Bone Density scan

[dawnhaycock]

My daughter has just had a bone density scan arranged by her asthma consultant as she has been on high dose steriods for about 2 years. The results say she has low bone density so the consultant is referring her to a bone specialist but couldn’t answer any of our questions as it is not his field. She is 19 so I’m hopeful young enough to regenerate.

Does anyone have any experience of this and what it might involve?

Thanks in advance

[Js706]

I can’t really provide any answers but will be keeping an eye for any on here 😅

I’m 26 and have just been diagnosed with osteoporosis due to steroids and have a fracture in one of the vertebrae in my back so I’m also off to the bone specialist! I’m around if you or her ever need someone to moan to about it!

[dawnhaycock in reply to Js706]

Sorry to hear that, awful for anyone but worse at such a young age. I’m hopeful age is on your side 🤞

[Js706 in reply to dawnhaycock]

So turns out the Royal Osteoporosis Society (someone mentioned it below - theros.org.uk/) also has a specialist nurse helpline much like the AUK one. I gave them a ring yesterday because I hadn’t really been given much info about what I could/couldn’t do at different points in recovery and had some questions about work adjustments etc.

I’d definitely recommend giving them a call as they were so helpful and happy to sit and talk through my case properly to make sure everything had been covered (like they suggested making sure I got a bone clinic referral if I hadn’t already etc) and the website itself has some really good factsheets etc dotted around

[strongmouse]

There is a forum on Health Unlocked on Bone Health and some people with low bone density have found exercise and additional nutrional support can help. The Royal Osteoporosis Society have information which might help - theros.org.uk/information-a...

It is tough for her being so young, but I would think she is young enough to change this.

[Birthday60]

I had the same and am on Calcium and Vit D tablets -no problem. Good idea to understand Calcium and Vit D rich food sources and make sure she doesn't diet or eliminate dairy and fats with out reference to a NHS dietician. Load bearing exercise helps maintain bones so exercise such as nordic walking of small weights should be built into her daily routines. To be fair many young women have poor bone density even without steroids as they are eliminating sources of bone strengthen food. Also check out what reduces bone density such as excess alcohol...... On a positive note its great its been picked up - she has a good medical team - and can start to make the right decisions regards her health .

[Denby450 in reply to Birthday60]

Good advice but I have to add. You need also to take K2 preferably MK-7 to make sure the calcium is going to bone and not to arteries. Strangely enough a lot of doctor's forget this advice.

[Poobah]

Steroids can have grim side effects unfortunately, including the deterioration of the patient's bone health. 1There's some information on the subject here, patient.info/bones-joints-m...

Weight bearing exercise is walking. I never knew this till I asked a physio and she said it was one of the best daily weight bearing exercises for our bone health. Obviously, gym weights too but a programme designed by a physio would be beneficial.

VitD3 is the best D bone supplement when it comes o bone health and in order for it to be fully utilised in the absorption of calcium to the bones it's important to also take its co-factors: VitK2 Mk7, elemental Magnesium and VitA. If you wish to know more about this VitD protocol then there's a very informative Facebook group - "Vitamin D & Co-factors. UK." All the info you need is in the group's files, included recommended & cost effective supplements. I get my calcium from diet rather than supplements but the bone doctor should advise.

I hope the test results are encouraging and you get the advice you need. All the best.

Illustration of VitD3 and how co-factors work:

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[Evesham]

Having been on continuous extensive steroid courses for severe asthma I have had two bone density scans showing that the steroids have given me osteoporosis of the spine besides cataracts!!! I take Adcal which is calcium and vit d. I hope your daughter is young enough to combat the side effects with good daily exercise ie walking. Wishing her well

[ccccc]

I have recently been diagnosed with osteopenia which is a milder form of bone loss, again due to steroids. I was put on Alendronic Acid by my GP. Respiratory never said a word about the potential for this happening, I don't think it gets picked up on as it should. So have a word with your GP about trying that. the clinical guidance is here: gpnotebook.com/en-gb/simple...