Osteoporosis

[linb]

anyone been tested, GP is sending me for a scan

lin x

[Hidden]

Yes I have it's completely painless and you get your results right away. I have to take one alendronic acid tablet per week and two adcals a day. simples!

[Hidden]

Anyone who takes steroids needs to be tested as they can destroy bone density. It is a simple, painless test. Good luck.

[linb]

thanks gilly, auntymary

doc explained about the effect steroids can have

lin x

[pollyjj]

I got tested and prescribed alendronic acid but it does not suit me I was not offered anything else.

polly

[cofdrop-UK]

Hi linb

As your pals have said a dexa scan is quick and painless and you're not inside a machine - it just goes over your lower regions.

Hi Polly

You can have bisphosphonates by one IV every 3 months or once a year. Might be worth checking this out with your doc.

Good luck to you both and I hope your scan goes well linb.

XXX

[Hidden]

Dexa scan, simple, relaxing experience if you want it to be. I didn't get my results straight away, about 2 weeks later. I was prescribed alendronic, but chose not to take it, I added vit D3 and upped the exercise. My diet is good for calcium but I do take calcichew forte as and when. Apparently there are several new drugs available now. Check out the NOS site

nos.org.uk/forum/Default.aspx

Hope your scan results are ok or at least not too bad. Hopefully your doc will explain about the reading and when osteopenie becomes osteoporosis, osteopenie (the stage prior to osteoporosis) lots you can do to help slow the deterioration either way. (Exercise, diet, supplement and drug therapy if you wish)

[linb]

thanks to all for the replies, has put my mind at rest about both the test and results.

just have to wait for appointment now

lin x

[Hidden]

Oh yes linb it was at that time I requested the vit D deficiency blood test because I was diagnosed with osteoporosis / osteopenie, which revealed I was deficient in vitamin D, vit D is what helps us absorb calcium so essential also for bone health. Its vit D3 you need if supplementing, should you be deficient in Vitamin D. There's loads of info on the NOS site (link above as in my previous comment).

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

the vit D blood test revealed I was deficient in vitamin d (not the Dexa scan which reveals bone thinning where osteoporosis and osteopenie is diagnosed)

[Marian-Anne]

Please do take all that is given to you, i have 3 fractures ( compressed) of the spine and the pain is dreadful. This is all because my last surgery never bothered about supplements or drugs to cover the steroids, result I now use crutches, can hardly walk due to spine and cannot clear my chest as coughing hurts so much, Linn as the others have said the test in nothing to worry about , hope you get a really good result x

[Hidden]

My husband went for his test two weeks ago as our GP had been giving steroids out like sweeties. He was never told he should have been taking bone-protecting tablets with these steroids and that he should be carrying a Blue card so if he is admitted to hospital the doctors can see how many he has been taking and if he is on a reducing dose.

Anyhow, the test was clear, and for someone who must have taken well over 1000 steroids this year it is a miracle. His hair fell out, and the only thing that worked for him was that his psoriasis cleared up. Now he is off them his hair is growing back and the psoriasis has come back.

When we went to see the specialist he asked in passing how many steroids he had taken this year, he said he could access the GP website but it would be quicker if we told him, so I emptied a carrier bag full of steroid boxes on his desk, you should have seen his face.

Getting back to your question, the test was painless.

[sgbr]

My doctor put me on alondronic acid tablet and calceos twice a day to help against osteoporosis. Now it looks like the steroids have lowered my immune system, I am waiting for some test results and have to go back in Feb to find out if I have to have some injections either 1 every 3 wks or 1 every week.

[genisis]

Hi! Its a simple test don't even have to get undressed like a lot of scans,

i've got it through the steroids used to be on 8tablets a day now down to half a tablet and on vit D3 the really bad part of mine is it has affected my lower back very bad like the other lady on the forum it hurts with the cough but like everything we have to fight back!!!!!!!!!!

so don't worry the scan is nothing! wait till you come back and say so yourself x

[libby7827]

Hi, the only problem you may encounter is, if your copd is pretty bad, you might find it a bit difficult lying flat on your back. I have a yearly alendronic acid infusion now and high dose Vit D capsules once a month and, apparently, after three years my osteoporosis hasn't worsened. Wish I could say the same for the copd!

[sun_flower in reply to libby7827]

I am due to have an infusion for the 1st time soon,have you had any dental problems ?

[sun_flower]

Hi i went to the rumatolagy clinic yesterday and am about to have a yearly infusion after having a dental check next week,not looking forward to it but seeing some of those poor people in the clinic yesterday I feel I must protect my bones now whilst fairly fit although I do have early stage CLL.