A visit to the Pain Clinic finally produced an MRI scan of my thoracic spine. The result show wedge fractures which the doctor described as “significant”. Also showed my lungs were compromised which was why I get breathless easily.
Like Tangocharlie I am concerned because the Dexa scan I had before the fractures occurred (4 years ago) showed my bones to be in good shape, so there must be something more going on.
At 76 I much older than Tangocharlie but no one mentioned Romosozumab to me.
I wasn’t actually offered anything! Just said he wouldn’t give me another appointment but would not discharge me for 6 months so I could go back during that time if I needed to.
I will wait until I get a copy of the letter he will send to the GP and then make an appointment, with the GP to see if they have any ideas. I want to know more about my compromised lungs and anything else that is being squashed inside my ribcage.
I have been taking calcium citrate, D3 and K2 (which I learnt about form here) since the start of my PMR.
I will add that because of the problems with my low back I have for years been unable to do any significant exercise, so would suggest that any of you who can, DO.
Written by
Omanain
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
The radiologist identified a single ?compression fracture on my last spinal x-ray. My dexascan done about the same time still shows acceptable bone density other than in the lumbar spine but even there at -2.2 it is not in the osteoporosis range. The rheumy's only comment was a shrug and "all depends on the quality of bone". I had a zolendronic infusion as a precaution.
I was looking this up today as my PMR has flared again - probably my own fault so will treat it as a flare and up the steroids, reducing properly this time.
However, I cannot seem to get below 7mg and do not see a way forward to doing this after 3.5 years on the blasted steroids.
I do follow Sarah Myhill as it was she who highlighted my pre-diabetic status - not my GP who should have done. I know many people on the forum do not like her but I have to say for me she give sound advice and no, she is not dedicated to profit. In fact, quite the oppositve. Patrick Holford's site is now more much a shop than anything else and Dr Myill will always suggest alternatives to her own products (of which she has few). So, I attach this link and hope it works - it may or may not be useful for you - until you try things you don't know. I intend to take up a carnivore diet for 90 days or so to find out whether there is a benefit. I have looked at many other sources than Dr Myhill for this. I just can't see a way of progressing without taking on dietary or any other measures as well.
Hope things are progressing well for you, Tangocharlie. Take care, Miserere
You have obviously reached your destination for now - the lowest effective dose, the lowest dose that managed the disease activity of YOUR PMR. Until that falls off, you won't get lower and you won't get off pred until it burns out entirely which can take an unknown time. There is nothing known that will speed it up, all all the alternative approaches can do is improve the experience in the meantime. Nothing, diet, supplements, whatever, will change that, If one did, the source would make a fortune.
Depressing but true I expect as many others must have tried. Patience is not one of my virtues but it seems it must become so. 7mg it is - I shall increase to stamp this on the head as DL suggests and then remain at 7mg for now. Thanks for your patience - it's still a hard lesson.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Dexa Scan
DEXA scan results
Dexa scan
Dexa scan
