Bone growth symptoms and conditions

I have been on prednisone since I was two years old (I am now sixteen) because I have Autoimmune Hepatitis IIa. I would like to point out that there is still a life worth living being on prednisone, maybe I say this because I do not know life without it, but at least we're alive! Last year I had a flare up of the AIH and had to 6x my dose of prednisone. It sent me into a spiraling depression of constant sleep, crying, hopelessness etc....but I made it through. Just PLEASE keep hope that things would get better, because I know what it's like being on the dreaded drug better than most.

I started using Fosamax two years ago and after approximately 18 months of use I noticed some distortion in my right clavicle (which I named my “barnacle) and pain in my upper shoulders and neck. At the time I attributed this to perhaps the heavy luggage I had been pulling around on a trip and that maybe I had strained something. I mentioned this to my doctor who ordered an x-ray which indicated an asymmetrical clavicle. She then ordered an MRI and the result was that perhaps I had a touch of arthritis. I asked her if perhaps this “barnacle” could be a result of the Fosamax I have been taking. She was very doubtful about that. I then googled Fosamax and started reading some of the side effects of this drug – NOT GOOD!! I did not see any mention in the comments by others who have been taking Fosamax about bone growth, but I did read about bone and joint and muscle pains. I had never had a problem and I am certain that the sudden pain in the shoulders and neck is a direct result of this toxic drug. I saw the doctor again and told her that I wanted to stop taking Fosamax and told her about the comments that I had been reading about and I claimed that this distortion in my clavicle and pain in the shoulders, etc. was the result of this drug. She then ordered a bone scan and additional x-rays which indicated again an “asymmetrical” clavicle and the suggestion was that I see an orthopedist. She mentioned that she had once had a patient who had a similar distortion of the clavicle and was sent for all sorts of tests, ending at the orthopedist who did a biopsy which turned out normal. I told her I was not interested in going to see one. I said I would stop taking Fosamax and see what would happen. She did order a blood and urine test checking for cancer, both of which turned our normal. I have not taken Fosamax since the end of June and already I have noticed a lessening of the pain in my shoulders and neck. Hopefully it will stop completely once this toxic drug is out of my system. I am an otherwise healthy 64 year old woman, I exercise, and eat a well balanced diet. I will take my chances with brittle bones, etc. and advise others who are taking this drug to get off it immediately.

I was put on Fosamax in 1997 after a total hip replacement and was told that studies show it maintains the bone growth around the implants (I later discovered this is not proven) Oct. 2005 I had a spontaneous fracture of my pelvis. After doing much research on my own I have discovered that others have experienced this as well. Still no warning on Fosamax insert. Apparently Bisphosphonates (Fosamax and Actonel and Boniva) cause severe repression of bone turnover which is what actually makes the bones strong. No one should stay on this drug for more than 5 yrs. You do not lose any of the gain you have gotten when you quit as Fosamax stays in your body forever.......GREAT!