Dexa scan results..........

[capricorn]

Following a TT back in 2011 for cancer, my consultant thought it would be best for me to have a Dexa scan. The results are back and it showed that I am at slightly higher risk of fractures but I don't have Osteoporosis atm.

Following the results, my surgery called me in for a 'Lifestyle' chat with the Nurse which contained the normal diet and exercise chat and when I asked about calcium levels I was told that my GP would need to discuss this with me. So back I went the following day only to be told exactly the same as the Nurse had told me. I queried calcium levels and whether they needed to be checked and she said it wasn't necessary! She asked if I was on Vit D tabs which I am and I told her I'd doubled my dose to 2000 iu's which she seemed to think I didn't need as according to her, I'd been originally prescribed 20,000iu's as a loading dose and only needed 1000iu's now. I queried this loading dose as I was sure I hadn't been given that amount but she was adamant (without looking at my notes) that I would have been! Feeling she was wrong, I went to the Pharmacist and lo and behold I was prescribed only 1000 iu's.

I am now sure that because my vit levels have been low for so long that my Dexa scan is showing the results that it is.

I am suffering from lower back pain on a daily basis which I am seeing a Physio for plus my feet constantly hurt and I feel bruised if I touch anywhere on my body - are these all signs of low Vit D. My levels were 30 something but unfortunately I don't have the range. I think the lowest was about 75.

Im due more thyroid blood tests next week and I will be requesting Vit D and Calcium tests as well and just pray that she is willing to authorise these.

Thanks for reading

Sue

[tulula59]

I was diagnosed with osetopenia two years ago with the bones of someone 20 years older than I am. Yet all of mysymptoms of late have been hypo which doesn't fit. Plus after 2 years I had another DEXA which showed that I was still losing bone much faster than the national average.

I couldn't take the calcium/d3 advised by my GP due to colours and bulkers so now have around 4000 iu perday plus around 600 -900 mg of calcium.

I'm not sure the symptoms you describe are indicative of low Vit d but there is much talk that up to 10000 iu per day is safe as long as it is balanced with the right amount of other minerals.

It doesn't seem right though that you have been misprescribed all this time if that is what the GP originally said your loading should have been. Surely you should bring this to her attention and/or the pharmacists!

If it were me I'd certianly ask for the vit d and calcium levels to be checked but remember that this calcium can't be easily absorbed and used unless your diet is pretty clean of that dreaded compnent - sugar. Seems it is known to bind to molecules etc and prevent it from being absorbed properly.

When I asked my GP what was to be done as I'm just watching myself speed towards osteoporosis despite the supps, exercise, and healthy eating she said 'We'll wiat and see - when it gets to that stage there are treatments'. Not helpful.

Goodluck for next week though!

[Hidden]

Hi tulula can I ask you, where you given the DEXA scan because of suppressed TSH or a calcium problem? It's just that, I can't get a dexa for love nor money and I have a suppressed TSH and am hypoparathyroid and on Calcium/alfacalcidol. Wondering what the criteria needs to be to qualify for one.I am 46 soon, never had a fracture but have terrible spine issues and bone pain.

[nobodysdriving in reply to Hidden]

osteoporosis-resources.org....

[Hidden in reply to nobodysdriving]

Thanks NBD, very useful xx

[Hidden]

I was diagnose with osteopenia when I was 44 ( I am now 60). I was given no treatment as I was on HRT after a hysterectomy and told this would prevent any deterioration. I had my latest dexa scan last year and I am thankful that no further loss has happened. As I am 60 they say that I have the bones of someone my age. I do eat a dies rich in calcium and exercise three times a week, so hopefully this has been beneficial.I have back pain which has been there since my forties, and have been told it won't get any better. Funny thing is that Osteoporosis is supposed to be a silent disease, so why do people suffer pain from it.