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[Readerforever]

My HMO covers DXA bone density test at age 65, so I did the test and received unexpected results. Spine t score -2.9, z score -1.2. Left hip t score -1.2, z score 0. Left femoral neck t score -1.8 z score -0.3. I’ve always walked and did low impact exercises (last 6 years Pilates mat). Always taken multivitamin and had hard time swallowing the calcium vitamin D pills, so switched to gummies. I’ve started working with a trainer at my gym to increase strength (when I mentioned I have osteoporosis she said all the right things). Frax 10 year risk of major factor 9%. Frax 10 year risk hip fracture 1.2%. My HMO says my next bone density test is in 5 years and I take Alendronate once a week. In my 5th week taking it with no side affects. I have not found data to identify if I have moderate or severe osteoporosis of my spine.

[Met00]

Your spine score is only just osteoporosis (starts at -2.5) and within the normal range for your age (z-score). Your other scores are in the osteopenia range and are fantastic for your age. I personally wouldn't trust that spine score, because there's too big a discrepancy between it and your other scores, but regardless of that, I don't understand why you've been prescribed medication with such a low fracture risk.

[Readerforever in reply to Met00]

Met00, thanks for your input and I’ll do some follow-up. I recall my doctor saying it takes a very long, long time to increase bone hence being told to take prescription for 5 years and having next bone density test in 5 years.

[Met00 in reply to Readerforever]

It also takes a long time to lose bone density, so I'm not clear what the urgency is to start you on bone medication now, rather than wait till you're older if it's still necessary.

[SwimLMich]

I got a somewhat similar diagnosis about a week ago but am holding off on taking the recommended Alendronate. I’m glad to hear you haven’t had any side effects from it. I’ll be following you and others who are taking a weekly dose to see how it goes.

[HeronNS in reply to SwimLMich]

Have a read of my story, you too Readerforever , for some ideas about things you can do to improve bone density:

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Readerforever in reply to HeronNS]

I have reread your post several times along with the post from Met00. I have a telephone call scheduled with my doctor to let her know I am going to stop taking Alendronate. As pointed out my fall risk factor is low and there is a way to increase bone mass without medication. I’m started weight work at the gym 2/week along with usual 2 Pilates and 1 barre sculpt class. My calcium supplement has D3. I will look at K2 and magnesium and pay attention to the eggs I buy, as well as a weighted vest.

I am so happy to have found this website and reading everyone’s experiences. I’m not alone now and now have a more critical eye on what I’m missing from my diet.

[bonehelp]

Hi, I have similar scores, but I wasn’t given z scores on the report. I just had the scan last week. I am hoping to avoid medication and treat it with diet and exercise. Good luck to you. It great to have a forum to hear from others .

[SwimLMich]

Thank you for the very informative postings and replies to others. I hadn’t looked really closely at my actual diagnosis and unfortunately didn’t go over it line by line when I talked to my GP. It’s copied below and wondering if you or anyone else can shed some light on it. I only saw that initial -2.8 and researched it saying that yes, it was considered osteoporosis. Much appreciated.

“Spine L2-L4: T-score -2.8, Z-score -0.8, Bone Density 0.868 gm/cm2

Right femoral neck: T-score -2.8, Z-score -0.9, Bone Density 0.644 gm/cm2”

[Mark_ABH]

Your risk results are quite low (risk involves much more than your T-score, such as lifestyle, family history, other medical conditions, etc.). These percentages are well below the threshold for taking medicine according to published guidelines ...

Frax 10 year risk of major factor 9%.

Frax 10 year risk hip fracture 1.2%

[Readerforever in reply to Mark_ABH]

Mark, thank you for your comments and I agree. Just had blood checks for Vitamin D (42) and Calcium serum (9.7). I’m increasing calcium and vitamin D-taking 3rd vitamins After dinner. I’ve completed my first 5 session with fitness trainer and signing up for 5 more sessions for strength building exercises. When my big toe started hurting doing lunges, I contacted my doctor who ordered an X-ray and Uric acid test. So have arthritis in big toe and now have toe exercises (MTP degenerative narrowing with moderate osteophytes, no erosion or subluxation). My weighted vest arrived and will start slowly wearing in my home. All is good!