Dexa scan and AA

[1602]

Hi I've been on AA since Jan2015 - in that time noone has mentioned Dexa scan. Should I ask for one and what would it tell me?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

They should really have done one at the outset - to see if you really needed to take AA. It will tell you what your bone density is like currently.

[polkadotcom]

The management guides state that a DEXA scan should be done either at diagnosis or in the early days of steroid use as a baseline mark.

It measures the density of your bones and so tells you whether you need a bisphosphonate medication - i.e. whether your bones are good or if you have osteopenia (pre-osteoporosis) or osteoporosis itself.

These meds seem still to be handed out like smarties at any mention of steroids and without checking if you really need them. As you should now only take bisphosphonates for 5 years, and many patients struggle with them anyway, I think you should be asking for a DEXA soon.

[1602 in reply to polkadotcom]

Thank you xx

[Chrissy1953]

Hi. Ask for a scan. I did. Was put on AA the same time as starting steroids. My Dr says it's normal practice. I took them for a couple of months then started reading about side affects and stopped. I need to have proof that I have to take them first. Dr's as lovely as mine is seems to not have all the knowledge that you can get on this site. Good luck.

[1602 in reply to Chrissy1953]

Thanks