Dexa scan

[Chrissy1953]

Good morning all. Advice please. I am due to have a dexa scan at the end of March. I took AA for a couple of months but have stopped after reading adverse comments re side effects. Could anyone tell me what readings I should be looking for after scan to help me decide to restart AA. I have an agreement with my Dr that if the are not normal I will restart, but I still have misgivings .

[suzy1959]

I have had 2 DEXA scans so far and the radiographer has let me know immediately that my numbers were good- I have no idea what the numbers actually are! I have also always seen my GP once he has the results just for confirmation. I went on AA twice after bullying from my Rheumatologists. The second time, my femur started to hurt so I stopped and the pain stopped. I am lucky that my bones seem OK so far.

[Hidden]

Hi Chrissy

I asked my GP for a copy of my Dexa Scan report, all the numbers were on it, along side the range of 'normal' Levels; the recommendations re treatment & follow up date for next Scan.

I don't know the numbers off the top of my head, I'm afraid but I'm sure someone else will.

Best Wishes

Mrs N

[Chrissy1953 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Suzy1959. I will ask for mine when I go. Hopefully a good result. It's interesting that you got a follow up recommendation. Will ask at hospital about that too.

[Hidden]

Chrissy, this might help, the numbers are lower down in the article

nhs.uk/Conditions/DEXA-scan...

[Chrissy1953 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks MrsNails. Having the right info before my next app with Gp is important as he really wants me to take A A. I need all the correct info before I see him. Hope the sun is shining where ever you are as it is in sunny Dorset today.

[Hidden in reply to Chrissy1953]

Yes Chrissie Sunny ☀️ here in North Wales too 😎

[Rokerman in reply to Chrissy1953]

Hi Chrissy - am in exactly the same boat! Dexascan (requested by me, after seeing the many comments on this forum) arranged for a couple of weeks time. Your post is therefore, very timely and I will also request the results - my GP also seems keen for me to continue taking AA (have done since March last year) but did agree to review the situation after the scan.

We'll compare results?!

[Zebedee44 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for posting this article. I have my dexa scan on Thursday this week so now have an idea what to ask for. I have declined AA on the grounds of an already unhappy digestive system.

[Hidden in reply to Zebedee44]

I'm due my 3 year Repeat in April so I'll be interested to see what the results are!

Try & get a copy off your GP as remembering the numbers isn't that easy. I get a trip to the seaside (Llandudno) to have mine done!

Best Wishes

Mrs N

[Zebedee44 in reply to Hidden]

Aberystwyth for me, about an hour from home. Can't decide if to use my new bus pass or drive, either way it will hurt my shoulders.

[Hidden in reply to Zebedee44]

My eldest son was at Uni in Aberystwyth, he went back there on his Stag Weekend!

Buses aren't very comfortable, are they? Let us know your results.

Mrs N x

[Chrissy1953 in reply to Zebedee44]

Bournemouth hospital for me. Parking a nightmare and over an hour on the bus. I do have a very handy husband though 😉

[Chrissy1953 in reply to Zebedee44]

Good luck. Be interested to hear results . ☺

[kezzybabes in reply to Zebedee44]

I an going to doc next week to ask for a dexa scan as unhappy about taking AA too. How does it affect your digestive system though? I have ulcerative colitis and maybe this could be the reason I need to discontinue this medication...?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to kezzybabes]

You might find this thread on another forum interesting:

patient.info/forums/discuss...

There are a few patients with Crohns and ulcerative colitis on it but they don't seem to mention gut problems - more the usual bone and joint pain.

[kezzybabes in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for this

[tgca in reply to PMRpro]

What is this mysterious AA? Not the Automobile Association I assume?!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to tgca]

Would that it were - together with the lovely old badge!

No - alendronic acid, otherwise known as Fosamax. A bisphosphonate that the manufacturers would have you believe will banish forever little old ladies and gentlemen having hip fractures when they fall. Only it is being to show not only feet of clay - but cracks in them...

Which doesn't surprise me in the least

[tgca in reply to PMRpro]

One of those Telegraph "if, buts, may, could" sort of thing eh?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to tgca]

Very likely

[Chrissy1953 in reply to tgca]

Hi tgca. It's Alendronic acid. It's given to help protect your bones from osteoporosis which CAN happen when on steroids. I along with some others have misgivings regarding the taking of these because of side effects. There is lots of info here plus asking Dr for a Dexa scan before deciding to take them which is what I am doing. A Dexa scan measures your bone density .I hope I've said it all. If not there are some on here with amazing knowledge who will make sure its correct.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Chrissy1953]

You know - I'd love to see the real figures! I have seen it said that about 40% of patients on pred develop loss of bone density. And that about half of the US population will develop loss of bone density at some point. Which actually suggests that pred is protective?????

Anyway - how do they tell? How many of us get a dexascan done pre-pred?

[tgca in reply to Chrissy1953]

Thanks Chrissy1953, the GP and rheumy failed to mention this and I'm now relieved I hadn't heard pf it! I will ask for a dexa scan later on in the year which, I suppose, will let me know whether the Adcal is doing the trick

[Zebedee44 in reply to kezzybabes]

In my own case i am still recovering from a full abdominal hysterectomy which has left my guts very disturbed. I do not wish to add dispepsia to my painful conditions.

