Further Update

[Mitziecat]

Hi

Following on from my previous update, I have now had a conversation with my GP regarding my follow up Dexa Scan result and it did not go well. The advice was still to take AA and this was put across very strongly. My GP is very good and I know she has my best interest at heart but I still declined. I argued that in a year the score in my right hip and some areas of my spine showed improvement. She argued that my score had got slightly worse in my left hip & tipped it into the osteoporosis range at -2.6. L2 & L4 up fractionally but still Osteopenia. Completely ignored the areas of my spine that had improved (total spine now -1.0). Suggested that I go back to the Rheumatologist as he had agreed to me having a year without AA and then do a repeat scan.

I saw him privately yesterday as there was quite a wait for the NHS review appointment. He reviewed both scans, took the improvement into account, plus my age and post menopausal factors and said that he didn’t think it was that bad. Borderline for recommending AA so was happy for me not to take it as long as I continued weight bearing exercise and good nutrition. He discussed my low backache due to slight change in L2 &4. Checked my muscle strength & didn’t think it was PMR related as strength in my legs, hips and flexibility/mobility’s was good.. However, he has done X-rays of my back, pelvis & hip. Also full bloods, so will await the result. He also stopped my Adcal as he reviewed my previous blood results and agreed that it has always been on the upper scale of normal so calcium not required. Again advised to ensure it is in my diet.. He has advised Vitamin D only and agreed that I continue with K2.

Unless there is a cause, I don’t think I will ask for another scan for a few years. Take care everyone & as always thanks for your support.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Sounds like a good rheumy who will take the entire picture into consideration.

[Mitziecat in reply to PMRpro]

He is very good and that is why I chose not to wait for a review appointment for his clinic and see him for a one off private one. The GP also suggested referring me to the bone clinic but I decide to stick with my Rheumatologist as he also examined for any PMR symptoms and is doing a complete blood test including bone screen (not sure what he is looking for).

[Theziggy]

Sounds good. as does your Rheumy.

All im all a good result.

[Mitziecat in reply to Theziggy]

He is good and he listens. Thank you for your reply.

[jinasc]

Yup he sounds good and it is good he has stopped the Calcium which you do not need.

I only wish that mine had been checked before they dished out, what I now call 'just in case', I ran into Pseudo Gout in the knee ...............too much Calcium. Needless to say, no more 'just in cases'.

[Mitziecat in reply to jinasc]

I didn’t have Adcal prescribed when I was on steroids so felt it came maybe a bit late. Also as my blood tests have always been good and I upped my calcium dietary intake, didn’t think I needed it. However, didn’t want to decline both medications. I did decrease it to one a day with GP Consent.

Interesting about the Gout. I did a lot of reading about it also and was worried about calcium being laid down in my arteries and kidneys.

[Blearyeyed]

Thank goodness that you seem to have a sensible Rheumy.

With that backing the GP will have to admit defeat on this one.

Good luck with your Bone Health Self Care , it seems to be doing you well.

[Mitziecat in reply to Blearyeyed]

Thank you for your good wishes. I just need to be more disciplined with the exercise. Hard when you are tired from working and the winter months ahead 😔