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Ra Ll 4 - PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, February 16, 1999 "Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" By Heather McCrae Port Perry Star Twelve years ago Marjorie Wilson was diagnosed with osteoporosis, a crippling disease that affects one of every four women -- and one of every eight men -- over age Osteoporosis literally means "porous bones". It's a debilitating condition that causes bones to thin and weaken, leaving them susceptible to fracture. Estrogen plays a strong role in keeping womens' bones healthy. Research has shown that all women gradually lose bone mass as they age; but during menopause when estrogen levels fall dramatically, they experience an accelerated rate of bone loss. When bones become severely weakened by osteoporosis, simple movement -- such as bending over to pick up a heavy bag of groceries, or even sneezing -- can lead to fracture. Hip, spine and wrist fractures are the most common type asso- ciated with this osteoporosis. After Mrs. Wilson was diagnosed she founded a national support group, Women Against Osteoporosis, of which she was voluntary president of for eight years. "The purpose was to educate many newcomers about the risk factor of the dis- ease, and give support to those afflicted by it," the Port Perry woman said. WAO has since amalgamated with the Osteoporosis Society of Canada, and together they have become a national organi- zation. "I'm proud to say something I started is now a national service," said Mrs. Wilson. When a large support group started up in Scugog Township in 'February of 1995, Mrs. Wilson was the leader. But she has had to sur- render that post because of ill health. When a successor did not fill the void the support group, unfortunately, folded. Even though Mrs. Wilson is not involved in a vol- unteer role anymore, she still gets calls for support and guidance from women all over North America, and is concerned for their welfare. There is no cure for osteoporosis, but treatments are available. Hormone therapy can stop bone loss in postmenopausal women and a class of drugs, bisphosphonates, prevents bone loss and can rebuild diminished bones. Senior w women in Ontario are being denied access to new medications that have been proven effective in treating osteoporosis, said Mrs. Wilson. The Ministry of Health will not add them to the Ontario Drug Benefits Program, she said: "Many of these patients live on limited fixed incomes, and simply cannot afford to pay for the latest treatments." Currently, the ODBP pays for a Didrocal kit, a 90-day treatment cycle of Editronate and calcium. Other proven drugs available to treat osteoporosis are Fosamax (Alendronate) and Evista (Raloxifene), but patients must pay for them; they are not covered under the provincial drug plan. While for many other diseases the choice of treatment is extensive, senior women in Ontario are being denied access to new medications that have been proven effective in treating osteoporosis, said Mrs. Wilson. "I'm concerned that currently seniors have a limited choice of treatment avail- able to them under the ODBP," she said. "These people should have the best treatment; after all, they've earned it." There are 42,000 women in Ontario with osteoporosis. According to a study released by the University of Toronto, Ontario is spending $380 million annually for osteoporotic fractures. In 20 years, there won't be enough orthopedic surgeons and beds to care for these patients. Osteoporosis causes vertebral fractures of the spine, which result in a great deal of pain, disability and deformity. One of the most devastating consequences of osteoporosis is a hip fracture. More women die from complications of hip frac- ture than women with breast and ovarian cancer combined. Ontario is the only province in Canada that hasn't had a formulary update; therefore the products of research are not getting into the hands of people who need it most, said Mrs. Wilson. "Let's effectively treat our patients now with the correct preventative drug, oth- erwise these health costs are going to rise dramatically." Port Perry physician Merrilee Brown would like to see more drugs for the treat- ment of osteoporosis covered by the ODBP. Her own mother, as well as many of her patients, suffer from this crippling malady. "Expense eliminates a lot of options," said Dr. Brown. "It's frustrating. We fighting ance know t he drugs work to relieve pain and suffering, but they aren't cov- ered because of their expense." In a few years time these medications will be made in a generic form, which will bring the price down, Dr. Brown said. But in the meantime, patients will suffer the consequences. Before coming to Port Perry, Dr. Brown practiced in Alberta where Fosamax was covered under the Alberta Drug Plan. "It's frustrating our provincial government is short-sighted on this health issue," she said. Although Mrs. Wilson is a few years away from being a senior, she feels she has been fortunate with her treatment. When she was initially diagnosed 12 years ago, she was rated as being an "extreme risk" with 45 per cent bone density loss. But through clinical trials in the osteoporosis program at St. Michael's Hospital, she is now at 19 to 21 per cent bone loss, and no longer regarded as an extreme risk. "I was fortunate to be accepted in the osteoporosis program where I participat- ed in a series of different clinical trials," she says. Her turnaround didn't happen overnight; it took over 10 years to reach her present stage. A positive outlook can help too, she said. Mrs. Wilson recalls three years into a particular clinical trial when results showed there had been no perceptible change in her bone mass. As she emerged from the doctor's office, an elderly gentleman in the waiting room noticed the dis- tressed look on her face. "When I told him there had been no change in my bone mass, he said 'that's good, you haven't got any worse'. And I thought, gee, he's right," she said. "I had been looking at my recovery in a negative way, but with his attitude I changed, and four and a half years into treatment my condition improved. "I'm now drug-free and my daily treatment is hormone replacement therapy and a calcium supplement." Mrs. Wilson feels she's a lucky lady, in more ways than one: "My husband and I are on a good drug plan. Women who have lots of money have no trouble pay- ing for drugs, but it's seniors on a limited income or those on social assistance who I worry about. There's only one treatment available now to treat osteoporosis, besides hormone replacement therapy, under the ODBP, yet there are many new drugs that could benefit patients, too." She urges people to express concerns on the issue to Durham East MPP John O'Toole at Room 413, Main Legislative Building, Queen's Park, Toronto M7A 1A8. fk Mr. O'Toole to address your concerns to Ontario Health Minister Elizabeth itmer. "There are more up-to-date treatments that can be used for seniors, yet are not being used," said Mrs. Wilson. "After all, don't you think the seniors have earned the right for the best treat- ment?" Marjorie Wilson