Letter from rheumatologist

[Uglow]

Hi all I have received my last consultation letter please can you lovely people cast an eye.

My CPR was within normal range

My dexa numbers border line osteopenia T Score -2. 4. Lumber spine hip -1.8 total hip -2.3 femoral neck. I said I wasn’t to happy about A A do he advised Risedronate and said to go with slow reduction of prednisone as you have advise.

Thanks in advance

Janet

[HeronNS]

As none of your numbers are actually crossing the line rather arbitrarily defining OP I would be tempted to try non-drug methods first. I don't have access to my computer right now so you can find my story in the FAQ post under bone health I think. Many ideas there to help you improve your bone density. I'd do those things anyway, even if you opt for a med.

[Uglow in reply to HeronNS]

Im going down the natural route for now thank you HeronNS

[Exflex]

I was having quite a lot of discomfort in both hands whilst taking AA. My doctor switched me to Risedronate 35mg and the problem disappeared. I’m reducing Pred at the rate of 1/2mg every 5 weeks following the DSNS programme, even though my CRP and ESR are both just shy of 20. My doc says ‘we treat the symptoms not the figures”.

[Rainylou in reply to Exflex]

Good morning. Did you have any side effects with this. I've tried AA and quite poorly. The Osteoporosis society have suggested this as easier on the tummy

[Exflex]

I was fine with Risedronate, joint pain disappeared fairly soon after switching from AA. But with what I know today I wouldn’t take a bisphosphonates unless I really had to, ie result of DEXA scan. The effects of Bisphosphonates stay in your bones for years - my dentist said 10 years - and excuse my French in buggers up opportunities for dental surgery, eg dental implants.