Bone Density Scan

[Rocknlily]

How often is it recommended to have a Bone Density Scan? Mine was about a year and a half ago.

Endocrinologist is really pushing the Prolia. I have concerns about it. She verified that after stopping it I would be at risk for spine fractures and have to get on something else.

I'm just wondering if I should be having another Scan before making any decision.

I'd also like to wait until my next dental appointment which will be after the new year.

Is there anything new out there without all the risks and side effects. I can't take Fosamax.

[Met00]

In the UK we have to wait anywhere between 2 and 5 years. Less than 2 years there's unlikely to be enough change for it to be measurable by a DEXA scan. Are you on other meds? If so, how long have you been taking them and why doesn't your endocrinologist want to wait to see if that makes enough difference?

[Rocknlily in reply to Met00]

Tried Fosamax, can’t take it. I’m a transplant patient and she claims this is the best for me kidney wise.

[Met00 in reply to Rocknlily]

In that case, if you have to stop Prolia, what medication would be used as a relay drug?

[Rocknlily]

I’m not sure. She mentioned Reclast. It’s confusing as she thinks the Prolia is safer for my kidney now. I guess it depends on how my kidney function is.

[Met00 in reply to Rocknlily]

What were your t-scores and fracture risk when you had your previous DEXA scan? I'm wondering how essential it is for you to be on an osteoporosis medication. I've just googled Reclast (fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-a..., which comes with a warning about the potential, though rare risk to the kidneys. I would ask your endocrinologist whether this would really be a suitable relay drug, because if not, there may not be an alternative!

[Rocknlily in reply to Met00]

Is the DEXA scan the same as the Bone Density Scan? I had the BDS about a year and a half ago.

[Met00 in reply to Rocknlily]

Yes, DEXA is the standard bone density scan, universally recognised. Do you have your t-scores and fracture risk score from it? If not, I would ask for these, then share on here. That may help you to have a better understanding of your relative risks of taking/not taking medication.

It's possible that you were given an MRI or other form of scan, but if that identified osteoporosis, it should be followed by a DEXA scan in order to give a definite diagnosis and a baseline for future comparison.

[Nuttyshirlz]

I’m having my first bone scan in few weeks I’ve had X-ray too. I read a magazine when at my last rhemy appointment and said all woman should have take some form of supplements for our bones on pre menopause and they wouldn’t be so many issues with ppl with bones.

[Mavary]

Hi! I’m on Prolia and have been for about three years now. I was told at the beginning I will be on it for life. Why would you want to stop it. If it’s doing the job of protecting your bones it would be silly to come off it.

[rwlmartin1]

It really doesn't matter how often you have a DEXA test. Algae Cal offers its famous money-back guarantee with 6-month DEXA scan checks. At six months you can definitely ascertain whether there has been any positive or negative change. But for those who don't want to be bothered by such minutiae two years is OK, too.

[janicedrew]

I can relate to your concerns. My mother was in a similar situation about two years ago. She had her first bone density scan, and her doctor also recommended Prolia due to her osteoporosis. Like you, she had reservations about starting the treatment, especially with the risk of fractures after stopping it. Her doctor emphasized that the scan is a helpful tool to see how her bone health was progressing before making any treatment decisions, so she opted to get another scan first.

Given that your last scan was about a year and a half ago, it might be helpful to get an updated one to assess if your bone density has changed. This way, you’ll have more up-to-date information to guide your decision.

As for new treatments, while there are alternatives, each comes with its own set of risks and side effects. My mom couldn’t take Fosamax either, so her doctor discussed options like Forteo or Evenity, but ultimately, she decided to hold off on any treatment until after her dental work was complete, as that was a concern for her too.

I’d suggest getting another scan, and maybe discussing newer treatments with your doctor. It’s always worth gathering as much info as possible before making such an important decision.