I have been trying to make a decision about a treatment that I have been told I need to take. Most people would say what is there to think about. The doctor says I need it so do it. To me there is a lot to think about so maybe your opinion will help.
I am 28 and I have osteoporosis. It is known for being something people over 50 have a problem with but can happen in younger people, just not as often. Osteoporosis is when your bones become weak and are easier to break. I think some people call it brittle bones. Anyways, so my bones have been in the national guidelines for medical intervention for the past year. My doctor wants me to start getting injections once a year to help slow the progression since I am so young.
While it seems like a good idea I'm not so sure. Let's do our pros and cons.
PRO:
1. It MIGHT help get my numbers stable and slow or stop the progression.
2. It MIGHT reduce the risk of fractures in the future
3. It is only one time a year
Ok, sadly that's all I got.
CON:
1. It MIGHT not help me at all
2. It has bad RARE side effects like sudden unexplained breaking of the thigh bone, or problems with the jaw and will cause issue having dental work done
3. It is suppose to only be used for a max of 5 years because after that it can cause more harm than good but they said I would be on it for the rest of my life
4. The regular side effects are also unpleasant and some of them don't go away
I can use the medicines and hope that I don't get any of the negatives from it or I can take my chances on a fracture or break down the road. I am only 28 and hopefully I have more than 5 years so what then? I have been thinking it is to much of a risk to take it. Maybe taking the chance on having a fracture is the best option. Changes have had to be made but they aren't that bad. Lifting weights to make my muscles stronger so I don't fall or if I do the muscle can better support the bone if I do. I have to pay attention to what might put me at greater risk of getting hurt and avoiding it. Which of course means I can't be apart of some activities.
If I take the medicines though I could be walking around the house one day and my thigh bone just Crack for no reason. That isn't much of an incentive to give it a shot. Not only that but if I have a dental problem come up my dental surgeon said he wouldn't pull any teeth because it could cause such a problem with my jaw. Could you imagine eating something one day and breaking a tooth and them not wanting to remove it in fear that your jaw bone would die off. I am not good with pain in my mouth so I don't see that going well.
Let me just put this out there though. Some people have used those medicines for years and haven't ever had a problem. That is wonderful for them and I am so happy for them. The risk just seems to outweigh the benefits for me even though I am so young with it.
If you have read this and have any thoughts on what you might do in my situation it would be very much appreciated. I am a 28 year old Mom to a sweet 10 year old and I'm a wife. I am living my life to the best of my ability. Not losing myself in all these restrictions is important to me. That's why this decision is going to be so important not just for now but for my future as well. Sometimes you just need outside opinions. Thanks in advance for your input. Have a good day and visit my blog again. You never know what will be on my mind. I could talk about anything from health issues, homeschooling, crafts, wood working, scent warmers, or budgets. There is just no telling.
