Another Echolight Scan versus Dexa Numbers

[Pugger]

Hello,

Like many, I am so torn about meds. My last doctor that did the Echolight Scan said he would not suggest I needed meds, however my primary does. And of course, most doctors only acknowledge the DEXA because they don't know about the Echolight, and don't want to know about it. Sorry but my head is swimming. Not sure if I should ignore the Echolight results. I am 5'3" and weight 128. I've heard Dexa is not as accurage on small boned people.

I've increased my exercise. Can anyone suggest a good supplement? So many out there, I am totally confused. Algaecal, Prosteon, 1MD Nutrition OsteoMD, NBI Osteo-K, Etc. I currently take calcium and Vitamin D, Magnesium, C, etc. Does Collagen work? I've heard mixed things about Strontium. Ugh.

SPINE

In Sept 2021 Spine via Dexa: -2.8

In Sept 2021 Spine via Echo: -2.2

In Dec 2022 Spine via Echo: -2.4

RIGHT FEMUR NECK

In Sept 2021 RF via Dexa: -2.4

In Sept 2021 RF via Echo: -2.1

In Dec 2022 RF via Echo: -2.4

LEFT FEMUR NECK

In Sept 2021 LFN via Dexa: -2.7

In Sept 2021 LFN via Echo: -2.4

In Dec 2022 LFN via Echo: -2.3

[Met00]

Your t-scores alone don't suggest that you need medication, but whether or not your doctor recommends it should depend on a fracture risk assessment (eg FRAX), which estimates the chance of fracture in the next 10 years, based on a range of factors, t-scores being just one of them. If you haven't had a FRAX or similar calculated, I would ask your doctor to do this and let you know the result. Here in the UK meds aren't normally recommended if fracture risk is below 10%. Even at that level I would argue that that's still a 90% chance that you won't fracture. If you take medication, all it does is reduce your fracture risk, it doesn't guarantee to prevent fractures. See: nice.org.uk/guidance/ta464/...

[Pugger in reply to Met00]

Hello. Thank you so much for responding. I will look up the FRAX numbers and get back to you if that is ok.

[Pugger in reply to Met00]

Hello. Per the Echolight, my 5 year risk of hip fracture is 4-8% for both femurs and 10-20% for my spine. For the Dexa, it just says that my fracture risk is high for spine and left neck femur and moderate for right neck femur. I don't know whether to use the dexa results or the Echolight results. I am hoping the Echolight is more accurate.

It gets even more confusing when I look at the fragility/bone quality scores on the Echolight:

Spine is in the green at 29.9

Left Neck Femur is in the green at 28.1

Right Neck Femur is in the green at 28.4

I would appreciate any comments. Thanks!

[Met00 in reply to Pugger]

I'm puzzled by that. My last REMS result gives one (10 year probability) fracture risk score for hip and one for "Major osteoporotic" (I think that can be spine, wrist or ankle), not a range as you have.

[Pugger in reply to Met00]

I re-read the spine details and it says the 5 year risk is of "Major Osteoporotic Fracture"

[Met00 in reply to Pugger]

That makes a bit more sense, but I'm still puzzled by it being a range of risk (10-20%), rather than a specific figure (eg mine says 8.4%).

[Pugger in reply to Met00]

I will send you my report for the spine in a chat.

[Met00 in reply to Pugger]

I'm happy to view your report and comment here. As far as Algaecal is concerned, it's very expensive! Strontium citrate has risks and should be avoided if you have existing heart problems. It can also raise blood pressure. I take just under half dose, but buy it from Best Naturals. It's claimed by some that the potential health risks only apply to strontium ranelate (prescription) but I don't know whether enough research has been done on strontium citrate to verify this.

[Pugger in reply to Met00]

hi. The report is 4 pages and I don’t see any way to upload it here (or in the chat for that matter). Is there some way you know of? What actual quantity is the half dose of Strontium citrate that you take? Thank you!

[Met00 in reply to Pugger]

Would it work if you scanned it then copy and paste?

I take 340mg most days.