Dexa scan

[Johnone1940]

I discussed the results of my dexa scan with my GP yesterday, he said that although the scan was normal that because i have been taking preds long term he wanted to prescribe me Aledronic acid and that should also continue taking the accrete d calcium tablets. I must admit that I am not keen on taking yet another medication if it isn’t absolutely necessary.

[jinasc]

Personally I would just stick with what you have been doing. Normal results mean 'normal'.

Why on earth would he want you to take AA as a ' just in case'. No way, for me there would have to be a good reason. I just don not understand why, especially as all drugs come with their own side effects and you are just adding more for something that at the present just does not need it. Baffles me.

BTW theros.org.uk/

Take a look at the above site knowledge is power.

BTW I had GCA for 4 years, Dexa scan every two years (after the first one at six months) bones never moved at all.

[cycli in reply to jinasc]

except to raise a tipple eh?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

The question is more how long have you been on pred and at what sort of doses, then and now.

Having looked - if you have been on pred for 8 years and are now at 5mg and have normal bone density I think your GP needs to think a bit. My bone density is still at a level that doesn't require intervention despite never having taken any more than calcium and vit D supplements. Nearly 4 years ago I told the local osteoporosis guru she needn't waste time considering my dexascan results with regard to what she would put me on and she was VERY sceptical - last autumn I took my latest results in for her to see, fully expecting her to want to add a bisphosphonate. Instead she just said she had never seen such good results (t-scores about -1.6) in anyone on pred and to just carry on with what I was doing.

Loss of bone density is not inevitable - and if it hasn't happened after 8 years at a higher dose of pred, it is unlikely to happen now at a low dose.

[piglette]

I have a GP like that. I have been on steroids for a while so I should take Alendronic Acid. He has obviously read it somewhere and it is on his tick off list. My bone density is fine, but every time I speak to him he brings it up.

[Johnone1940 in reply to piglette]

Looking at the replies that I have received i shall follow my instincts and leave the aledronic acid alone for the time being. I have been on 5 mg of preds or less for a few years now so I consider all in all it is the best course to follow. Thanks to you all for your considered replies .

[piglette in reply to Johnone1940]

I would try and get a copy of your results if you can.

[AdoptMeow in reply to Johnone1940]

Listening to Dr Ken Berry's YouTube videos on bone health will support your decision to decline AA.