Dexa scan results while on prednisone and using the COMB micronutrient protocol.

[Karenjaninaz]

After being diagnosed with osteoporosis 2 years ago I had tried Alendronate and couldn't tolerate it; Tried Forteo for a couple of months but ended up in ER with shortness of breath. With my rheumatologist and internist approval I followed the Micronutrient protocol for 1 1/2 years - while taking prednisone. I only took half the recommended dose of strontium citrate and stopped the strontium citrate 6 months ago because of lack of research but I might resume. Never had any troubles with it. I add I was unable to do heavy exercising - too weak. I did treadmill and one leg standing, table pushups and stationary bike, house steps- that's all.

Results 2018: L femoral neck: T score-2.8 Z score -0.8

R femoral neck: -2.3 Z -0.3 Forearm: T score -1.7 Z score 0.7

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Results 2020 : L femoral neck: T score -2.2 Z score -0.1

R femoral neck: T score: -2.2 Z score: 0.1 Forearm: T score: -2.0 Z score: 0.6

Same scanner both times.

[Karenjaninaz]

I have spinal hardware for adolescent scoliosis correction4 operations- last at age 60. Fused T-4 to sacrum. Spine cannot be measured and spinal exercise you mentioned impossible and forbidden to try.

[Kaarina in reply to Karenjaninaz]

Same here spinal results do not give anywhere near an accurate result for me either, due to adolescent scoliosis.

[Portobello]

Such a useful ' interesting link. Thanks for posting ☺️

[Portobello]

Thanks again. I have no fractures just awful Dexa scores and awaiting a Rheumatology video consultation in Feb. Dreading having to make a meds decision after all I've read!

[Hidden in reply to Portobello]

Do you take D3, K2 and Magnesium ? All of which help bone health. I've recently also been diagnosed with osteoporosis, no idea of what my score is though, will ask rheumy when I next see him in June. I've been on Pred for just over a year and hopefully, due to slow tapering I'll be finished them at the end of this year (2021) However, many women are walking around with osteoporosis and are unaware of it. I think routine Dexa scans should be taken on post menopausal women. I've had several doses of Pred over the years due to asthma attacks (that's completely controlled these days) but the damage has already been done. Had I not requested a scan when I last saw my rheumy in Oct 2020 I'd never know. They just prescribe the medication and that's it. I refused to take the Alendronic Acid until I'd found out what my bone health is like. I'm taking 35 mg of Risedronate once weekly.

Anne

[Portobello in reply to Hidden]

Yes, I am doing all I can to help. Had to request a Dexa after a year on Pred. Have a Rheumatology consultation in Feb- will see what I'm offered. Done a lot of reading and some e.g. Prolia I will refuse! Best wishes.

[Hidden in reply to Portobello]

Best wishes back to you too X

[Portobello]

I'm already attempting most of the interventions you mention. Frustrating that the success or otherwise can't be easily measured. Also worrying that bone meds' side effects not emphasised enough.

[Karenjaninaz]

Thyme has estrogen like effects. There are warnings for people like me who are breast cancer survivors. I add I was given estrogen/ progesterone for six years- including so-called “ bio-identical” hormones. I ended up with bilateral breast cancer; the tumors were estrogen fed.

[Karenjaninaz]

With an instrumented spinal fusion with rods, screws, bolts and cages what you suggest is physically impossible for me.

[Karenjaninaz]

There was the Nurses’ Study which followed nurses taking hormone replacement therapy over many years. I read the preliminary results in a medical journal; the study was halted early because of the cancer and under significantly troubling. Yes, estrogen preserves bone.

[Karenjaninaz]

No; the maneuver, which might be good for normal spines, are forbidden by my spine surgeon based on my previous reply. An instrumented spine is a special case.