Dexa results

[loobilou]

I've had my second dexa scan now and it shows some improvements - overall spine had gone from - 3.3 to - 2.7 but hip is worse in the neck. How can this be? Thanks

[Kaarina]

Hi loobiloo

Why not call the NOS helpline? You may well get an answer much more quickly from them than us on the forum. 0808 800 0035 - free from all UK landlines/mobiles

[loobilou in reply to Kaarina]

Thanks Kaarina , yes I will call them - thanks!

[Millie09]

Hi loobilou, good result on your spine! . As to your question then your dr should be able to shed some light I would have thought ? .How long has it been now since your first dexa? .I'm wanting another as I'm sure im getting worse. Drs appt tomorow so I will be asking

.

[loobilou in reply to Millie09]

Thanks Millie09 , I had the first scan only a year ago. I paid for this one as the NHS will only allow them 2 or 3 years apart. The report says that there has been significant improvement at both sites. I really don't think my doctor knows much about these things and we dont seem to get referred to any specialist, which is annoying. Good luck with your appointment and let us know how it goes!

[Millie09 in reply to loobilou]

That's what i thought , but I know my own body and the inceresed pain, just seen my therapist OC, she said i really need to push for pain management. Haven't been out since friday and that was only supporting my sister through surgery. How did you go about paying if you dont mind me asking? That's something I would do myself. .Oh drs are quite happy to fob you off with painkillers which is not going to get to the root of the problem 🙄. Thanks loobilou. Will let you know what happens x

[HeronNS in reply to loobilou]

First, was the second scan done on the same machine as the first? If it was then reasons for the discrepancy could include changes in your spine which can give altered readings but not truly indicating an increase in bone density, such as osteoarthritis or something causing bones to compress. I would be more concerned about a loss of density in the femoral neck. What are you doing to help maintain or improve your bone density?

[loobilou in reply to HeronNS]

Hi HeronNS , yes they were done on the same machine. I've emailed the NOS to see what they say about the femoral neck result. I'm doing weight training, pilates ,taking supplements, trying to eat healthily and taking the horrid alendronic acid.

[HeronNS in reply to loobilou]

Seems like you are doing a lot of the right things. I wonder if there is another cause for your bone thinning, besides the inevitable aging?

[loobilou in reply to HeronNS]

Well I used to smoke and I was often on anti depressants so neither of those help. But I'm 66 so often I think its just normal ageing.

[Justme13 in reply to loobilou]

Hi

How did you get the same machine when one was NHS and the 2nd private?

Thanks

[Kaarina in reply to Justme13]

That is what I was wondering.

[loobilou in reply to Justme13]

Because I went to the same centre that did the first one. It was £75 to pay privately.

[Justme13 in reply to loobilou]

I see. So the NHS in your area uses a centre that does both NHS and private.

I would also like a 1 year scan, but my first one was done in an NHS Hospital, so If I had a private scan elsewhere, it would obviously be a different machine, so, I guess, no point.

[loobilou in reply to Justme13]

@Justme13 you might be able to pay to have one at the same place? Worth asking maybe?

[Justme13 in reply to loobilou]

NHS Hospital doesn’t do private work.

Will have to wait unfortunately.

[loobilou in reply to Justme13]

Sorry to hear, that's a shame. I went to the Sussex osteoporosis clinic both times, though no consultant there to offer any advice.

[loobilou in reply to HeronNS]

I've received a lengthy reply from the NOS which I can post if you or anyone is interested.

[HeronNS in reply to loobilou]

If you want you could make a new post otherwise only people following this thread may see it. Did you call the NOS as Kaarina suggested?

[loobilou in reply to HeronNS]

Yes, I emailed them and that's the reply I'm referring to. I'll post the relevant parts later

[Kaarina in reply to loobilou]

As Heron suggests, it would be good if you started a new thread with your Dexa results and the relevant information you received to your email about it to the NOS helpline.

I am interested to know what was said, as I am sure others in this community are too.