AA, COVID BOOSTER & PRED TIMING

[Rymer]

Hi all you lovely people. I have a couple of queries some of which I am sure might have been addressed before but I just need to be sure so.....

I have just had the results of my Dexa scan (done in July 21!!) and my doctor has prescribed AA. Given some of the comments on the site I just wanted to check that this was necessary. My Dexa results was a diagnosis of Osteopenia with Lumber spine Tscore -2.0, Femeral neck Tscore -2.4. Given the quite strict guidance in taking these I am a bit wary of adding more tablets for my stomach to digest. What would you advise?

Secondly I have a Covid Booster booked for 7.45 pm (only time at a place that was accessible!) and I usually take my Pred during my dinner between 7 - 8 pm but on this occaision will not be eating dinner until about 8.30. I am currently on week 2 of the 5 week taper and coming down from 8 to 7.5 mg of Pred. Is it ok to take the Pred as usual just after the Booster or should I delay it or take it earlier. I didn't have much of a reaction to my second jab but I do feel (my view only) that this did start when I had my first jab so again a little wary about doing the 'right' thing.

Thanks so much in advance for the advice and lovely concern that I know will follow and please forgive me if I don't reply inidividually to each of you but just know that I will by very grateful and, as always, listening to all that you say. Warm regards. Jean

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

You may not need AA, but have a look at the posts under bone health etc on FAQs - plenty of info and this recent post -.healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

..and as stated in there it depends on your own family circumstance in respect of osteoporosis.

Hopefully you are already on vitaminD/calcium supplement.

I took AA for 4 years with no issues, but it not for everybody.

As for booster jab - you could take Pred before you go with a snack -think that’s what I would do.

[Rymer in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks very much. I forgot to mention that I have been on Calcium toothpaste for a couple of years as prescribed by my dentist. Would that have any bearing on anything. There is no osteoporosis in my family history.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Rymer]

Unless you’re eating the toothpaste I guess it’s only working on teeth. 😊

As there’s no osteoporosis in family then AdcalD3 or similar should be enough along with good diet and bone strengthening exercises.

Did the report with the DEXA scan provide any additional advice?

[Rymer in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks again. What are bone strengthening exercises? Sorry to be so naive but never really been a great lover of exercise although I am now consciously trying to walk at least 6000 steps a day.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Rymer]

Here are some from the same site PMRpro Linked previously - theros.org.uk/information-a...

Plenty on YouTube as well

[Rymer in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks - I missed PMRpro’s link - sorry.

[HeronNS in reply to Rymer]

Basically weight-bearing. Walking. Walking with Nordic poles. Walking with a weighted vest. Descending stairs (climbing stairs good for the heart). Tai chi. Some types of yoga or zumba. Anything which strengthens muscles, including swimming, although swimming itself is not weight-bearing.

[Rymer in reply to HeronNS]

Great thanks

[HeronNS in reply to Rymer]

Apparently stronger muscles exert a greater pull on bones. Who knew? 😊

[Rymer in reply to HeronNS]

We live and we learn.thanks

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Those values are borderline for osteoporosis and would trigger a recommendation for more medication than just calcium and vit D. The hip scre in particular is close to osteoporosis and that is the fracture they are most keen to avoid a risk of. Why not call the ROS helpline and discuss it with them?

theros.org.uk/

[Rymer in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks so much for your thoughts. The report says ‘10 year probability of major fracture is 18% and the 10 year probability of hip fracture is 5.1%’ which does sound low. What is the ROS helpline?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Rymer]

The Royal Osteoporosis Society helpline will discuss your options with you, That's the link I gave you,

[piglette]

Taking your pred before or after your jab should be fine. You are only talking about an hour or two difference.

[Rymer in reply to piglette]

Great thanks.