Took calcium before a dexascan

[Caseville20]

Hello, I was not aware that I wasn't supposed to take calcium supplements prior to a dexascan. I took 1000 mg's 10 hours prior to my test. How will this change my score? Is my osteoporosis even worse than what my test results showed?

[christy81256]

I have always taken my calcium before my dexa scan. No one told me any different. Taking calcium before doesn’t make any difference.

[Hidden]

I've never heard of that. Who told you you shouldn't take it before a DEXA?

[yogalibrarian]

In general, the advice is "do not take calcium supplements or drugs that contain calcium, such as Tums, for 24 hours before your bone densitometry test (DXA)."

"Undissolved calcium (Ca) tablets in the gastrointestinal tract at the time of a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan could conceivably affect the accuracy of the lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) determination. " (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/167...

Some radiology departments will reschedule the appointment if you have taken calcium that day. Some only are concerned if you have taken it within the previous 30 minutes.

That will really depend on how quickly the calcium dissolved and was absorbed. (My non-medical guess is that unless you don't produce much stomach acid and therefore have a problem dissolving the calcium, that after 10 hours it wouldn't be a major problem.)

[8fractures in reply to yogalibrarian]

Thanks for posting this. I have a DEXA scan scheduled next week so will avoid taking calcium supplement immediately before it.

[Caseville20]

Thank you for your replies. As far as where I read not to take calcium prior to the DEXA scan, it was on the bottom of the order from my PCP (which I didn't read until after the test).

I'm still trying to come to terms with my diagnosis. As an active 59 year old I am researching how I need to modify my daily routine so as not to end up with a compression fracture and/or in chronic pain. I baby sit my 2 year old granddaughter (grandson is due in February) and it's devastating to think I may not be able to pick them up.

[Mark_ABH]

Hi Caseville, thank you for participating in our forum. Remember that your risk of fracture has to do with more than your T-score. As you are 59, you are fairly young for osteoporosis, so I wonder whether you have factors that contribute to what we call "secondary" osteoporosis (that is, caused by something besides age and hormone loss). This could be a prior medical condition or a medication you take, or just a family history (this is one of the most significant causes of osteoporosis and one that unfortunately you can't do much about). Here is some more reading for you: americanbonehealth.org/oste...

It's good that you're still active; it's very important to remain active but avoid situations and certain exercises that can put you at risk: americanbonehealth.org/exer...

Lots more articles here: americanbonehealth.org/exer...

Please feel free to ask any other questions you might have about osteoporosis and fracture risk. We have a pretty lively and well-informed group here.

[nk1820 in reply to Mark_ABH]

Thanks. I’m glad that I found this group. Worn out left hip, one doc immediately said a replacement is imminent. Another said take aleve for four weeks, a third gave me cortisone shot into specific area. What do you believe?

[Mark_ABH in reply to nk1820]

I can't help you there! Sorry you aren't having much luck getting answers. What types of docs are they?