Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group At a total loss...

Thanks Tim... I must admit that this one has me a little nervous but I'm in all the way, if it is bad, I'm not folding...little strokes, right?! And how is Master Mateo these days?

Hi Michelle,

I would doubt it but these drugs have a long half -life. You need to ask these question to your doc's.

Janet

Jaw necrosis - darlin gal, depends on extent of the bone degradation. You must discuss with your doctor - worst scenario is to replace jaw (I posted on that on KA last year some time - or it might be two odd years ago). But, they could cut out and cut in a small prothesis. But, depends on the damage. They would do least possible to get away with.

And, it might not be Bis drugs related...

Here's a bit of info -
http://www.bagoliefriedman.com/2011/08/fosamax-jawbone/

and -

jaw bone replacement surgery | Cancer Survivors Network
csn.cancer.org/node/148526 - Similarto jaw bone replacement surgery | Cancer Survivors Network
8 Oct 2005 ... My husband had his entire upper jaw removed and reconstructed from bone in his leg as well. The surgery went well and you can hardly tell his ...

This one looks interesting -
http://www.myelomabeacon.com/news/2011/0...-jawbone-death/

There is a lot of information on the web - but first, I would request more detail from your doctor Michelle. Dearest gal, strongest of positive thoughts and many (((HUGS)))

Hi rumble, how the heck have you been? How long after stopping the Enbrel & MTX did you start feeling the full pain? Thanks for the heads up, I will have the big gun pain meds ready....yes, the weight loss?! Thanks for the hugs, friend...

Thanks Janet... I do have a question though, what is a half-life?

"Half life" is a scientific term. It means the length of time it takes for 50% (half) of a substance to disappear/decay/be used up. Its a term commonly used in either drugs, or radioactive substances. With drugs, some have a very short half life, which means that the effects only last a matter of hours then its completely used up by your body. Other things stick around in your body for a lot longer, even though you may have to keep "topping up" the dose to keep it in the therapeutic range, i.e. at the level that it feels like and is doing something.

Thanks Molly... I don't know what's going on but I'm down 4 pounds more since originally posting this, I have an appt. with an oral surgeon today, so hopefully I'll get some answers or at least clues or a definitive direction there... I'm hoping to hear that the bone loss in the jaw may be from a bone infection or something else going on and be totally unrelated to the weight loss and the Barrett's Esophagus and that maybe while all of these symptoms I'm experiencing are alarming and frightening that they are just random things going on and will be explainable and fixable...I really appreciate all of you... big, big hugs KA!!!

Hi deb...thanks! I had never heard that term, though I'm sure it's been discussed plenty here...

Hi my friend,

Wish I had the $$$ to come down and be there for you for your surgery. Let us know what you find out today. God Bless!

Oh Pea, I know you would... I'm heading off to my appt., eating an ice cream bar, I had a little catfish for lunch, I've got an appetite today...hey, hey, hey...