Prevent osteoporosis Talk to your doctor about getting a bone mass measurement (bone density). If you’re at risk

[lankisterguy]

Prevent osteoporosis

Many people don’t know they have osteoporosis until they break a bone. Did you know Medicare can help you prevent or detect osteoporosis at an early stage, when treatment works best?

Talk to your doctor about getting a bone mass measurement (bone density). If you’re at risk, Medicare Part B covers this test once every 24 months (more often if medically necessary) at no cost to you, when your doctor or other qualified provider orders it.

This link is only useful for USA residents, but the message applies world wide.

medicare.gov/coverage/bone-...

You can take steps to make your bones stronger and healthier, no matter your age.Talk to your doctor, and visit Medicare.gov to find out how Medicare can help protect your bones.

Len

[UKfulloflife]

Your timing couldn't be better!

FOR UK READERS:

A few weeks ago I was called for a Bone Density scan - for no obvious reason (NB I'm in the UK). I was asked if I knew why I was there and replied that I didn't, but assumed it was something to do with the routine CLL monitoring scan I'd had a couple of months previously. A few weeks later, an appointment at the Fracture Prevention Clinic came through, apparently to discuss the results of the scan. At the appt this week, I was told not only that I have Osteoporosis in my spine and Osteopeania in my hips, but also a fracture at T10 in the spine!

It seems that there is now a new, nationwide, initiative whereby ALL scans, taken for whatever reason, are now routinely assessed for bone density and if necessary, referred to the Orthopaedic Dept. These will be followed up with a Bone Density scan etc.

The good news is that the condition can be treated, so if you do get an 'invitation' (the wording on the appt letter for the BD Scan), do go. I certainly was completely unaware of my condition, and am thankful that it has been picked up and will be treated, before I unwittingly do something major to myself!

[MelioraDay]

Malignancies, especially some leukemias including CLL, can increase the risk of osteoporosis. Prior to beginning treatment with Venetoclax in December 2016 my bone density, which had been gradually decreasing, slipped from osteopenia to osteoporosis in my spine in August 2016. In July 2018 I had my first dexascan since beginning treatment with Venetoclax. I was really pleasantly shocked to find out my bone density had increased by 7.2% in my spine and 2.9% in my hip. My hip has always been in the normal range, and my spine is now in the osteopenia range. I thought I remembered seeing something about Venetoclax increasing bone density, so I went online and saw articles suggesting that "inhibition of BCL2 has positively regulated osteoblast differentiation and improved bone health when tested in animal models." thelancet.com/journals/lano...

I don't take any medications for osteoporosis and my dexascan was done on the some machine with the same technician for my past 3 scans. In my practice I was pleased when a patient had a 1-2% increase in bone density, so 7.2% increase is truly amazing!