Osteoporosis

[Urtica]

I had PMR from 2016-2019. Took Alendronic Acic for about 6 weeks but stopped because it was affecting my throat. Had bone density scan around 2017 which showed some osteoporosis and some osteopenia (record has been lost due to GP/house move). I was offered an Infusion of AA which I had in 2017/2018. Slowly reduced pred and stopped in September 2019.

In February 2020 I had further 3 year bone scan which looked about the same to me (I had a paper copy of 2017 scan).

In 2023 I started with pain in my arms which I suspected was PMR. Didn’t show on blood test but didn’t show previously. Started pred in May 2023, 10 days 20mg, 7 days 15mg, 2 weeks 10mg and then DSNS reduction and I am now on .5mg.

No Alendronic Acid since infusion in 2017/2018. Just one Adcal-D3 chewable tablet plus K2 Mk-7 vitamin which I read helped absorb the calcium and take it to the correct place.

In November 2023 I had 3 year bone scan which showed deterioration.

AP Spine( L1-L4). T-score 2023 -2.8 2020 -2.6

Total hip (left) 2023 -2.0. 2020 -1.9

I read recently that PMR Pro takes 4000IU Vitamin D3 and calcium. My question is - Adcal-D3 has vitamin D3 400 IU which would make it 4,400 IU D3 per day. Is this amount ok to take? Should I stop taking Adcal and find a another source of Calcium, if so which is best?

I am 75, quite active - walking 3-6 miles per day including hill walking, gardening etc. Balance a bit off so I am thinking of taking a course of Tai Chi to help.

Sorry this is so long.

Any suggestions or information appreciated.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Do you have the numbers from the 2020 scan? Whether it is the same as the original or not is less important than the deterioration since then.

I don't take AdCal as it causes bladder problems and I eventually stopped it, getting my calcium from diet. I don't think that 4,400 IU vit is likely to be a problem unless you have sarcoidosis which leads to an exceptionally high vit D level, it also affects calcium I believe. But it is a good idea to check your vit D level before deciding how much to take.

Given your current t-scores, I think you need to discuss what you do with an expert. You haven't improved your bone density by your own efforts really and if it hasn't happened so far, I doubt that will change. ROS has an excellent helpline which quite a few on the forum have consulted.

theros.org.uk/

[Urtica in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for your quick reply. I can’t find the the 2020 scan but will try to get a copy. I have a GP appointment next week so will ask about getting my vitamin D levels checked and contact ROS for further info.

Thanks again

[Oh-my]

I emailed the ROS about vit D supplements as I was worried if I was taking too much or too little (I decided to get calcium from my diet rather than the supplements). They replied a few days later with reassurance in my case. It’s worth contacting them for their advice.

From what I can gather the exercise needs to be weight bearing and/or resistance training to maintain (or improve) your bone density. I love walking but my recent DEXA scan has shown it has not been enough for me and I have now invested in a weighted vest for my walks. I’m hoping it will help. I have also started Alendronic acid.

[Urtica in reply to Oh-my]

Thanks for your quick reply. I will contact ROS and see what they say. 😁