Bone Density Prevention

I am 62 and a surviving PC patient who has had a Radical Prostatectomy in 1992 ( pre surgery Gleason score of 6), radiation (1999) and I recently started Intermittent hormone therapy ( Lupron ) after being on a regular injection schedule from 2002 to Oct. 2007.

A couple years ago my urologist suggested that I start taking something to counteract the effects of my Lupron injections.

The good news is that for quite a few years I have been blessed with a PSA reading of less than 0.04 which is so great. The bad news is that Lupron can contribute to many side effects, one of which is bone loss ( bone density loss ) and make one prone to fractures.

Being a skier my doc thought that is was good preventative medicine.
Well, as one might expect my bone density improved to a level where ( according to the Radiologist ) I was at a level where I was just kind of “borderline” ( not good and not bad ).

As you can imagine, this left me scratching my head a little; so, I had my last two test results sent to my GP for a tie breaker opinion on whether to stop my Actonel ( like Fosomax ) routine or not. My GP’s opinion was to just take about 1200 mg. of calcium supplement daily to keep my bones in better condition, which I am doing. This along with a better daily exercise routine is supposed to keep my bones in good shape.

The reason for this letter is that I still have that nagging feeling that I could be shooting myself in the foot. As my wife commented, “it would seem that if the Actonel helped improve the bone density, why (aside from the side effects of the Actonel) would I want to stop taking the Actonel and start taking just the calcium supplement?” This seemed like a reasonable question!

I am hoping that there might be someone else out there in a similar situation; and, I am looking for any and all feedback. Thoughts from all are welcome and appreciated!!

Northstar

I think I'd agree with your wife. As you know, the integrity of your bones is critical with PC. I think I'd consider taking Boniva (once a month rather than once a week like Actonel) plus take the bone supplement. Which supplement are you planning to take? Also, be sure that the bone density test for you is the correct one for men and not the same one they use for women (can't remember the specific names of them but I'll get those if you are interested).

Hmm, I do not think that I was aware of sex specific BD test! I would be interested in that information. Yes, I keep coming back to this same reasoning. I will be interested to see what others feel as well. The Boniva could be a more convenient plan for sure. I was kind of waiting for some of Boniva side effects to surface before I tried it. 'Had a real bad experience with my original Rx of Fosomax ( 5 mg daily ) which wound up leaving me with acid reflux and a daily Rx of Omeprezole. What is it they say about the cure often being worse that the ailment:)?! Thanks for the input. I will be anxious to learn about the different test. Northstar

On 11/30/2007 Orionskye wrote:

I think I'd agree with your wife. As you know, the integrity of your bones is critical with PC. I think I'd consider taking Boniva (once a month rather than once a week like Actonel) plus take the bone supplement. Which supplement are you planning to take? Also, be sure that the bone density test for you is the correct one for men and not the same one they use for women (can't remember the specific names of them but I'll get those if you are interested).

QCT bone density test is the one that you need to take. You might already be using this one but some doctors mistakenly prescribe a different one. I can't recall the name of the other one. Also, are you taking Vit. D? You should add that as a supplement if you haven't already.