CalciChew

[Astra]

Hi everybody!
hope you're all ok?

I have question, I asked my GP but he didn't know, surprise surprise!
Now that I'm off the Pred, do I have to still take the calcium supp CalciChew?
Or do I have to take it cos I have Crohn's?
I've never taken it before this round of Pred
Thanks
xxx

 

[Misty-Eyed]

I would say it would really depend on how your bones are doing, Joan. He may have just given them to you while you are on the pred to make sure your bones don't get thin, but I don't they'd get thinner now you're off of the pred. If that makes sense?

Have you ever had any bone density scans?

 

[Astra]

Hiya Misty

yes that makes sense!
No I've never had a bone density scan, maybe I should ask for one, dunno.
thanks xxxx

 

[Misty-Eyed]

No probs! I never had one till after I'd been on the pred for 7 years and I already had osteoporosis. Then they put me on the calcium and now they're improving and I've only got osteopenia now. Wooo! lol.

They still give me bone density scans every couple of years just to make sure I'm still improving. I'd just bring it up with your consultant when you speak to them next as it may just of been a precaution. Hopefully they'd already of asked for a scan if they thought you needed one.

 

[Squadinho]

I don't think you do. Both my GP and my consultant said not to continue taking them, and my Gran, who was on Pred for 2 years for polymyalgia didn't have to continue taking them when she came off Pred.

 

[Guest]

hi Joan.. i would say talk to your doctor about this before you stop taking the calcium... certainly one of it's jobs was to protect you from the effects of the pred while you were on it, but additionally you have Crohn's, which may have had a detrimental effect on your bones over the years, plus you may have absorption issues to some degree..

and then there's the pleasant prospect of your bone density being compromised again when you hit menopause.... (sorry - i had to mention it lol)

really glad to hear you're off the pred - but i wouldn't be so hasty to kick the calcium just yet, especially if it's not disagreeing with you.

 

[Astra]

Thanks everyone!

Think I'll just keep taking it, just in case! Don't want to be on a Zimmer in 10 years time!

And Ding, hope you're ok hun?
I've had a hysterectomy remember, I've had my menopause!!! (it's called a surgical menopause, 10 years worth all in one night!) lol
xxxx

 

[Crohnadian]

Could you schedule a bone density scan? I have those done every year or so. I take Ci-Cal chewable calcium citrate 3x/day so 1500mg elemental calcium and each tab contains 400IU vitamin D.. I also take Fosomax but this is all because I've been on long-term steroids and diagnosed with osteopenia. I would recommend asking your doctor about a bone density scan though. That may be a good marker

 

[Astra]

Thanks crohnadian

I will talk about these issues with gastro at my next appt.
xxx

 

[archie]

Hi Joan well done in getting off the pred I can't wait til that day!! not sure about the calcium but I do know that even they have some side effects so check with the doc because if you no longer need them then I wouldn't take them. Try and get calcium into your diet the natural way, also plenty of weight bearing exercises are good for improving bone density...

 

[Astra]

Thanks Alice

yeah I've been reading about too much calcium supps can cause kidney stones!!??
Damned if you do, damned if you don't!!
xxx

 

[Crohnadian]

Too much vit D which aids in the absorption of calcium can also lead to stones.