Dexa scan

[lm1925]

Hi I am 56 I had my first dexa in 2012. My T score was L4. - 3.1 L3 - 2.5, 2016 L4 - 3.2 L3 - 2.5. The combined 2.8

My gp recently referred me

for another , my T score was L4 - 3.3 , L3 - 3.2 combined 3.5. I am rather concerned as there has been a considerable jump from 2.8 to 3.5.

I am surprised as the first 2 scans were 4 years apart with little change , then this scan after 2 years with such a big drop .

The first 2 scans were done at one hospital, latest another and they were different machines. Could this be a factor ? If so how do I know which results to believe ?

My gp now wants me to have some blood tests then to go onto alendronic acid . I am currently on hrt. I am very unsure about taking acid but also don’t want things to get worse .

Any advice would be most welcome including what supplements are useful , thank you

[Posy-White]

Hello Im1925,

I had a sudden big drop a little like you and then had treatment etc. and had five years of no problems and increased scan scores. It's all very worrying at first and only when I got myself armed with good information could I feel more in control and able to cope.

If you are in the UK suggest you phone the NOS (sorry it's now the ROS) helpline and talk to one of the helpline Specialist Nurses they we be able to help you. 0808 800 0035

Good Luck

[lm1925 in reply to Posy-White]

Thank you for the reply, it feels very worrying at the moment and I am trying to read as much as I can. I have called the ROS helpline and they were marvellous, very helpful and lots of informatio, thank you

[Kaarina]

Hi there,

In reply to one paragragh in your posting: "The first 2 scans were done at one hospital, latest another and they were different machines. Could this be a factor ? If so how do I know which results to believe ?"

Dexa scans should all be done on the same machine so this could be a factor. The result would be more accurate. I can imagine it also depends how good the person is interpreting your DEXA scan.

Why did you have the DEXA scans in the first place? Have you fractured or was it loss of height or something else as there are many reasons why someone is referred for a DEXA.

I take magnesium, boron, Vitamin D prescribed by my GP, cod liver oil capsule, and K2. I get my calcium from my daily diet so do not take any kind of calcium in pill form. I discussed my diet with my GP and he agreed I got enough from my daily diet. I also drink kefir daily.

[lm1925 in reply to Kaarina]

I think it is very unfortunate that i have had two different machines and agree with you regarding results. Unfortunately i believe our services have changed and the original hospital no longer do DEXA scans.

i first had a DEXA scan in 2012 as we had a free mobile unit in our town that scanned your ankle, from this i was advised to go to my GP and it all started from there.

I take HRT and Vitamin D3 at the moment, i have just bought a liquid calcium and would like to know more about Magnesium, boron and K2..Do you take these separately and what strength?

I have had some blood tests for VIT D, calcium and bone turnover which were all fine, My GP has referred me for more blood tests (recommended by person who viewed scan) for secondary causes . One of these tests is called serum protein electrophorosis , i have looked this up and am rather worried but I guess my GP is just being thorough.

Thank you for taking the time to reply

[Kaarina in reply to lm1925]

I am sure your GP is just being thorough with all the blood tests. I tend to take the K2 with my evening meal and also with a magnesium tablet and magnesium at lunch time along with the Vit D and boron. I do not take calcium as a supplement as I have enough in my daily diet - discussed with my doctor and he agreed. I am not sure if I take the supplements at the correct time but this is just what I do.

I get my boron from Swanson called triple boron complex, magnesium glycinate from Piping Rock 665 mg and K2 600 mcg from NutriZing. As mentioned above, this is what I do, right or wrongly, I am not overly sure.

[kulina]

Im1925, first of all don't panic. I did when I got my results and it really isn't worth the stress. Two years later my numbers haven't changed and you might be getting different results because you have used different machines. I personally don't believe that alendronic acid helps, so I've stayed away from it. It is a very personal choice so look at it in detail before you make any decisions. It's the total regimen you have to look at, not only taking supplements, but also making yourself stronger and preventing falls.

[sweetsusie]

Don't take these awful bone meds...they can cause more problems than they help.