Bone Density

[Glassbox]

Since I last posted six months ago, I have tapered down to 2.5mg a day. The occasional mild discomfort in my arm remains - to remind me that PMR has not gone away - but my quality of life is fine. I will continue with a very slow taper.

A few weeks ago I had a bone density scan

L1-L4 is 2.7

Hip is 0.2

NoF is - 1.3

The third, at the head of the femur, is marginally outside the safe range (-1.3 when -1 and above is normal). Osteopoenia was diagnosed.

I asked my G.P. if I could come off the Alendronic Acid. He said no, that it was necessary and Evacal3d would not be as effective without it. He said that any review would only be appropriate if and when I have completely come off pred.

I found this diagnosis disappointing but I accept it. At 85 I thought that I was doing well !

However I would be interested to learn if any other members have had a similar response.

It has been pointed out to me that bone density values are based on a normal 30 year old.

(This is a repost of one I wrongly sent to a closed file on Friday)

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

You didn’t post in wrong place, it’s just that we suggested you repost as a new thread so that all would be notified.

For completeness, I have copied my reply to that here -

Although osteopenia doesn’t necessarily mean it will be become osteoporosis, I can understand why GP wishes you to remain on AA - you’ve only been on it a year or so. If you can tolerate it okay then stick with it if you are happy to… but it’s entirely up to you.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

And this is what I said in the other thread you posted in>

"If the worst of my t-scores was -1.3 you wouldn't catch me taking AA!!! Mine WAS -1,3 a couple of months after starting pred and I was told I needn't take AA. The -1,0 is the average bone density for a 30 year old. To have that at 86 is amazing."

[piglette]

He said that any review would only be appropriate if and when I have completely come off pred.

Surely the review should have been done BEFORE you ever started steroids? I have terrible fights with my GP about AA. He wants me to take it even though all my figures are positive.

[confused2]

After 4 years on prednisone I have osteoporosis and have limited options in what drug I can take because I had necrosis of my jaw bone. I was taken off AA and put on another drug which perhaps is not as effictive but apparently is all I can take. I have several fractures in my spine. I take Raloxifene 60mg. I am 82 years old and fairly active. I walk with poles, do weights and am careful not to fall.