Dexa scan

[Oscardoggy]

Good morning all,

I have been taking Prednisolone for over 2 years. My rheumatologist is pushing me to take biphosphonates but I am very reluctant.

My T score on dexa scan are - 2.3 spine and -0.8 hips?

Is there an alternative to biphosphonates?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Have a look at this from FAQs -]

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

And do look at the ROS site -there is a link in the above compilation post

[PMRpro Ambassador]

There are but AA is the cheapest and used because for most people it works fine and they don't have too bad side effects over and above the inconvenience one morning a week! There are other bisphosphonates which seem more acceptable to many people including annual infusions.

I have to say, if my t-score was as good as that I would be reticent to take bisphosphonates - and you should be n calcium and vit D supplements anyway and you still need them when on bisphosphonates, in fact they are essential.

Ring the ROS helpline who will talk you through it all:

theros.org.uk/

[Oscardoggy in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for your quick response. I am taking Calcium + Vit D in the form of Evacal D3 . I will take your advise and ring ROS.

[GrahamRB]

You dont say why you are taking prednisolone nor what the dosages have been over the 2 years. To reply to your posting, without this information and information relating to your physical condition, would be very unwise

[Oscardoggy in reply to GrahamRB]

Hi Graham,

I am taking Prednisolone as I have PMR and rheumatoid arthritis. I started on 15 mgs increasing to 30 mgs following a bout of pneumonia. I am currently taking 7 mgs and attempting to reduce further. I also have interstitial lung disease.

[Alchemy8]

Personally not keen on AA. I had to watch a friend who had the injection who had an abscess which could not be controlled adequately by antiBs barely able to open her mouth for months as she waited for an NHS appt; yiou have to be seen by a dental surgeon as a dentists can't deal with anything linked to the jawbone if you are on Biophosphonates. Take a look at Strontium Citrate (not Ranelate).