Rems scan advice please

[Sorchameadhbh]

Hi all

I'm wondering if anyone has had a rems scan done by Greg Newman in Penarth, Cardiff? If so I'd appreciate your thoughts....My recent dexa scan shows severe osteoporosis in my spine: T (L1-4) -3.6, Hip-1.9

I have never had a fracture and am quite fit, but I am on Levothyroxine and liothyroxine for Hashimotos thyroiditis which may be affecting my bone density as there has been significant loss since my last dexa.

I am interested in knowing my bone strength and fracture risk, as I want to avoid Bisphosphonates unless absolutely necessary. Any feedback on Greg Newman appreciated.

Many thanks

[MWZ3]

I’m in Australia and had one here. I’m 80 years old and had the REMS last year. It showed my bones in my back were nearly 90% fragile. I use a walker to prevent falls and be safe. I don’t take any of the drugs for osteoporosis. The strength component is different from the porous state of your bones. Also, if there are issues with your back apart from what can be picked up from dexa and rems, it’s impossible to get a correct reading from dexa scan. I have multiple issues that distort my back but these were never taken into account with the dexa results. An X-ray of your back will tell you a lot as well.

[Sorchameadhbh in reply to MWZ3]

Thank you for your helpful reply! stay well..x

[HampshireELM]

Hi. When I was looking for someone late last year who could do a REMS scan, I contacted the Italian company who supply the REMS scanners and they told me there were two people in the UK, neither of which were Greg Newman so it would suggest he's only just started doing them. It would be great if more people started providing REMS scans and obviously they've got to start somewhere. I would hope that, in order to encourage people to try him, it would be a reasonable price initially. Ask who he has trained with etc and maybe he can give you the name of others who've had a scan by him (with their permission of course!).

Your t-scores from the DXA differ quite a lot between the hips and spine which is interesting. The scores should be more similar.

I'm sorry I can't help more but it would be interesting to know how you get on. I was glad I had my REMS scan (with Dr Nick Birch in Northamptonshire) though the NHS still take more notice of DXA results.

[Sorchameadhbh in reply to HampshireELM]

Thanks so much for your informative reply- I think I'll wait for an appointment with Nick Birch and start some weight training and more serious exercise in the meantime. Many thanks

[Rusty4 in reply to Sorchameadhbh]

If it’s any help, my dexa scores were very similar to yours. I refused to go on AA. I recently had a REMs, and the difference between my hip and my spine rang warning bells with the consultant that the Dexa scan and the interpretation wasn’t correct, as they should be more similar. I was worried I would be told I should definitely go on medication, but was told to carry on all I was doing for the time being and have another scan in 2 years. For my peace of mind, having refused medication, it was well worth it

[Sorchameadhbh in reply to Rusty4]

Thank you, That’s interesting- makes me wonder if my dexa scan result might be incorrect - I’ve refused medication too and have now booked a rems scan with Nick Birch in June.

[ROSModerator Partner]

Hi Sorchameadhbh ,

We wanted to pop in to wish you a very warm welcome to the community, and thank you for sharing with us here

A quick note—our community guidelines ask members to avoid mentioning medical professionals or specific healthcare providers in a negative way. This might impact the responses to your post, so we just wanted to make you aware. (healthunlocked.com/boneheal...

We also wanted to mention that we have lots of information about bone health on our website, including about scans and tests that might feel helpful at this time: theros.org.uk/information-a...

Hoping you can continue to share and connect with our valued members

Wishing you the best,

Lulu

ROS Moderator

[Sorchameadhbh in reply to ROSModerator]

Thanks Lulu for your warm welcome x

[Janjar67]

Hi, I had a REMS scan with Nick Birch last year, it was very thorough and informative and I received lots of good advice. I’m so glad I didn’t listen to my Endo and go on the bisphosphonates!!

Weight training & high impact exercise, HRT and diet & supplements were the main take away for me and learning that bone strength is what matters.

I haven’t heard of the gentleman you have named but I feel it’s a small community so he will no doubt know of Nick Birch, maybe ask a few questions.

I will def be going for a follow up scan, I also learnt that Dexa results can be unreliable and depend on the technicians ability.

I

[Sorchameadhbh in reply to Janjar67]

Thank you so much, the same advice is coming from everywhere re exercise and supplements etc. At age 67 I've missed the HRT boat but still lots we can do to build strength . Thank you!

[bonesearch]

I had a REMS Scan done by Dr Nick Birch in June last year after a NHS DEXA. I requested a DEXA as I have hip dysphasia and will require a second hip replacement at some point. I have no fractures. The DEXA readings showed osteoporosis.

I was surprised at my DEXA readings. I am a healthy fit 60 year old. I wanted a second opinion and came across REMS and Dr Nick Birch

He does clinics around the UK. I live in Scotland and his forthcoming Edinburgh and Glasgow clinics were full so I visited him at his base near Daventry. I am delighted I made that visit and got a second opinion through a REMS Scan. . He was an orthopaedic surgeon and so has a great deal of knowledge of Bone health. The REMS showed that I have osteopenia. He gave me excellent advice and I was so much reassured after my visit. I will go back in two years time for a second scan to monitor progress.

[Sorchameadhbh in reply to bonesearch]

Thanks so much for your reply- I have now just made an appointment with Nick Birch for June. Many thanks!

[Olliemaya]

I also have a scan booked with Dr Birch in October. Hopefully to get some good advice . It great to hear everyone's different experiences with the scan but all seem positive

[PoppyPaddler]

I had my REMS with Nick Birch in January. He said that he is or will be starting to train others so it could be that the person in Penarth is one of them. Worth finding out. It sounds like gradually REMS could replace Dexa. All the best. Def recommend Osteoscan.