Bone scan

[Healthworrier]

Today I have been for a bone scan. I expected it to be ok. Unfortunately it wasn't. I have osteoporosis score of minus 3.4. I have been refusing alendronic acid as it is contraindicated for people with barrets esophagus my gp did not accept this. So again hand in pocket I am seeing someone privately next week. I would be interested to hear how others get on with medication other than biophosphates. Many thanks.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

There are bisphosphonates that are administered as infusions - and they are fine for patients with Barretts.

versusarthritis.org/about-a...

You should file a complaint about the GP - it says very clearly that oral bisphosphonates are not to be used in cases with Barretts or other swallowing problems. You should NOT have to go privately for something that is acknowledged by the medical community as a fact.

[jinasc]

I completely agree with PMRpro..........I would ring the Practice Manager and explain the situation and them tell him you are taking further advice.

The National Osteoporosis Website also has a load of information and I would have a word with them.................you should not have to pay privately just because one GP does not agree with proven facts.

[HeronNS]

Have you been investigated for possible reasons for that t-score? It's not just medications like pred which can affect some people's bone density. There are other conditions. One I've heard about quite a bit on the Bones forum is an issue with the parathyroid glands (nothing to do with thyroid itself). If these are not functioning properly no diet, exercise or medication will improve bone density; once treated bone density returns to normal. So it's worth making sure everything is working as it should before venturing on the osteoporosis medication route. Whatever you do, please do all the so-called natural things as well as this can do no harm and may well help you. Especially as none of the bone medications should be taken for more than a couple of years. Don't rush into anything. With a condition like this you have time to do your research and find a way which will work best for you.

[Healthworrier in reply to HeronNS]

Thanks for your reply. I have been on 30mg lansoprazole for about five or six years. It's only now that I have found out that it can contribute to osteoporosis. I wonder if that is responsible for the problem. Shame no one told me. Interesting about parathyroid will investigate. Many thanks

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Healthworrier]

Before being put on AA or the like you need to have your blood calcium and vit D levels checked and they should provide an indication of parathyroid involvement if that is the case. Having parathyroid hormone estimated is conclusive.

[Marilyn1959 in reply to PMRpro]

Hi PMRPRO. Can you clarify please? What is parathyroid involvement? Having parathyroid hormone estimated is conclusive of what? I am particularly interested in understanding since I too have osteoporosis and have refused AA, but Rheumy wants me to have the annual jab - (forget the name of it but will need to have rest of my teeth out first if I go this route). However my calcium and Vit d levels in bloods are fine, (though Vit d was deficient a couple of years back at one time pre PMR and pre pred).

[HeronNS in reply to Marilyn1959]

endocrineweb.com/conditions...

[yogabonnie]

Read the book Your Bones by Lara Pizzorno. Good luck! I have 3.4 in my wrist. But not taking AA. -2.7 spine and femur ... I think you can make yourself stronger. .and your bones! without Meds other than calcium and vitamin K2M7 magnesium and D3

[Healthworrier in reply to yogabonnie]

That sounds encouraging. I really don't want to take more medication. Are you taking prednisolone? How has your gp reacted? Have just added vit k2 to my arsenal. Wishing you all the best. 😊

[yogabonnie in reply to Healthworrier]

hi. has to be fit K2M7... I am on prednisone. Started at 15 mg. Nov2017 now at 5mg. had a dexa scan when i started and another a year later and I my bones were better by .01 !!!!! I have a terrific GP he listens to what I say. He is always open to reading any article I bring him or comments from this site. On the reports he has to do he writes things like Plan for patient in the future: Keep on living life! He know I won't EVER take AA but is willing to test my bones anyway. Always encouraging!

[HeronNS]

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[alvertta]

I have acid reflux. My family doc plans to give me a shot as needed. Nothing oral.