Dexa scan: I had to have a Dexa scan last... - Thyroid UK

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Dexa scan

Lottyplum profile image
14 Replies

I had to have a Dexa scan last Wednesday, arranged by Endocrinologist I’ve only seen once and discharged at conclusion of the appointment. Saw GP yesterday (appt made nearly a month ago after Endo appt) who said I would need medication if osteoporosis identified in scan (as TSH suppressed!). The side affects of osteoporosis meds appear worse than the condition! Has anyone any help with this issue. I’m 73 female, used to run when younger and loved it, plus with Hashimotos it did help me to keep my weight under control. Now I walk a lot and run up and down 3 flights of stairs in An effort to help my bones - plus taking D3, K2, zinc, selenium, magnesium, cod liver oil, Quercitin. Since my thyroxine reduced because of suppressed TSH (it’s been suppressed for years) I’ve been fighting GP to get it increased! Gone up at least 1 dress size since the reduced thyroxine and just tired of the stress caused by what appears to be GP ignorance! Not wanting to sound arrogant but what I’ve learned here has stunned me re the ignorance of drs, even re a simple thing like when to have your blood test or having it at least 24 hours after last thyroxine I take.

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14 Replies
Anthea55 profile image
Anthea55

Makes you want to scream! There's nothing wrong with a suppressed TSH.

Have a look at this link from the Thyroid UK website. It's about the 'Myths of Hypothyroidism' and includes "The myth that a suppressed TSH leads to Osteoporosis".

thyroiduk.org/further-readi...

Any chance that you can find another doctor?

Good luck!

Lottyplum profile image
Lottyplum in reply toAnthea55

Thank you so much! Makes me want to either scream or cry! I cannot thank you enough. I will print off and give to my GP! I feel like sending it to every GP in the practice!

Gingernut44 profile image
Gingernut44 in reply toLottyplum

I think it needs to be sent to every GP in the country.

LindaC profile image
LindaC in reply toLottyplum

Scream 💚

Crying - they're not worthy! Best of 🍀xox

Joant24 profile image
Joant24

Hi Lottyplum, sorry your are having a rotten time. Are you on Aledronic Acid medication for your osteoporosis? I struggled with it for nearly two years and couldn’t tolerate the side effects anymore. I got referred and now have an infusion every few years and take high does Vit D and K. After my last scan I’d actually increased my bone density. And the best part is there are no side effects, it’s painless and only takes 15 mins max every few years!!

Good luck with everything xx

Lottyplum profile image
Lottyplum

no. Not had results back yet+will not take meds for it even if it’s diagnosed! Started with oral lichen planus so no way will I take osteoporosis meds and have the awful side effects impacting my mouth!

HandS profile image
HandS

here’s hoping your dexa scan results are ok : I’ve had a couple and both good (I also ran when younger).

Btw: I had very bad oral lichen planus which was completely cured by removal of all dental amalgam. My dentist referred me to a consultant who did a tongue biopsy, after which, he arranged for all amalgam fillings to be replaced with composite fillings. I’ve had no issues since. Only saying in case this has not been investigated

Good luck with your results

Lottyplum profile image
Lottyplum in reply toHandS

Thankyou. I had any amalgams removed about 6 weeks ago as dentist recommended tho not on NHS. Still waiting for Dexa result.

HandS profile image
HandS

ah - hope it has helped you . Good luck with your result : I know exactly what you mean about not wanting the meds 🫤

AndrewT profile image
AndrewT

Dear Lottyplum,

I don't know much about your Condition, I have ANCA Vasculitis, Kidney Transplant- in July 2013- and a few 'other Bits' too. However can I make a few 'obvious' Observations please? Irrespective of how good, or not, you Doctor is- you ARE getting older... and, like it or not, some Biological Changes do occur.

As People, especially women, age more weight does 'accumulate' near the Weak Points, of the Bones. This is Nature's Way, of Protecting you, so Going Up a Dress Size Is Perfectly Normal. A Dexa Scan will Determine the Density, of your bones, and therefore how Prone you are to Breaks. (Something that was 'done' on me, for some years, due to my taking Steroids daily.)

Please understand that I cannot, and will not, comment on your Medical Care- it simply isn't my place- Sorry. I am however sending you my

Very Best Wishes

AndrewT

Regenallotment profile image
RegenallotmentAmbassador in reply toAndrewT

I don’t agree, weight doesn’t accumulate at weak points of the bones.

AndrewT profile image
AndrewT in reply toRegenallotment

Sorry, what Meant to say was....That the Body 'Tends to Protect' Vulnerable Joints.... by putting more 'Padding in that area'. NOT that you get 'fat' at your Joints.

AndrewT

Regenallotment profile image
RegenallotmentAmbassador

Fingers crossed for your scan, amazing that you kept in shape despite Hashimoto’s. That’s inspiring. Hope your GP sees sense with the info and returns your dose to what makes you feel well. 🦋💚🦋

Lottyplum profile image
Lottyplum in reply toRegenallotment

Thankyou! When younger (im73) I used to run 20-25 mike's a week+Loved it. Now in all a lot but reducing my thyroxine, despite walking+running up+down stairs every day, plus being careful what I eat, I've gained a roll of fat round my middle +Def due to reduced meds, as well as upsurge in hypo issues. Even an Endo told GP to go by numbers not symptoms!!!!!! Crazy answer. So, there you are, today's GP/Endo responses!

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