Rescanning: Hi I'm recently diagnosed... - Bone Health and O...

Bone Health and Osteoporosis UK

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Rescanning

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I'm recently diagnosed with osteoporosis and was told I would have a follow up dexa scan in a year approx to check the meds are working. I was also told I would have advice from a hosp physio fjr excercises but my GP says no rescan has been advised dyecto my age ( I'm 72 in July) and I'm getting no advice from the physio. Im bit so worried about the latter as I have 1:1 sessions with a Pilates teacher who is very experienced re Osteoporosis and I have a daily programme of excercises to do but the lack of rescan doesn't sound good to me. Surely I need to check the meds etc are working?

What experience do others here have re these issues?,

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Physiotherapy

11 Replies

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Titian85 years ago

After first Dexa scan (because I had broken my wrist due to falling on ice) I was advised the next scan would be in 5 years time.

After much research and lots of excellent suggestions, from others on this site, I am not taking any prescribed drugs but going down the natural route and still feeling fit and well on it.

So in another 3 years will find out how things are.

Kaarina5 years ago

I was due a re scan in April (last dexa was two years ago in April) but got a text from my doc the other day to say get in touch with him in a couple of months.... I already knew it was not going to happen in April and wonder if it will even be done this year, as there will be a queue for dexa scans, even more than in normal times.

5 years ago

I was told two or three years is the norm for rescanning. Not offered physio routinely.

scd22115 years ago

I had a Dexa scan after two years on alendronic acid and was very disappointed to see no change in my bone density. However, when I saw a rheumatologist recently (as I needed advice on how to proceed with medication) he told me that a scan at two years is too early to see any real change in bone density as a result of taking weekly alendronic acid. He advised me to have a scan next year (at four years) and then to see him again to discuss whether alendronic acid is the best treatment for me. I’ve been told that five years is the normal treatment span before a drug holiday or to change to an alternative treatment.

Posy-White5 years ago

Hello Tedst

I've been offered scans every 5 years to monitor, from 1991, but when I had a problem 2017 the scans moved to every 2 years. I have a family history of OS and other issues. My Mother, who died a couple of years ago, aged 94, lived in a different area. She had a scan when in her early 70's but was not offered one again until a GP review and re referral to hospital team in her mid 80's, I think she only had 3-4 scans during the 20+ years of living with OS.

I realise this is not that helpful as I cannot remember why Mum was not offer scans and I was, age (I'm 61) or medical concern at the time.

You don't say if you are going back to the hospital for review or if the hospital are waiting the GP to manage your care? If you are in the UK the ROS helpline might be able to give you an overall picture, but also slightly more personal support.

Good Luck with the Pilates.

Posy White

• in reply toPosy-White5 years ago

I've only been to Hosp for scan so just seen any doc. GP just said take the meds and excercise.

Luckily my chiropractor's and pilates teacher are up to speed on excercise and what should happen etc

Lolalee5 years ago

What medication are you on

• in reply toLolalee5 years ago

Alendronic acid and VitD and calcium

Lolalee• in reply to5 years ago

I am now on forsteo injections daily. Had a lot of back pain in first three months but now taking exercising more seriously and it has helped a lot. The more we sit down the worse it is unfortunately . Pilates too is very good as it strengthens the core . When we are out of lockdown I intend to start . I have tried some online Pilates but better to be shown properly so as not to move wrongly and damage my back !

ANNIE_695 years ago

I had a dexa scan which diagnosed my osteoporosis (36 when diagnosed) my last scan was 8 years ago and my doc still deals with my meds and has never referred me to be dealt with by a consultant, he just increases my morphine

Barjac5 years ago

My experience my not be typical but I was told Some years ago that I would not continue my hospital check ups ( which were once a year at first and then every two years) and put in the care of my GP. Since then I have had one test with the encouraging result that although I still have osteoporosis it is being controlled. The only side effect that I have is the throat problem, and I can put up with that.

Very best wishes to all who replied to me and heartfelt sympathies to all in pain. keep exercising ! Stay safe!