Dexa scan

[bakingD]

My dexa scan showed osteopenia score -2.2, some area i.e. L3 were 3.2.My rheumy prescribed adcal D3 should I take it ?am on 7mg prednisolone at the moment- I saw a note from PMR pro that said all ladies postmenopausal have osteopenia!would rather not take stuff I don't need!

thanks everyone

[HeronNS]

Don't take it at the same time as pred as they interfere with each other. Also, no point taking more than 500 mg calcium in a single dose as body can only absorb that amount at one time. If your prescription is for more, divide the dose. Easier on digestion to have it with a meal. So pred for breakfast and calcium for lunch and dinner or bedtime snack. Also, consider getting a Vitamin K2 (not K1) supplement as it works with D and is actually the substance which directs calcium to the bones.

[Floridafan in reply to HeronNS]

Hi there, does your doctor prescribe the K2 tablets or do you buy them yourself? What dosage is best and do all the different brands of tablets do the same job? Sorry for all the questions but I’m new to all this, just been diagnosed 2 months ago. Thanks for any information you can give me.

[yogabonnie]

do not take it. ! That isn't even osteoporosis if the other number is +3.2 and not -.

[bakingD in reply to yogabonnie]

sorry got the numbers wrong hip was -1.8 spine was overall -2.2 some areas worse than other- so moderate osteopenia but bet a lot of postmenopausal women not on steroids are the same!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You DO need Adcal or its like - and be grateful he didn't insist on alendronic acid! HeronNS has provided the when to take it details. Taking calcium/vit D supplements when on pred reduces the risk of the osteopenia progressing - proven in a study.

[bakingD in reply to PMRpro]

Great thanks

[piglette]

I take vit D and calcium recommended by my GP to fight the steroid side effects. I was also found to have vit D deficiency although my Dexascan was fine. I am post menopausal and do not have osteopenia!

[bakingD in reply to piglette]

Thanks for that

[Telian]

I take it exactly the same as Heron advises, particularly split the dose and get K2 to help absorb in the right places.

[bakingD]

Is aledronic bad to take ?one consultant wants me to think about it but another thrums I saw for a second opinion saw my DEXA scan result and didn’t mention it??advice please am on 7mg. Pred

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to bakingD]

More information about your dexascan result would be helpful - the t-scores would be enough,

[bakingD in reply to PMRpro]

T score -2.2. Frax score 9.9 per cent major fracture and 1.6 per cent hip fracture.Am on adcal bd and vit k2 just started when I saw scan result!!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to bakingD]

You are definitely in the region of considering it. However HeronNS on here improved her score from -2.1 (treatment to be considered) to -1.6 (no intervention required) in a year just with supplements, diet and exercise.

[bakingD in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks very interesting