dexa scan and AA

[Blackcat1M]

Well this morning i made the visit to see my Dr regarding the Dexa scan.

After reading it she said it would be advised for you to have AA, and i replied that i would like to decline the offer giving her my reasons for not taking it, and her reply was oh yes i see what you mean.

I let her see what Vit.D i was on, and said i thought i might need some Calcium as well, could she let me have some on prescription, her reply was keep taking the Vit D, and you have enough Calcium in your diet.

Regarding the pain i have in my temple and, around the ear, and down my neck she is sending me to the Oral and Maxillofacial surgery dept.

So we will see what the outcome will be.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

Good that your doctor has agreed with your decision not to take AA, but I’m surprised she hasn’t agreed to VITD/Calcium supplement. Guides recommend it should prescribed. See below -

Para 6 ) We recommend the use of bone protection when initiating steroids for PMR to prevent the complications of osteoporosis (A􏰁).

A. Individuals with high fracture risk, e.g. aged over 65 years or prior fragility fracture

􏰀 Bisphosphonate with calcium and vitamin D supplementation

􏰀 DEXA not required

B. Other individuals

􏰀 Calcium and vitamin D supplementation when starting steroid therapy.

􏰀 DEXA scan recommended

􏰀 A bone-sparing agent may be indicated if T-score is -1.5 or lower.

C. Individuals requiring higher initial steroid doses

􏰀 Bisphosphonate with calcium and vitamin D supplementation (because higher cumulative steroid dose is likely)

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Yes - but we are on pred - and we lose calcium through the kidneys so having extra in the form of supplements was shown in a study to help reduce loss of bone density.

[Blearyeyed]

It's good that they are taking the precaution to send you to the OM Department for checks that no damage has occurred on your TMJoint.

That makes a nice change to hear that a Rheumy listens and agrees with your point of view , a relief , you know you don't have to worry that they and your GP will keep trying to push it at other appointments.

DL put a great piece of information up for you .

I would recommend the Calcium and possibly VitK2 .

Herons past posts may give you some more pointers to help with more natural and lifestyle choices to improve your bone health too.

[Tamtan2]

Hi there pleased with your decision not to take AA I am awaiting a sliding Hiatus hernia op due to Taking AA I have a protruding tummy and my breathing is awful Not Feeling great at The moment. Has anyone had pain from head to shoulders causing stiffness .....can’t turn my head to right this is new to me. Thanks

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Tamtan2]

Mine is due to myofascial pain syndrome affecting shoulder muscles and lats and low back. It is more common in patients with PMR, it is caused by the same inflammatory substances but they are located in the fascia of the muscles (the transparent skin you will be familiar with from joints of meat and poultry) and in concentrations forming hard knots of muscle fibres in large muscles. These can irritate nearby nerves and lead to referred pain into the upper arms and neck, around the ribs and in the lower back and into the upper legs.

[Tamtan2 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for that 🙏🏽

[Blackcat1M in reply to PMRpro]

Hello PMRpro, can you tell me please do you also have pain in your temple area,

I was due another ultrasound scan, but it has been cancelled,as they wanted to check that area and a swelling in my neck

I have had Myofascial for about 18 months now,and the pain some days is awful

Hope you are keeping well

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Blackcat1M]

Not really - it used to run up the back of my head, right to the top of the scalp. You have my sympathy!!!!