DEXA and Leaky Bowels

[ChrisBeeLoop]

Two questions for my knowledgeable chums.

I was diagnosed in November 2023 and after a battle with my GP managed to get a DEXA scan in early April. Results are that this 75 year old has the typical bone density profile of a 30 year old. Yay! Is it reasonable to push for another scan after 6 months or should I wait a bit longer before embarking on another round of debate with my GP? Is it worth asking for a Vit D blood test with my next CRP test?

I have had ongoing problems with leaky bowels which seem to be getting worse. My GP arranged a FIT test which was negative but another test showed a high level of Faecal Calprotectin Content (249ug/g). I have a phone appointment booked for Monday. Any advice on questions to ask and tests/drugs to request? The only drugs I am taking are 5mg Prednisolone, 20mg Omeprazole and Calcichew Vit D. I have read that Omeprazole can cause stomach inflammation.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I think it depends a bit WHY your bone density is so high. Are there any lesions suggesting you may have arthritic bone that is more dense and giving a falsely high reading? Or, like a friend with similar results, have you been on HRT for a long time? My bone density wasn't exactly that of a 30 year old - but it was pretty good and I put it down to 13 years of HRT. The PMR appeared about 6 months after I stopped - was there a link there? But I was only in my late 50s at that point, the friend though was in her late 60s I think.

Why would you want another DEXA? Bone density doesn't usually change fast - and you won't be allowed one on the NHS, it will almost certainly be denied. It is always worth knowing your vit D level - it is done annually here I think. I assume you are trying to avoid bisphosphonates? But there are cases where spinal compression fractures develop despite good DEXA results. I have had one and had an infusion at the start of the year. tangocharlie has had a lot of trouble and several fractures which she has written about

Sorry - what do you mean by leaky bowels? There is obviously inflammation and long term use of PPIs can possibly lead to inflammatory bowel disease - it is disputed/debatable. But the person to ask there is the GI specialist.

[piglette]

In my area you can only have a Dexa scan every three years.