can vit D deficiency blood test results indicate osteoporosis?

Hello Anhaga, thanks for replying. I took the heel scan result to my GP practice. Within the few minutes allowed for a consultation I was prescribed alenronic acid (with a verbal  warning about risks of osteonecrosis of the jaw...), plus vit C and D tabs. I asked shouldn't I have a proper DEXA scan? Told no, first take the tabs for a year then I can have a full DEXA.  Came home, found this forum and had a good read. Also researched alendronic acid. My decision is not to take alendronic acid.  Have bought tabs myself which include the elements I may need, they are from the USA specifically for treatment of osteoporisis. But what I am asking... would signs of this have shown in earlier blood tests?  Anyone else...?

Hello sue86530, as Anhaga said, you to have a proper DEXA scan of  the bones in the lower spine and hip (the main areas at risk from osteoporotic fractures). This is called an ‘axial’ or ‘central’ scan. Other areas can also be assessed including the forearm and the heel using a peripheral scanner. Peripheral DXA (pDXA) machines scan parts of the body other than the hip and spine. They might scan your forearm, heel or even finger. These scans can be used to help decide if you need a treatment. If a pDXA scan shows that you have very low bone density your doctor might decide to prescribe a treatment. >>However, usually when a pDXA scan shows that you have low bone density, your doctor would refer you for a scan of the hip or spine. Scanning these sites will allow them to diagnose osteoporosis and make the best treatment decision. Due to the difficulties with using heel ultrasound to diagnose and monitor osteoporosis, and the lack of wellestablished, normal reference ranges, heel scans are not generally used in the same way as DXA scans. If someone is concerned about their bone health and osteoporosis risk and has a QUS heel scan, it may still be appropriate to consider bone density measurement by DXA scan especially when decisions need to be made about using drug treatments.

I'd go back to your GP and ask for another axial scan and to discuss  your concerns about alenronic acid treatment.  

Other blood and urine tests:

Sometimes, especially at a hospital appointment, levels of calcium in the blood might be checked. Low blood calcium levels do not indicate that you have osteoporosis, but may be due to vitamin D deficiency which can be treated with supplements. High calcium levels in the blood can mean you have other medical conditions that might be causing osteoporosis or fractures. Other blood tests may also help to check for other diseases that cause pain or bone fragility. Vitamin D levels may be checked by a blood test. Low levels can indicate you have a related condition called osteomalacia (soft bones) that can be treated with supplements of vitamin D.

If you are unsure about whether you are at risk of osteoporosis and the benefits of available tests, you may want to telephone the National Osteoporosis Society Helpline to speak to one of the nurses. Nurse-led helpline 0808 800 0035.

Many thanks for an informative reply, frankiefoo

Thanks for the phone number. 

You're very welcome sue.

I'm going through Hell with the doctors and hospital specialists to get any kind of alternative treatment other than drugs/medication. All I've been offered is 2 sessions of 20 minute hydrotherapy - for Osteomalacia (severe vitamin D deficiency) caused by years of steroid medication for Crohn's. I also have prolapsed discs in my lower spine (Lumbar) and neck (Cervical), degenerative disc disease (DDD) - Osteoarthritis - and neither are treated because I refused surgery and medication. Trying to get them to admit they are malpracticing is like getting blood from a stone. All they know and have studied is "Medicine" (drugs). I mean, I saw a rheumatologist for the Osteomalacia (rickets), Osteopenia (Low bone mass) and my spinal problems - after a year long wait - to be told my symptoms are Fibromyalgia! He had no clue as to what a normal vitamin D count is... Nor what Rickets is... and that is at Bath Rheumatic Diseases Hospital (Mineral). I sometimes despair.

It's YOUR body and if you think the Bisphosphonate (I refused it) and Alenronic Acid is not for you, you have a right to ask questions about how these drugs will affect you, should you choose to take them.

You haven't said what your vitamin D levels were. Vitamin D helps restore bone density, among so many other health problems. 

Sincere thanks frankiefoo and anhaga. After reading your replies about my heel scan -3.5 six months ago and having been prescribed alenronic acid, I returned to GP recently. I requested a proper DEX scan, result worst t score is one hip -1.3 ( was also compared with a DEX at same unit 10 years ago).  I do not have osteoporosis.  Have  now contacted the voluntary heel scan unit, their calibrations are bring checked. Had it not been for your replies on this forum, I could have been taking serious drugs unnecessaily. Thanks again - and thank goodness for the internet. Wishing you all the best

Good to hear from you with your very positive update!  Glad things are going well for you.

As they say, it's good to share. The internet has its positive purposes - and I'm a technophobe who didn't invest in a computer/internet until a few years ago (thinking it was a fad like a fax machine - my daughter says).

So pleased to learn you don't have Osteoporosis and contacted the heel scan unit to check the results.

Whenever you're unsure of anything related to your health, never hesitate to ask questions. Ask and ye shall recieve (or be told you're a nuisance) but never be intimidated by not having the knowledge there and then. 

Stay well and all the best,

Frankie

"What do you do if you have a serious adverse reaction?"

More medication!

It's all they know.

Anhaga, I agree with you. Doctors need to work with patients not just give out medications. 

I am so lucky I have a wonderful GP who allows me to confer with her about my treatment as I am an educated person who is entitled to be given some say in how I am treated and what I agree to take.