Osteo in my lower back

[Slosh]

Hi,

went for a DEXA on Thursday alst and I have Osteoporosis in my lower back. I had a Dexa when I was first diagnosed Feb 2017. They only did my left hip then (I think ) and I had Osteopeania then. So still just Osteopenia in that hip now.

I muxt say that I have had really bad back ache lately.

Just wanting to know what everyone else does to increase bone mass. I do take Vit D3 but possibly not enough. I seem not to absorb Vit D well. Even in Africa after summer and as brown as a berry I would have low D levels.

I am going to start using my mini trampoline more too.

Thanks

[PMRpro Ambassador]

"Even in Africa after summer and as brown as a berry I would have low D levels."

That's why - brown skin has the same effect as a moderate sun screen. A light tan is about factor 12. And it is claimed that factor 8 reduces the amount of vit D made in skin by about 90%!

You do also need a decent level of calcium in your diet - or a supplement. What are your t-scores?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to PMRpro]

I saw something on The One Show (11th September) - about the amount of VitD we need - and are getting. Four different people, ages, lifestyles and ethnicity, tested for a week .....as you say those with darker skins don’t absorb as much from sunshine as those with darker skins.

Full programme - can’t just download clip - bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m...

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to DorsetLady]

I can't see it - banned in Italy!!! Or anywhere this side of the channel.

That is the primary problem with the BAME community and low vit D, compounded by the clothing and lifestyle not being out in the sun. And next to nothing in any diet. But the problem has spread to white ethnicities - because of Factor 50 being slapped all over ever time they go out the door. Southampton hospital has seen white children with rickets!

[Slosh in reply to PMRpro]

Absolutely! I said at the beginning of Covid that the BAME community was having worse outcomes due to low Vit D.

I am however Caucasian and never use sunblock.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Slosh]

Me too and me neither! But without a supplement my vit D level slowly plumbs the depths. Same with OH who probably spends much more time in the sun than I do - I find sitting in the sun as he does far too hot.

[Slosh in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you. I was wondering over and above Vit D what other supplements. exercise, foods etc people are using.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Slosh]

Have a look at this link - theros.org.uk/information-a...

[Slosh in reply to PMRpro]

Oh right that is so interesting. I would start off pale after winter - but would fairly quickly get really brown.

I wasn’t eating much dairy and not really taking a supplement either. I am now - along with Mg, Vit D3 and K2.

T levels?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Slosh]

t-scores are the guide to the stage of osteopenia or osteoporosis you are at. Osteopenia is a very broad rnge - from almost normal to almost osteoporosis.

[Slosh in reply to PMRpro]

Oh right - thanks. And no don’t haves those yet.

They will be sending it through to my NHS doctor. I will have to find my first results - as those were done privately.

[AliD23]

I had a Dexa scan last month, Which was timely, as it occurred at the start of my PMR diagnosis. The GP said I had Osteopenia, with a T score of 2.2 (lumber), and 1.9 (hips). He has prescribed Adcal (calcium carbonate, 750mg plus D3 200 iu) daily, and a once a week Alendronic Acid (70 mg) tablet. This is to stop progression to Osteoporosis.

I also had previous issues with natural Vit D absorption and had been taking a Daily over the counter dose which has been superseded by the above meds. I am in the UK, hope this helps!

[Slosh in reply to AliD23]

Than you so much.