoporosis, Paget’s disease, and for preventing the onset of osteoporosis. Boniva - generic name: ibandronate –This drug is prescribed to women who have, or at risk of developing, osteoporosis. Boniva is supposed to slow bone loss, and increase bone mass. Actonel - generic name: risedronate –This is another multi-purpose bisphosphonate used for bone conditions. It is available in tablet form. Aclasta - generic name: zoledronic acid –This is a more all-purpose form of Zometa, which is used primarily for cancer patients. It is administered with an injection into a vein, or slowly via an IV. Aredia - generic name: pamidronate –Another bisphosphonate drug administered in liquid form directly into the bloodstream. This medication is used mostly for cancer patients with high levels of calcium in the blood. Atelvia - generic name: risedronate –This drug is a delayed-release form of Actonel used to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis. It is available in pill form. Skelid - generic name: tiludronate – This medication is used primarily to treat Paget’s disease. It is available in pill form and usually taken in regular intervals or as prescribed by a doctor. It is important to note that all bisphosphonates contain severe health risks.  Taking any one of the medications listed above puts you at risk of: Brittle bones Femur fracture Esophageal cancer Esophagitis Osteonecrosis of the jaw Plus, a host of additional side-effects that range from person to person (drugs.com).

end of note to Beth
____________________________________________

Through a link to BHG magazine, came this scolding from the FDA- 

From one year ago!

 

"To earlier generations of TV viewers, Sally Field was known as the Flying Nun, but Genentech has succeeded in transforming her into something else - a modern-day marketing symbol as the official Boniva pitchlady. And her cherubic face and down-to-earth demeanor have helped Genentech considerably, since the ads for Boniva - which is approved for preventing osteoporosis in post-menopausal women - have become widely recognized staples in the media.

But Genentech runs the risk of sullying this success with ads that contain misleading info. And that’s what the FDA says it found in one recent print ad featuring Field in the December 12, 2010, issue of Parade magazine. The ad contained this line just under a picture of Sally: “Studies show, after a year on Boniva, 9 out of 10 women stopped and reversed their bone loss” 
The agency, however, says this “misleadingly overstates the efficacy” because the claim is not supported by substantial evidence or substantial clinical experience.  
Also,
*** The FDA does not require a public retraction of this misleading ad! 

Then there is the sad, but true "Boniva: What If Sally Field Told the Truth?"

By Vivian Goldscmidt -A REAL rewrite of the commercial as it should have aired. 

Nominally entertaining to those of us that have been dx'ed with osteoporosis. 

I only wish that Ms. Vivian had the re$ource$ behind her to release her own ad on TV for everyone.

Of course it is ultimately YOUR choice as to whether or not to subject your body to something that will ultimately destroy it.

Like CHEMO treatments, these chemicals remain in your body for decades!!!

XOXO
Me

"brittlebones" pic from here

sally field ad pic found here