Dexa scan

[Lyndaki]

Hi,

Ive been on Prednisolone since November 2018, starting at 60mg, & currently down to 5. I also take Alendronic Acid once a week, plus Lanzoprazole & Ad-Cal daily as well as a vitamin D, vitamin B, & magnesium supplements (the last 3 by my own choice, not prescribed) I’ve never had a Dexa Scan. Should I have had one by now or isn’t it necessary?

Thank you in advance!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

You could ask for one out of interest - and if okay, you could then stop the AA. Actually you could probably stop it anyway, unless you are in the category that really need it as you’re on such a low dose.

Just a query , as you’re on AdCal why are you taking extra VitD?

[SnazzyD]

You could also take Vit K2 to help the calcium to get to the bones rather than the arteries.

I’ll echo what DL says and check whether you are taking Adcal and Vit D.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Ideally it would be done within the first 3 months of pred because it is thought most of the bone density loss happens then. Then you have a baseline to work from over time. But it wouldn't hurt to know if it meant you could stop the AA since after 2 1/2 years you are due a medication holiday.

[Lyndaki]

Thanks all! I was taking Vit D if my own volition but almost finished the jar now so will switch to K2 instead if that’s more beneficial. I think basically I was throwing everything at it....originally including Vit C & Zinc....to combat any possibility of getting CV19!! But not taking the last 2 now. I will check with rheumatologist.....when I eventually see one!....re necessity of taking AA or whether to have a scan.

Thanks again

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Lyndaki]

I’ve been taking VitC for years -when late hubby was first ill with heart issues and I was still working - and didn't want to bring cold sniffles home. Still taking it. Did also add in zinc some years ago whilst still on Pred - still continue with that as well.

[Thelmarina in reply to DorsetLady]

My consultant niece said that zinc was the thing when it comes to colds

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Thelmarina]

Have to say between zinc & VitC cannot remember last time I had a cold.

[Lyndaki in reply to DorsetLady]

That’s what I was told years ago & have used them wintertime ever since & rarely get colds

[TheMoaningViolet]

Hi, I would say that yes, of course, you should have a DEXA, but it may not be available during the current crisis unless there is a compelling reason to do so. In any case, one should ask and see what happens.

[Koalajane in reply to TheMoaningViolet]

My husbands had an appointment for a dexascan about 7 weeks ago and this was postponed and he has not had a new appointment yet

[piglette]

Yes go for a Dexascan, at least then you have some base information. Ad-cal is actually vitamin D and calcium, so it is not a good idea to double up, as you can overdose. You could ask for a vitamin D check as well next time you have a blood test.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

How much extra vit D are you taking?

[Lyndaki in reply to PMRpro]

1 25?g tablet a day.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Lyndaki]

The amount in the calcium/vit D supplements is low - that is fine then

[Lyndaki in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Lyndaki]

It's 25 mcg (microgrammes, also written as a u with a tail) which is 1000 IU. The calcium supplements usually have 400 IU. So you are at less than 2000 IU - I take 4000 at present.

[Lyndaki in reply to PMRpro]

Yes that’s right...I didn’t know how to write it!😂