Hi 👋 special people Been on prednisolone for 7 years, starting at 15mgs now down to 3.5.
Have just had first ever DEXA scan and after 10 weeks now have results. T scores
Spine -1.9
Hip -0.8
Neck -1.1
FRAX 10 year risk for major osteoporotic fracture 13%, hip fracture 2.7%.
This has been recorded as 'satisfactory' with following notes:
No other risk factors other than long term steroid therapy. Currently below threshold for treatment, no pharmacological input required. Suggested walking uphill and stairs and sunlight exposure 3-4 times per week from 11 - 3pm, late March to early September!! I should be so lucky!
Would you agree with this? Particularly 'below threshold for treatment'.
Sorry post so long. Your endless patience and knowledge are much appreciated. Xx
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Poshdog
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The figures for spine/neck are in the osteopenia range - but perfectly understandable and expected in females past menopause. Hip is good. Many would be very happy with them after being on steroids as long as you have.
Agree no bisphosphonate required - are you still on VitD/calcium supplement - if so stick with it -and keep doing what you are doing…
Thank you so much for reply. Must admit was a bit phased and all comments from other posts went out the window! Will stick with vit D and calcium. Very reassuring to have your take on it, now just got to find some sunshine 🌞. Big hugs xx
Sunshine - Huh ! None here this morning... 🤦♀️. but still meeting a friend in a beachside café later for a coffee and watching it top up the English Channel!
Better than mine pre-pred. Absolutely - no heavy duty treatment needed at present, calcium and vit D is enough, Had a go at vit D here in Scotland this morning, both breakfast and lunch taken in the sun on the "balcony" (actually a very wide top step outside the sliding doors, that was estate-agent-speak) ...
Hi PMRpro, have you moved to Scotland ? Did i miss something ? Or is it a lovely holiday. If either i wish you the best, you have seen me through some dark times .🌹
Staying with the daughter who is in the process of settling into the new house that has a space which is waiting to be turned into a granny flat! So hardly a holiday - if only! It is to avoid the hell that July and August are at home - mid 30s afternoon temps even up a mountain and millions of tourists ...
The ‘below threshold for treatment’ is almost certainly referring to the NOGG (national osteoporosis guideline group) guidelines, which for a 70 year (and older) give an ‘intervention threshold’ of about 20% for ‘major osteoporotic fracture’ (MOF) 10 year risk and about 5% for hip fracture.
Your scores are well below these levels and hence classified as ‘low risk’ in NOGG terms. In general for this risk category you would only be offered ‘lifestyle advice’ such as boosting vit D with sunshine (or supplements) and weight bearing exercise.
You can read the guidelines here if you wish; NOGG.org.uk
Thank you. All this info is very reassuring. Not too surprisingly I put more trust into all your comments than my local gp, although must say we have total agreement this time - long may it continue!
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