I have osteoporosis following surgical menopause 23 years ago. I am 63. No tests were ordered by my dr except dexa scans of my hip (-27). I have lost 1.5 inches in height over the years. I have chronic pain in my neck and shooting pains in my head when I lean over. They want me to take Boniva. My mother has terrible stomach problems from that class of drugs, (including 2 surgeries to repair her esophagus) and had an atypical femur fraction (she s 84) I am afraid of taking Boniva because of the side effects. I have terrible heartburn, PVC and Afib from mitrovalve, vitriabruption in both eyes, pending oral surgery ( I just had to have 3 bone graphs to prepare jaw for tooth implant) is this class of drug really the best thing for me? I am terrified of the side effects.