Dexa scan

[GrannyDi]

As I've previously said I had concerns about taking AA.....I saw my GP who was happy for me to have a Dexa scan and I had it done within 3 days ( 5* to NHS)...I haven't yet seen GP but I can view the results on line...they are as follows

ABNORMAL

T Score

Lumber spine -0.2

Total left hip -1.3

Left NOF -2.2

Initial disappointment seeing abnormal but hubby has cross referenced them (beyond me and my brain fog !)...and he thinks they're not too bad....I've been reading a lot about the different diets... Anti inflammatory... Low carb... and now micro nutrients...and have tried to come up with a balance and have managed to lose 2lb of the 9lbs I initially put on since February...I'm not sure what the docs going to say about the Dexa but I'd appreciate your thoughts on those results...Di

..

[Insight329]

First, good job on getting your DEXA scan done!!!

Categories of bone health from World Health Organization:

-Normal (T-score -1.0 and above)

-Osteopenia, low bone mass (T-score between -1.0 and -2.5)

-Osteoporosis (T-score -2.5 and below)

-Severe Osteoporosis (T-score -2.5 and below with history of a fracture)

Your hubby is right. None of your scores are in the osteoporosis range yet. Did they tell you what your FRAX score is?

I'm also considered "Osteopenia"; I passed on AA. I pleaded my case with my doctor, whom had already prescribed Fosamax for me before I'd even had my DEXA Scan. He said yes to stopping the Fosamax in favor of diet and exercise.

Here's what I used to argue my case. healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk....

[GrannyDi in reply to Insight329]

Thanks for your reply...I'm part way through reading the links you sent..takes some absorbing...you have been amazing in what you have achieved...have I got that staying power and commitment ?...who knows but I'm certainly going to give things a try.....Di

[Insight329 in reply to GrannyDi]

Thanks GrannyDi for your kinds words. However, not really 'amazing'. I am a bit of wimp (conflict avoidant) so I emailed it all to my doc first. It gave him time to look it over so when I went in he knew my argument and he was agreeable. (He's one of the sensible doctors.) I'm not saying my decision is the right one for everyone but I'm very happy to be off of them.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

The left NOF reading is quite low - not osteoporosis but heading that way. I can see your GP insisting on AA - they are taught to regard pred as a high risk for fracture.

HersonNS had a similar reading and in a year improved the reading by about 0.4 taking her to the range where it was considered no treatment was required. No AA.

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[GrannyDi in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for your reply and link..Yes got a feeling the GP will say it's for the best....couple of weeks before I see her so time to think about it..Di

[HeronNS in reply to GrannyDi]

I now know of a number of people who have been successful with the non drug method. I can't tell you not to take the drugs but I can tell you that provided you do follow the natural protocol quite carefully you also are likely to be successful in improving your t-score without drugs. I'd recommend doing the natural stuff anyway, even if you do opt for AA. All the best!

[GrannyDi in reply to HeronNS]

Thankyou HeronNS for your supportive reply...lots more reading to be done I think...I hate the idea of not at least trying even if all in vain...Di

[Sandy1947 in reply to PMRpro]

I have osteoporosis, took all the drugs. On Prednisone 8 mg, PMR 11 months. Love to walk. Saturday 4.5 miles, Sunday 5.5 miles but not all at once...amount on my phone at the end of the day. Stress fracture on Monday. Broke a bone in my foot. Did not fall, no clue how it happened. Is Prednisone weakening my bones? Should I just ride the bike which I hate? No Zumba for a few weeks. Help!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Sandy1947]

You can develop stress fractures in the metatarsals quite easily with or without osteoporosis.

Is the osteoporosis confirmed by dexascan? What management have they recommended as a result of the scan?

[Sandy1947 in reply to PMRpro]

Yes, osteoporosis has been confirmed. Got Prolio prior to PMT and Reclast this year. Glad to learn stress fractures may not be related to osteoporosis. However, I think in my case they are, Prednisone causes weak bones.

[marigoldb in reply to Sandy1947]

I too have osteoporosis, have had fractures, and am about to start on daily Forsteo injections, which are said to build new bone.

PMRpro do you know of others taking this, and has it helped? I am down to 3 and 1/2 mg pred now, also have really low bp these days.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to marigoldb]

I think there are a few but not sure who they are. It actively builds bone, on a totally different principle. I think it is really what should be offered to people who already have fractures. But I'm not an expert.

[marigoldb in reply to PMRpro]

Thankyou for your reply PMRpro. Would love to hear if there are others out there who are taking it, and how are you coping?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to marigoldb]

By the way - it would be better to start a new thread and ask your question. That way people will see it - only those actively following a thread are likely to see questions asked in the middle of an existing one.

[marigoldb in reply to PMRpro]

I am unsure where I write a new thread about the Forsteo question I have? Help!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to marigoldb]

At at the left corner of the top of the page you will see a small house and the word Home. Click on that and at the top in the middle of the page that comes up you will see a box with "What's your question?" Click on that and a page will come up where you can write your post. You also have the choice of it being classified as a post or a question - makes no difference to it appearing, just how it is listed under your profile.

[marigoldb in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you PMRpro, have done it

[Flrchrs in reply to Sandy1947]

hi sandy

if you dont like cycling do bother as it has no effect on bones and some thoughts that it may cause bone loss! chris boardman had to give up cycling in his thirties due to being Osteopenia.now jogs . i hate jogging though .

i take AA but regret starting it as need a tooth extracted dentist wont touch it waiting for hospital appointment.i was -2.5 .bit of a shock

[Sandy1947 in reply to Flrchrs]

Thanks for the helpful information. I love walking. When I’m in NYC I could easily do 5-8 miles. The Dr. seems to think it may be too much. He couldn’t give me a safe distance that could possibly limit fractures. Great! I did an upper body weight class that was a half hour. My foot is actually better.

[karools16 in reply to Sandy1947]

This reminds me of the time, a few years ago,when I went out walking, after a very successful artery bypass, in my leg, which had prevented me from any walking. I broke a bone in my foot, without a fall. Surgeon said I was too keen and had walked too far. Xray showed fracture of metatarsal.Soon healed.

[Sandy1947]

Thanks sharing your similar experience. Orthopedist gave me a huge boot which I believe is more to collect $ from insurance company. I have an old small blue boot which feels more manageable. Can’t drive with huge, clunky boot so who needs it?

How long did it take to heal your fracture? I am leaving for San Anotio, Texas next Friday. Guess I need some boot!