osteoporosis

[Predderman2020]

Hi - Sorry I was unable to include this image two days ago, but now finally managed. These are my bone scan results. Are they very serious? I am taking Vit D (4,000 iu) and big Calcium religiously (now, out of fear) and upped the walking to 50 mins per day. Difficult because of fatigue lately. Do you have any hints/comments? Thanks! T

[SnazzyD]

Looks like your overall T score has just dipped into the osteoporosis range (below -2.5), with the the upper back area being the worst with -3.8. The rest of the T scores of the hip and the rest of the spine are hovering around the borderline. You need to have a full discussion of the risks and future treatment and follow-up scans. Before you do so, have a read of this advice sheet because it is so much better with these things to go in informed. That way you can ask the right questions and above all you’ll think of them before you get there, not on the way home!

theros.org.uk/media/womm0us...

[Predderman2020 in reply to SnazzyD]

Thanks. Very useful. T

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to SnazzyD]

What am I missing? I can only see the readings for the lumbar region L1-L4?

[Predderman2020 in reply to PMRpro]

thanks - the only other reading was for hip which is borderline between green zone and yellow : T score -1.2, and Z score -0.7. Sorry for not being able to put that image up. Thanks. T

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Predderman2020]

Ah, right - judging by my OH who has very similar spinal results, you could end up with a fractured vertebra if you were to fall. And that one with a low BMD gets worse there is a risk of compression fractures. On the whole, spinal values tend to be lower than hip values - and your hip value is very good. It's not really anything to panic about I would have thought - just don't take up high speed sports maybe?

[SnazzyD in reply to PMRpro]

No, I’m doing a stupid.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to SnazzyD]

I wondered if there was another post I'd missed - in which case I thought it was me doing a stupid

[Predderman2020 in reply to PMRpro]

Couldn’t happen! Thanks. I was freaked a bit by Dexa, so trying to increase walking exercise, and taper - not a good idea by the way. Feeling bad now.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Predderman2020]

The mix you mean? No, I wouldn't recommend it, do one thing at a time!

[Predderman2020 in reply to Predderman2020]

Understood. Definitely a lapse in judgement.

[piglette]

What is your doctor recommending?

[Predderman2020 in reply to piglette]

He says ‘Yes, your spinal bone density is low and this will need addressing.

Regarding your steroids -the aim is to tail them down progressively. I wouldn’t play around with this as if your Polymyalgia relapses you will end up needing more steroids. Proceed as we had agreed in your prior appointment.

Regarding your vitamin D – we need your levels to be normal so take Vit D4000iu daily until this is the case. We can only check the levels twice a year, however.’

Good advice in principle. Trouble is he advises a faster taper which did not, and will not, suit me. I was at 15 from 20, now back up after feeling very bad. Temporarily. How long do you think I should stay at 20 to knock the relapse out?

[piglette in reply to Predderman2020]

I find most doctors are hell bent on a faster taper. You can improve your bone density by wearing a heavy jacket and also weight lifting. Some ideas can be found in the internet.

[Predderman2020 in reply to piglette]

Is any weight on any part of the body going to have a beneficial effect? Eg: would upper arm exercises help with the spine despite not directly exercising the muscles around that part of the body? Thanks!

[piglette in reply to Predderman2020]

WebMD has quite a good article at webmd.com/osteoporosis/feat...

[Predderman2020 in reply to piglette]

Thank you. Tim

[Kendrew in reply to Predderman2020]

Hi there.

I'm on Alendronic acid as I do have osteoporosis but would suggest you also look at YouTube and 'search' :- 'Divine Journey Yoga' with Trish Harris. She does many different yoga classes specifically for osteoporosis, and focus's on the 12 positions for strengthening bones as devised by Dr. Loren Fishman. He did extensive studies and research and the selected stretches and poses all work at developing muscles and bones, but in a very gentle way. Yoga may not be your thing, and I didn't realise it was mine, but I do actually feel improvement in my general core strength and since starting in January I've been able to increase my walking time from 30mins daily to 1hr some days, and have been sleeping significantly better....both in quality and duration of sleep. I also find it very calming and relaxing. I'm due another dexa scan in a few months and will let people know if there's been any significant improvement. Will be interesting to see!

I would definitely Google Trish and find out about her, and also Dr. Loren Fishman.

Hope that helps.

[Predderman2020 in reply to Kendrew]

I will do - thank you. Tim

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Predderman2020]

Using arm muscles does involve using back muscles too - that is part of the trouble with myofascial pain syndrome, I can't carry things without it impinging on the lats and piriformis.

[Predderman2020 in reply to PMRpro]

OK - will do those - my wife wants to see me with 'ripped' upper body, so no excuse now.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Predderman2020]

Photos?????