Osteoperosis symptoms and conditions

I'm a physician. Usually Kenalog injections can be avoided and oral steroids used like prednisone. The local dimpling effect may occur if the injection is too shallow, actually there is a temporary "disolving" of the subcutaneous tissue, the muscle and joints are not damaged. It is usually viewed as a "cosmetic" adverse effect. The Kenalog injections was primarily designed for joint injection and the kenalog or similar depo form stays active in the joint for a few weeks. All steroid medications can cause irritability and this is usually temporary for a few days. Steroids can cause muscle weakness- this is usually associated with high doses for prolonged use like being on prednisone for 3 or 4 months. Steroids can have an adverse effect on menstruation, but this is usually associated with chronic use. The most serious problems with the steroids result in bone weakness(osteoporosis) and serious damage to joints like the back and hip. Steroids can also result in weight gain, diabetes, high blood pressure and cataract formation. I don't think Kenalog is any different than other steroids such as Medrol or Prednisone in terms of the side effect profile. These are dangerous medications that can also be very helpful in saving lives and diminishing pain.

I've been on and off Prednisone since I was a little girl. I'm 23 now and have been off of the terrible stuff for 10 months. Prednisone and I have a love/hate relationship. It did save my life several times when I was having chronic, lethal asthma attacks. I almost died several times.

I suffered much when taking the drug. I had every side effect known to man: sleeplessness though moderate fatigue, depression, anxiety, fast heart rate, increase blood sugar levels (I was even given insulin), moon face (didn't recognise myself), increased weight gain (20+ lbs), horrendous abdominal strechmarks, heartburn/acid relux (which I had to be medicated for in order to continue taking Prednisone), mood swings, muscle pain, bone pain (I now have osteoperosis), muscle weakness, hot flashes, increased sweating, pale yellow-ish skin, bad acne, and water retension. There may have been more side effects, I just can't recall all of them right now. Thank God I'm not on this stuff right now!

PLEASE---all who are here on this board...go to the bookstore or library and get this book--The Myth of Osteoperosis.
It is a short read and you will be amazed at what you learn.
Throw away the drugs...they are not proven to prevent fractures and may cause more trouble down the road.

My sister has been on fosomax and shortly after starting was diagnosed with Chrohns(sp?) disease...seems funny started about the same time as she began using this dangerous drug.

God Bless and good luck to all!!

I am 24 years old and I have had suspicions that I had endometriosis since I was 16. In January of 2006, I had an operative laproscopy confirming my suspicions and found out that it was worse than we all thought. I had my first Lupron Injection the 9th of Feb. 2006 and I must say I think I am doing pretty well. My doctor has me on the ortho tri-cyclen lo birth control pill for"add-back therapy" to help with the night sweats, osteoperosis, etc. I have only had one case of night sweats. I have however, experienced and increase in my appetite. I am bloated and I have gained weight. I also have had hot flashes but I have always been a sweater. I was skeptical about the drug after reading everyone elses side effects but had no other choice if I wanted to preserve my ability to have babies. I am grateful that I have yet to experience the other side effects and I hope I never do. Ladies, everyone does not have a horrible experience with the drug. And if you are like I am and want to have children in the future you should, if recommended by your doctor, try this drug! These horrible side effects may not happen to you either. Good Luck!

I have yet to speak to anyone
about Fosamax who doesn't have
a story about how dangerous this
stuff is. I stopped taking it
after five weeks. I understand
that walking and doing some controlled
weight lifting will help you avoid
osteoperosis with drugs.

Correcting typo: I understand
that walking and doing some controlled
weight lifting will help you avoid
osteoperosis WITHOUT drugs -- except
for taking calcium supplements.