Dexa Scan results

[powerwalk]

So Ostopenia - should I be concerned? I'm thinking not as long as I take my calcium? Don't want this to be the reason the GP stops the pred altogether (As per my previous panic post). I would think this is normal enough for someone my age ( just 59!!) - and not particularly related to the steroids or am I wrong? Thanks.

[HeronNS]

Osteopenia is simply a heads up to look after your bones. Although the meds used to be handed out to everyone whose bones weren't as dense as those of a thirty year old male (I exaggerate only slightly), now it's not considered best practice to prescribe meds for those whose bones only register as "osteopenia" or "low bone mass". Just make sure you take any calcium and D supplements you are prescribed, seriously consider Vitamin K2 (I personally think this is a must unless there is a contraindication for you taking Vitamin K, but K2 not as much of an issue even with blood thinners, I don't think, than K1) and get lots of weight bearing exercise. Eat a good diet high in leafy greens and low in animal protein and simple carbs. There's no reason for you to stop taking pred. Any bone thinning effects of pred can be counteracted by these suggestions. Also, make sure you don't take pred and calcium supplements at the same time as they interfere with each other.

[September17 in reply to HeronNS]

Hi HeronNS,

Was unaware about not taking pred and calcium together? Any more advice on how long after pred the calcium should be taken? Thank you!

[powerwalk in reply to September17]

Pred in the morning, calcium tablet at lunch and dinner is what I read on several sites. But also had never been told that and was taking calcium with my pred in the mornings for ages.

[September17 in reply to powerwalk]

Thank you so much. I too was taking calcium with my pred and other meds a.m, then 2nd one at bedtime. Will take your advice!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to September17]

2-3 hours difference is fine. And a bit of fat along with the calcium/vit D helps it get from the gut. Not much, a cup of tea with milk is probably enough.

[September17 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you very much PMRpro for your excellent advice.!

[powerwalk in reply to HeronNS]

Thank you. For this.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Depends on the t-score. Mine were about -1-ish and have slid marginally in 7 years on pred without anything other than calcium and vit D. But that is still nowhere near osteoporosis.

And stopping pred is a cock-eyed approach: that would leave you immobile and immobility is a primary risk factor for loss of bone density.

[powerwalk in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you. Will infinite with calcium etc and K2 as suggested by heronNS. Anything to help!

[powerwalk in reply to powerwalk]

Continue not infinite don't know where that came from