Advice please

[Nanny71]

Had a blood test Friday but Doctor said I only needed ESR . Always had CRP as well but he said no need . I’m a bit wary as anything I’ve asked for Dexa Scan Test to see if Adrenals working etc he says no need . 🌺🌺

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Don’t think it really matters - one or other or both. .. and some would say you’re lucky to be offered them at all…from posts on here that seems a rarity in some surgeries. You can still check current readings against your previous tests - it’s not as though they are changing from one to another and you have no background for comparison.

A DEXA scan doesn’t show adrenals activity - it tests bone density.

Do you mean a synacthen test? …are you have adrenal issues?

If you think they are struggling., there is a blood test (done at GPs) which will advise your cortisol levels. If they show issues, you may be referred for a Synacthen test (hospital outpatients) to check if adrenals are capable of working - not if they actually are, just if they are capable of functioning. GPs won’t usually refer you for test until you reach 5mg maybe 3mg and if you are having problems (fatigue, nausea lightheadedness).

[Nanny71 in reply to DorsetLady]

Sorry bad grammar It should read Dexa Scan , test for adrenal function etc lol. Thanks for your reply. I’m down to 4mgs at the moment. Feel ok so onwards and upwards. 🌺🌺

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Nanny71]

Have you had previous DEXA scan? Is that why you want another one -and have you been in Alendronic acid?

[Nanny71]

No Doctor said we just presume you have osteoporosis as you are on steroids. I have suffered for two years with gastric problems (still under investigation).Alendronic acid made it worse Doctor prescribed something else . Cant remember the name but had similar ingredients and had the same effect. 🌺

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Nanny71]

Doctor said we just presume you have osteoporosis as you are on steroids.

Oh Lordy, why do they say such things……. Even if you do have osteopenia - which is likely at our age - is it’s not a given that it escalates to osteoporosis. But it is a very good reason to have a DEXA scan to check.

[piglette in reply to Nanny71]

My gosh, do doctors really belief that if you take steroids you automatically get osteoporosis. I wonder where they heard that? Tell your doctor that I have been taking steroids for over six years and have a T score of +2.7 and a Z score of +5.1. Mind you my GP also seems to think I should take Alendronic Acid because the tick list says so.

[GML19 in reply to piglette]

Alendronic Acid made my blood pressure soar. I now take Adcal. Now I am off steroids but still on Methotrexate do I still need Adcal? Not that it is a problem as it’s one of the most acceptable medications .

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to GML19]

I’m still on Adcal -6years after finishing Pred .

DEXA scan report post GCA/Pred showing no issues suggested wise to remain on it -so I have.

[GML19 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you for your reply. I will continue using Adcal. I have now been off steroids for over a month and am heartened to hear you are 6 years post Pred. Now I look forward to being off Methotrexate-hopefully by the end of the year. In my working life I was a superintendent radiographer. I knew briefly about the existence of autoimmune diseases and even of GCA , but I am ashamed-especially now- I assumed they were diseases that doctors hadn’t yet learned to treat. Thank you again.

[Nanny71]

Just found a Private Clinic will book tomorrow for peace of mind . Thanks again for your reply.🌺🌺

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Nanny71]

Good, please let us know results……

[PMRpro Ambassador]

If you are having gastric problems with oral bisphosphonates then there are options that are administered as infusions or injections - IF you need them.

[Nanny71]

Im booking a Private Dexa scan tomorrow and then I will go back to Doctors . Thanks for your reply 🌺🌺