Further Update

[Mitziecat]

Hi

Following on from my previous update, I have now had a conversation with my GP regarding my follow up Dexa Scan result and it did not go well. The advice was still to take AA and this was put across very strongly. My GP is very good and I know she has my best interest at heart but I still declined. I argued that in a year the score in my right hip and some areas of my spine showed improvement. She argued that my score had got slightly worse in my left hip & tipped it into the osteoporosis range at -2.6. L2 & L4 up fractionally but still Osteopenia. Completely ignored the areas of my spine that had improved (total spine now -1.0). Suggested that I go back to the Rheumatologist as he had agreed to me having a year without AA and then do a repeat scan.

I saw him privately yesterday as there was quite a wait for the NHS review appointment. He reviewed both scans, took the improvement into account, plus my age and post menopausal factors and said that he didn’t think it was that bad. Borderline for recommending AA so was happy for me not to take it as long as I continued weight bearing exercise and good nutrition. He discussed my low backache due to slight change in L2 &4. Checked my muscle strength & didn’t think it was PMR related as strength in my legs, hips and flexibility/mobility’s was good.. However, he has done X-rays of my back, pelvis & hip. Also full bloods, so will await the result. He also stopped my Adcal as he reviewed my previous blood results and agreed that it has always been on the upper scale of normal so calcium not required. Again advised to ensure it is in my diet.. He has advised Vitamin D only and agreed that I continue with K2.

Unless there is a cause, I don’t think I will ask for another scan for a few years. Take care everyone & as always thanks for your support

[AnnieW55]

Excellent outcome. Nice to be listened to!

[Mitziecat in reply to AnnieW55]

Thank you for your response. It does give you confidence when you are listened to.

[HeronNS]

Good for you. Glad you are getting some support. Along with your calcium make sure you're also getting enough magnesium in your diet. (Relatively easy to do as magnesium is to plants as iron is to animals.) Or have an occasional epsom salts soak. As you had been taking calcium supplements the calcium/magnesium balance might have become a bit skewed and that can also affect bone health. I'm not as good with the magnesium myself and must do better. The bathtub in my new place is not as comfortable as in my old house so I've been neglecting my occasional long soaks!

[Mitziecat in reply to HeronNS]

Thank you for your reply Heron NS. I use a magnesium spray when needed, especially after exercise and also put the Epsom salts in my bath. Only do this weekly and have showers the rest of the time. I take well woman 50+ daily and this also has magnesium in it. I am not sure how often to use the magnesium spray and what would be the issue if too much is used. I am having blood tests tomorrow & hopefully it will be checked.

[HeronNS in reply to Mitziecat]

The only problem with overdoing magnesium that I know of is loose bowels!

[veriterc]

Does't this case study just show up the futility of the NHS heaping all our care on our GPs? After all, they are 'general practitioners', NOT specialists. When will the NHS realise that patients have a brain, and we should be able to do as I have done in Europe - self-refer to a specialist.

[Nanaedake]

Thanks for the update, it makes me realise its not as simple as just doing exercise and maintaining good nutrition.

[HeronNS]

I just did a quick Dr Google check and high blood calcium doesn't necessarily mean that you are getting enough calcium into the bones. This is something that shows up with hyperactive parathyroid glands. Maybe your parathyroids have already been checked?

[Mitziecat in reply to HeronNS]

I also read that piece of information. It is very difficult to know just how much calcium is getting to the bones. As far as I am aware, I haven’t had a parathyroid checked. I did mention it once and was told unless you are showing signs of too much calcium, it is not done routinely. My consultant have included bone profile in my blood tests that I had done today. Not sure what that will show. I am hoping that that the Vitamin K2 will help direct it to my bones but not sure if I am taking enough.