Just got my DEXA scan results back via the NHS app. and seeing my GP on Monday to discuss the osteopenia diagnosis. T scores are: AP Spine -1.7; Femoral Leg -1.5; Total Hip -1.2.
2 months on, my PMR pain and stiffness is thankfully at bay on 12.5mg of prednisolone. but I'm hating the side effects, and fearful of adding yet more medication, given that I have been blessed with excellent health prior to this.
Finally beginning to feel human again for at least part of the day so Im determined to try anything that will help heal naturally. I’m back to walking every day and have just started using the Pilates for osteoporosis video on the UK NHS website. Also planning to mix in some yoga sessions for osteopenia which are available on YouTube.
I came across this video this morning via a Google search : Osteoporosis - There IS Something You Can Do. An Interview With Sara Meeks (P.T., M.S., G.C.S., K.Y.T).
Makes total sense to me, hence my question… do I really need to take the recommended Risedronate 35mg weekly? Thankfully my GP does listen!
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katzma
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Those t-scores wouldn't normally trigger use of a bisphosphonate - they are the same as mine were 13 years ago when I started pred and my GP agreed with me that that didn't need AA so I wouldn't start it unless regular dexascans showed I needed it. I've had 4 dexas, still OK and still no AA. The local osteoporosis guru who used to be n at me to take AA now just says to keep doing what I'm doing.
I think a good dose of vit D is important - I take 4000 IU a day, plenty of calcium in my diet and walk as much as I can manage which isn't that far, about a mile or so.
Your similar results experience is really encouraging and hopefully will help win the case against the more meds discussion! I will also ask about increasing the calcium and vit D supplements .
Many thanks for your invaluable input to everyone's endless questions😊
sInce having blood test revealing high cholesterol and recommended statins, I have stopped taking extra calcium, doubled up on vit D and refused statins. Hopefully makes some sense!
My cholesterol has also risen since Actemra - having had 2 bad experiences with statins my rheumy offered Ezetimibe. We'll see - it can also cause muscle aches and pains!!!!! But I doubt I would know ...
There seems to be a lot of dispute as to whether calcium supplements raise or lower cholesterol levels! Seems to raise HDL and possibly slight decrease LDL but the studies seem a bit varied in quality.
A T score of -1 to +1 is considered normal bone density.
A T score of -1 to -2.5 indicates osteopenia (low bone density).
A T score of -2.5 or lower is bone density low enough to be categorized as osteoporosis.
If they are classing your results as osteopenia that requires medication I have to say I am appalled. Anything better than -1.6 is considered to only require calcium and vit D. Particularly questionable since the vast majority of fractures occur in bones with normal bone density!
Thank you PMRpro - on reading the members katzma’s post I followed up my letter from the DEXA scan department which prompted me to write to the forum with my results.
These results were similar to the one I had taken in 2019, and my GP suggested Alendronic Acid which I refused. Prior to that in 2016 the results were better.
I reluctantly began Risendronate in April ‘21, 9 months after diagnosis in July ‘20 as my GP was a bit cross!
Hi autumn lass and thanks for your input. So sorry that you ended up with the fractures and good to hear that you are ok with Risendronate - but I still want to hold off taking it if I can. Hopefully the yoga/pilates will improve balance and I'm super careful when walking... who knows what's lurking under the lovely leaves!
My paternal family history has one of one of bony problems. Grandmother father and sister had/have kypho-scoliosis of the spine and elder sister has osteoporosis which has now affected her breathing sometimes. I’ve luckily escaped that! As you say what’s lurking under the lovely autumn leaves! 🤣🍁🍂🍃
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