Recent Dexa scan results

[Viola1]

I was diagnosed with PMR in April 2018 and then GCA in June 2018. I needed 25mg of prednisone to control symptoms at first, the i took 60 mg and then 65 mg when GCA emerged, and have steadily tapered since then to my current dose of 16mg.

I have had 3 Dexascans: March 2010 (took Fosamax for 2 years after this); May 2018 and June 2019. My rheumatologist has been pushing Fosamax since the May 2018 scan, but I am reluctant to take it again. I would appreciate guidance on next steps.

I have been taking Calcium and D3 since 3/18 diagnosis, eating lots of greens, added K2 in November, and take Magnesium, B complex, C, CoQ10 and a probiotic. I walk 45 minutes 2-3 times a week, hike sometimes, and am pretty active, but have not been doing weight training. I plan to begin weight training.

Here's the results (T-scores) of the 2018 and 2019 scans. I don't have access to details from the 2010 scan, but will put in the percentage change.

Lumbar spine 2018: -2.8 (-1.5% over 8.1 years) 2019: -3.2 (-1.8% over 9.3 years)

Left total hip 2018: -1.1 (not significant) 2019: -1.6 (-0.8% over 9.3 years)

Left femoral neck 2018: -1.2 (not signifiant) 2019: -1.3 (not significant)

Thank you for your expert advice, as always! This website is such a great support.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

The femoral neck figures are fine - the spinal ones are low, but spinal ones tend to be lower, but the spine did deteriorate quite a bit in a year. I suspect that may well be why he's so keen on the AA.

All we can say here is what we would do and offer the arguments for NOT taking AA. If you were in the UK I would suggest looking at the ROS site (Royal Osteoporosis Society) and to phone the helpline. I assume there is an equivalent in the USA? I rea;;y don't know how concerning that deterioration in the spine over a year really is - I only know that spinal fractures are very painful.

[Viola1 in reply to PMRpro]

What are the main reasons people decide not to take fosamax? I wonder if my bone loss will slow now that my prednisone is lower.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Viola1]

Here, probably not needing it because their bone density is within the osteopenia range and doesn't require any intervention. I refuse to call it "treatment" as that medicalises a normal status. It also has side effects that make it unsuitable for anyone with gastric or swallowing issues and its long term use creates a fragile type of bone tissue where microcracks form and increase the risk of spontaneous fractures.

[Hidden]

Hi viola 1, your hip scores similar to mine but I can see the concern re spine. Mine were higher than hip, mainly because they overestimated due to existing OA and surgery scarring. Anything similar that could be similar as an explanation of increased spnie scores? Anyway here's the USA osteoporosis org website. ....you may get some info from there.

nof.org/about-us/about-nof/