DEXA scan results: Hi Everyone I have been on the... - PMRGCAuk

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DEXA scan results

Linny3 profile image
13 Replies

Hi Everyone

I have been on the algae-cal and strontium regime for 9 months. Had a new dexa scan and my overall number went from -2.4 osteoporosis to -1.9 osteopenia.

I am ecstatic over the results.

Unfortunately, because of past fractures , Dr still wants me to go on bone meds. That is a bummer. I am so scared of all the bone meds. I am going to relax till first of year and re-address this. I just need to stay out of back trouble in the meantime.

Have a wonderful holiday everyone!

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Linny3 profile image
Linny3
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13 Replies
PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

Which bone medication are they so keen on? An improvement in bone density of that magnitude in that time span is rarely seen with bisphosphonates - they usually only maintain the level at best. Have they proof that bone meds reduce the risk of fracture in any other way?

Linny3 profile image
Linny3 in reply toPMRpro

She would do anyone that I agree to. I have tried 2 of them and don't tolerate the side effects and because of a lot of tooth trouble I am limited to the kind I can take. It is a good question. It is her opinion they help with the fragility fractures but I don't know why she thinks that.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toLinny3

Ask for the research? Longer term it seems a strange idea - given that cracks start to form in the bone after a certain amount of time and actually lead to fragility fractures. We have had people it happened to on the forum.

Lisannn profile image
Lisannn in reply toLinny3

I see this is a2 year old post but per chance you read this, can you tell me if you were taking any bone medication while also taking the Algae cal supplement? It’s important to know this because otherwise how can you determine which, meds or vitamin supplements are the reason for DEXA score improvement? Hope to hear back. Thanks.

Linny3 profile image
Linny3 in reply toLisannn

I did not start taking the bone meds until after my dexa scan. Dr. felt I still needed them so I went on the daily shot forteo

Lisannn profile image
Lisannn in reply toLinny3

That was a remarkable improvement then from taking the supplements alone. How are you doing now? Are you still receiving daily shots of Forteo? I’ve been on the fence about taking any bone medication. I haven’t had a DEXA since 2022 and have a script to get one presently. I’m trying to prepare myself with knowledge before I meet with an endocrinologist. I had a gastric sleeve surgery in 2009 and I was recently diagnosed with a hiatal hernia so I’ve got much to think about when considering which bone medication would be best. Thank you for your reply. Much appreciated.

Linny3 profile image
Linny3 in reply toLisannn

I had another dexa in 2023 and it was about the same as 2022. In July I will have been on the bone shot for two years. That is as long as I can take it and will need to choose another. I understand your concern as I have the same ones. I had 4 back fractures in late 2022. Probably not enough time for the bone med to really work. Dexa doesn’t really tell how strong the bones are. I did not have a lot of problems with the forteo, I chose it because it did not present with the problems with jaw and teeth. Not sure what I will do now.

Good luck

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

polstfl.org/wp-content/uplo...

nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/N...

I suppose these do support her view. Unless you are the unlucky one who develops an atypical fracture ...

Linny3 profile image
Linny3 in reply toPMRpro

Thank you for sharing. Pretty interesting info

Nightingales profile image
Nightingales

Hi Linny3. Could you talk a little more about the algae-cal and strontium regime? I have searched the site but didn’t get any results and google isn’t very encouraging. My rheumatologist spends the whole visit talking at great length about going on the drugs. I have already had a severe skin reaction to AA and a normal Dexa but he is obsessed!

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toNightingales

If you have a normal dexascan - why is he obsessed with putting you on heavy duty drugs? I met that with one doctor - not my rheumy - but I stood my ground. Last time I saw her she was full of praise for my dexascan results for someone on pred!

Linny3 profile image
Linny3 in reply toNightingales

Not sure what you were looking at but the the algae- cal sight is wonderful for information. They really explain their product and give a lot of good info. I have called them a few times and they always get back to me. They aren't just clerks. They are professional people who know what they are talking about.

Nightingales profile image
Nightingales

It just seems to be his thing. He’s not the best but he is good at ordering tests that my GP can’t do. Last time I saw him he asked if he had seen me before . I have been his patient for six years! I did have a mask on but he had my records in front of him! My GP and I mainly work together.

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