[Lilact in reply to kezzybabes]

I have uc and been given aa don't know whether to take aa due to bad stomach already

[kezzybabes in reply to Lilact]

Strangely my UC has settled since starting pred - I used to resist taking steroids when having a bad Colitis flare before. I just hated taking AA as it's such a strong drug and after all the bad press and reports I stopped it.

[Lilact in reply to kezzybabes]

R u on alendronic acid I am scared to start them??

Also hve just reduced pred to 4mg

Dexa scan shows osteoporosis of spine

Don't want to go on AA

[kezzybabes in reply to Lilact]

I came off AA due to bad press. But I had a healthy dexa scan.

[Lilact in reply to kezzybabes]

Did you get side effects from aa

[kezzybabes in reply to Lilact]

No - I just didn't like taking them after all the adverse press. My brother is a GP and he agreed with me

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Lilact]

You are in the UK? Contact the National Osteoporosis Society helpline - they will talk you through the options.

nos.org.uk/

Are you SURE it is osteoporosis in your spine? Have you seen the results yourself. Some doctors exaggerate to scare their patients into taking it.

[Lilact in reply to kezzybabes]

I have been on pred on anf off last 3 year hence the diagnosis of osteoporosis

Now I am on 4 mgl

In dilemma of starting aa

[MayH]

Hi I had a dexa scan after I broke my wrist.i was given a 't score' measurement for my hips and spine. Numbers ranged from 4 to minus 5. Above minus 1 was classed as being normal...between minus 1 and minus 2.5 osteopenia and below minus 2.5 osteoporotic. Hope this is of some help

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It will be easier to comment once you have your results.

[Marcy47]

I had a Dexascan in Jan. Had 4 week wait for results. Dr told me results, I have lost some density but not too bad, no numbers were quoted. She advised me to go back on the AA, which I stopped taking in October after 1 yr, and have another blood test in 1 month for Calcium level which was a bit high last time. Not sure I want to go back on AA but will see what the blood test shows.

[mzz70-70]

Hi Chrissy. I am pleased someone has written a post about Dexa scans as although I have been on Pred for over 2yrs and AA for the same neither my GP nor my Rheumie has ever mentioned having a Dexa Scan. It really worries me that I have been on AA for such a long time without having a dexa scan first. I hate the AA tablet once a week and after coming onto this site and hearing how others try to avoid it or refuse to ever start it, I am beginning to wonder if I ever needed to take it in the first place....a Dexa scan would confirm one way or another. You are right to have misgivings and if you don't need to then don't go back on AA. I will definitely be asking for a dexa scan at my next rheumy appointment especially as my teeth have started to be painful, something to be aware of taking AA. Good Luck....Mazz

[Rugger in reply to mzz70-70]

Yes, your GP can request one from the local Radiology (X-Ray) department - in the UK, that is. I only had to wait a couple of weeks for mine. It only takes about 10 minutes and you're not enclosed, like in an MRI scanner, so not claustrophobic!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Rugger]

It depends where you are - in Durham for example it is Medical Physics that housed the dexascan.

[mzz70-70 in reply to PMRpro]

Hampshire's my county and the QA hospital brilliant (most times)

[mzz70-70 in reply to Rugger]

Thanks Rugger and yes my Gp is sending me for a Dexascan ! Actually it was a GP I have not seen before, a newby I think but she said I should have had the scan at the beginning of my treatment. She is against AA unless its really nessersary. My usual GP had never suggested a Dexascan and to be honest I had never heard of it until I joined this marvellous forum....don't know where I would be without it now.....head in the oven probably ! (don't mean it)

[Chrissy1953 in reply to mzz70-70]

Good for you mzz70-70. I didn't know about AA and effects until I joined this group. Actually I didn't know anything much about PMR apart from what my Dr, printed off when he first thought this was what I had. The wonderful people on here have allowed me to take control of PMR with their help and advice. I have also bought Kate Gilbert's book from Amazon. It's a must read. As for putting heads in ovens if you look at my previous posts you'd have have no problem at mine. I forget to put the oven on😁😁 good luck with your scan. Had mine Friday and my bones are strong and healthy so no more AA for me

[mzz70-70 in reply to Chrissy1953]

Hi Chrissy, glad to hear your bones are strong and healthy. I do hope that will be the same for me, I really want to stop taking the AA now. LOL over your oven story, actually I have electric oven so I would be lying there a very long time without result. I love life really, just the PMR gets in the way ! Take care...Mazz

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to mzz70-70]

Oooh - hang on to her!!!!!

[mzz70-70 in reply to PMRpro]

Yes PMRpro, hanging on tight, really hope I can keep her, she seems to have an understanding of PMR.

[tgca]

I think the dexa scan can be organised through your GP

[mzz70-70 in reply to tgca]

Thanks. Yes In have now got an appointment for a Dexa scan, wish I had known about it from the beginning...but hey ho better late than never.

[kezzybabes]

I had a dexa scan a couple of months ago after hassling my (previous) GP. Told him I was unhappy about taking AA. He was NOT happy. I decided to stop taking AA off my own back, had a dexa scan which showed normal bone density and now go to a lovely GP in the same practice who has taken me and my PMR under her wing. Following Dorset Lady's tapering system and now at 3mg.