Something New to Worry About

[Tonch]

To my dismay, have just been Dx osteopeanic T femur -0.9, spine -1.6. Yet to see GP but likely to consider Bisphosphonates as recommended on report. I’m 59 yr man currently on 6mg down from 15mg 3 months ago and taper going very well so far. I also have very bad teeth with an extraction every 6 months or so - hereditary as dad did too. Should I refuse? I have a good diet and already take D3, K, Mg & Ca supplements and drink lots of milk -Calcium intake high. I’m also a very active and fit fell runner. Question is : should I take them, or just taper off Pred ASAP? Thanks for advice on this.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

-0.9 is not osteopenieic - it is in normal range. -1.6 is pretty much normal for our age group and nowhere near osteoporosis and spine frequently has a lower score than femur.

Tapering off pred is NOT going to help as that will leave you immobile because of PMR symptoms which is an even greater risk factor for loss of bone density. The following is some useful reading:

nof.org/patients/diagnosis-...

betterbones.com/testing/sma...

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

Dexascan results are variable, even on the same day and the same machine - see the betterbones article. The last one is from a member of the community who had worse figures than you and used only supplements and exercise to improve her readings.

[Tonch in reply to PMRpro]

Many thanks for such a rapid and reassuring reply. As you know, I’m a ‘worrier’ , so really appreciated to have it put into perspective.

[Christophene in reply to Tonch]

Agree with PMR pro. I don't think there is anything to worry about. Relax.

[Marilyn1959]

Hi PaulBut. I agree with others that your results are currently in the norm range. In order to take Bisphosphates your dental health needs to be in good shape. Obviously yours isn't. You are currently on 6 mgs, tapering well.

So looking at the whole, unless you are prepared to have your teeth out beforehand, to take a med you probably don't need at the moment, I would hold fire and worry about it at a later date if need be. Meanwhile as Christophene advises - chill!