Maybe her medical people need to get a dose of PMR. At her age it’s tantamount to refusing medical support. Maybe that’s the line you need to take to them. Let’s tackle the current problem not a potential one.
Yes I will do that. My sister and I divide the support attendance at medical appointments for Mum, and she has been going to the rheumatologist with Mum rather than me. My sister might be a bit more passive than I am. So as soon as I get out of chemo isolation, I will swap that appointment for one of the others and try to understand what's in the doctor's head.
Hopefully the rheumatologist is a good one. Mine is all for very slow tapering but monitors inflammation levels. If they rise, the taper slows. I had one GP who went into a steroi_ flap, the other one said we have to treat what exists and not what might in the future and deal with it then if it does. I'm wondering if they are using the 'first do no harm' reason and putting aside quality of life, NOW. It reminds me of my mum. She went into a Nursing home after a stroke. Aged 85. While understanding that her diet is important she went on a salt free and no sugar diet. She hated it. She had a fatal stroke 12 months later. What was the point really.
Ok here is your ammunition.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
My mum has a chronic ulcer at the base of her big toe with mild osteomyelitis which doesn’t really bother her at all. She has seen multiple specialists who are leaning towards amputation but not forcing it. She recently had an appointment at the Infectious Diseases clinic at the Austin hospital. After reviewing everything the Professor said “what would you like to do?” His approach was that at 85 it was about quality of life and agreed that amputation would probably bring on more problems than she has now. For now we are taking a watch and wait approach
The other criteria was that men were excluded from the PBS for these drugs. Apparently men don't get osteoporosis.........
She has an adjustable shoe/sandal that has had a hole cut in it to offload the ulcer, the podiatrist at the wound clinic has said this would be okThe other criteria was that men were excluded from the PBS for these drugs. Apparently men don't get osteoporosis.........
I think the criteria is now
1) anyone with a fracture and diagnoses osteoporosis
2) Over 70 with low BMD ??T score less than -2.5 I think
3) Anyone with low BMD T less than -2.5 and taking corticosteriods more than7.5mg for at least 3 months
Maybe a good orthotic?
Well, I’ve been on Prolia for a few years now.The other criteria was that men were excluded from the PBS for these drugs. Apparently men don't get osteoporosis.........
I think the criteria is now
1) anyone with a fracture and diagnoses osteoporosis
2) Over 70 with low BMD ??T score less than -2.5 I think
3) Anyone with low BMD T less than -2.5 and taking corticosteriods more than7.5mg for at least 3 months
Maybe a good orthotic?
Is this any different to taking OTC calcium supplements? And does calcium deficiency show up in blood tests?Ok here is your ammunition.
Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis: an update
Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis is the most common secondary cause of osteoporosis and the resulting fractures cause significant morbidity. Following initiation of oral glucocorticoids, rapid bone loss occurs, and fracture risk increases within a ...
It has been recommended that bisphosphonates be considered in any patient over 60 that has been on prednisone for longer than 90 days. They should at least have bone density checks.
The problem when I was prescribing this was that they were authority only. but one criteria was multiple fractures. When questioned most could remember at least 2 fractures in their past. The best was a woman who had nearly 30 different fractures after an MVA. Most were small bones but it got her the medication.
Do you mean can taking OTC Ca supplements give the same result as biphosphonates?
Thankyou for the explanation. So normal calium in blood means little in these situations. Damn.
Definitely not. Mrsdrron has just gone on to Prolia. An Injection every 6 months.
So I should possibly ask the rheumatologist in December as osteopenia already established. Also seeing GP in a couple of weeks. To get some of those 60 day scripts for four of the ones I take.
Not in osteoporosis. (T worsethan -2.5)
On steroi_s and also, OLD
Still, will only qualify for PBS if T worse than -2.5
Yes, can't remember the value of the scan result. I think my right hip was at risk. Not loaded into My Health. I can see the blood tests from last week in the system but even though the padlock is gone I still can't access them. Likely tomorrow. Calcium last month was fine.
The other criteria was that men were excluded from the PBS for these drugs. Apparently men don't get osteoporosis.........
I think the criteria is now
1) anyone with a fracture and diagnoses osteoporosis
2) Over 70 with low BMD ??T score less than -2.5 I think
3) Anyone with low BMD T less than -2.5 and taking corticosteriods more than7.5mg for at least 3 months
. 
www.abc.net.au
This week my specialist told me I am at greater risk of shingles, and a few other things, and suggested I get the shingles vaccine so this is well timed for me. Meanwhile taking daily Valtrex for some limited protection.The free vaccine under the National Immunisation Program for "older and immunocompromised Australians" will change from the current Zostavax vaccine to the Shingrix vaccine from the 1st of November this year. Apparently a 90% effective rate compared to a 40% one. We are just becoming eligible for this vaccination. We have both had shingles and do not wish to repeat the experience.
Federal government makes new shingles vaccine free for older Australians from November 1
The risk of developing shingles increases with age. From next month a new vaccine against the virus, tipped to be 90 per cent effective, will be available through the National Immunisation Program for older and immunocompromised Australians.
