Question
Hello,

Thank you for your time!

My father is 77 years old and lives alone in Goa, India. He is 5 ft 3 inches in height and weighs 126 lbs with a waist size of 36.2 inches inches. He has been seeing an Orthopedist since October 2009 because of a fall on his neck/back. There were no fractures but he has been taking the following medications ever since:

1) Steroid : Deca Duraobolin 50mg - once every three months

2) Idrofos (150 mg) (Ibandronate) - once a month intermittently.
  It was stopped in July 2013.

3) Natural Calcium Citrate Malate Vitamin D3 and Folic Acid Tablet
  Supplement ?Once per day

My father's DEXA scan results from May 2011 showed a high fracture risk for his neck and moderate fracture risk for his spine. The DEXA scan from July 2013 showed a moderate fracture risk of his neck and a low fracture risk for his spine. The next scan will be done in July 2015.

I learnt that long term use of the steroid, Deca Duraobolin can adversely affect the liver, heart and prostate and that there is little evidence to support Ibandronate for longer than 5 years.

QUESTION:
Would you recommend my father discuss with his Orthopedist about discontinuing these drugs?

My father walks about an hour in the morning and about 45 minutes in the evening and uses the exercise bike for about 15-30 minutes after his morning walk. His diet is brown rice, wheat bread, fruits, nuts and vegetables and socially active.

Thank you!
Zent

Answer
Dear Zent,

This Orthopedic Chicago Podiatrist located in West Loop 60661,Roscoe Village 60618, Ukranian Village 60622, Elmhurst 60126 & Bartlett 60103 says...

If your father has arthritis that decreases his mobility, then the steroids help him. Mobility & exercise is most important.Exercise will help keep his bones strong. I'm not familiar with Ibandronate.

Hope this helps & Good Luck!

The Chicago Podiatrists of http://anklenfoot.com/ are specialists in orthopedics and sports medicine.
We are located in Chicago, Elmhurst & Bartlett

Dr George Tsatsos, Svetlana Zats, Dr Mariano Rivera, Dr Massard & Dr Kurtz
Chicago 60618 & 60622, Elmhurst 60126, Bartlett 60103 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661


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