DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am a healthy 56-year-old female, 5’4” tall, who weighs 115 pounds. I walk rapidly seven days a week, 45 minutes a day. I have no significant aches or pains and no health problems according to my doctor during annual checkups. I don’t take any medication. I underwent a bone density test and was told I have a low bone density and my doctor wants me to take Fosamax.
I don’t like the idea of taking a strong medication such as Fosamax when I feel so great, and I don’t want to take medicine for something I might not have. Besides, if I do have a problem, it could be 15 to 20 years before it affects me, and there might not even be a significant problem then.
DEAR READER:
Before taking any medication, a patient should explore the risk/benefit relation. If, as you say, your bone density is “low”, you are at risk of fractures and you ought to revise your objection to Fosamax or similar drugs. On the other hand, a moderate reduction in bone density can be monitored by annual testing.
You fail to indicate if you drink milk, eat yogurt, or get adequate calcium in your daily diet. If you don‘t, you might consider taking calcium with vitamin D supplements to maintain healthy bones. It’s safe, without side effects, and might be more to your liking than prescription medication.
At the end of a trial period agreed upon between you and your physician, you can be re-tested to determine if you have additional loss of density or if the simple supplement corrects any abnormalities. If additional loss is present, you will need to take prescription medication.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Osteoporosis”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
