DEXA scan results and thanks to this forum.

[Daisyfield]

Firstly thanks to this forum for the advice about alendronic acid and dexa scans.

In brief, I was diagnosed with PMR in April started pred in May. My GP wanted me to go on AA because I'd broken a bone a few years back and there was the assumption I was low bone density. (I mentioned it was a spectacular fall, and that all bones can break) and so she reluctantly sent the request for a dexa scan, as I said I didn't want to take AA. I have just (dexa done 12th June) got my scan results and I am normal for hip and femoral neck and just over the border and slightly osteopoenic in spine. So AA not advised, but calcium and Vit D and impact exercise.

I'm so glad I had it done so I have a baseline to compare to in the future.

I hope I can follow others here who have successfully increased bone density.

Thanks again...I wouldn't have had this advice if it weren't for this forum.

[Hidden]

Great. It shows they should give everyone a scan. You can make informed choices then. 🌻

[Daisyfield in reply to Hidden]

I wonder what the differential is between scan cost and long term AA cost? I agree...it should be mandatory.

[Hidden in reply to Daisyfield]

That would be interesting to know. I may have my Friday night planned out😉

[Hidden in reply to Daisyfield]

Sadly as AA 70mg weekly tablet is @ 86p for 4 I think it has the edge in cheapness. No wonder they are trying to hand them out like smarties.

[Daisyfield in reply to Hidden]

Oh dear. And another aspect of wanting the dexa scan is knowing about my bones and making decisions about potentially risky activities if my bones had been very bad.

[Kathymilner in reply to Hidden]

Poopadoop have you read on line about AA. The GP told my husband to look it up before going back on after a break from it. It can cause irreversible thinning of the the jaw bone, he has been on low dose preds for 30 yrs for an entirely different illness. After reading about AA I have stopped taking it too.

Regards Mathy xx

[Hidden in reply to Kathymilner]

Yes. I was concerned as my dad took it after years of steroids for copd and my sister has been on it a few years for another autoimmune condition (cytosis). My dad did get really bad osteoporosis the last few years of his life. I worry about my sister taking it as she has been on it at least 5years. I sent her all the research about taking a holiday from AA but she still go on drs orders. If you have osteoporosis then fine but it needs to be administered effectively.

[HeronNS in reply to Daisyfield]

Not to mention the cost of receiving unnecessary medication with potential life altering side effects.

[piglette]

I had a telephone call from a GP the other day as my blood markers had risen astronomically. I did not really know her but the first thing she said “you have been on steroids a long time ... you should take Alendronic Acid”. I said shouldn’t you check my Dexascan first? I then pointed out I had had one recently. She eventually found it on her screen and said “you have pretty good results”. If I had not said anything she would have happily prescribed Alendronic Acid. My surgery are rather keen on it as it has been pushed on me by another GP too. My Dexascan is in the positive range.

[Daisyfield in reply to piglette]

Yes...I was made to feel as if I was being reckless not taking it.

[Longtimer in reply to piglette]

Methinks there must be a gain somewhere for surgeries pushing AA...or am I just being suspicious!!..😉

[Hidden in reply to Longtimer]

It's cheaper than chips!

[Hidden in reply to piglette]

Omg. Sometimes I would like to lock them in the surgery and make them swallow the handful of pills they prescribe for someone. You go from pred to pred, ppi and AA before you know what's wrong with you. Hope I haven't forgotten any.

[jinasc]

theros.org.uk/information-a...

I also take a Vit D tablets, a maintenance dose of 25ug per day. I just buy them at Boots just over a fiver for 90 tablets. I have done this since I had Vit D deficiency......... bones still at 97%.

Just a thought, if you have been prescribed Calichew (which has very little Vit D in them) the rule is pred am and VitD lunchtime.