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DXA scan results

Posted , 6 users are following.

Handbrake
Handbrake

I am a 57 year old female,diagnosed with PMR last year, put off taking steroids in the hopes of managing symptoms with diet and exercise.however, due to limited mobility agreed to start prescribed prednisolone in August last year. Currently fairly active on 1mg prednisolone however,as part of my follow up Ihad a DXA scan which shows osteopenic hip ( -2 left hip and -1.9 left hip neck but lumber spine L1-3 osteoporetic at -3. L4 was excluded because of spondylosis.Blood tests for coeliac disease were all normal so Gp acting on rheumatologist advice wants me to get any dental work needed to be completed then start Alendronic acid 70 mg every Sunday. I went in to the Drs with the thought that I would try all natural means first if results showed osteopenia ( definite tablet phobia!) however with the spine issue I'm not to sure . Any help welcome and greatly appreciated!

1 like, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • Vee2
    Vee2 Handbrake

    Posted

    Hi Handbreak, with the spine T score at -3.0,  I think you may want to consider drug treatment especially so if you are taking any other medicines that may cause bone thinning.  The worst concern when it gets to T-3.0 and worse is if you fracture and then unable to achieve much at all until the fracture heals.  Some people that have fractured would say its not worth the risk and even though you may or may not fracture on or off the bone meds some would consider taking the med would help improve your chances of not fracturing.

    You still need to eat healthily and be sure your vitamin D levels are normal and calcium in take is good through food and supplements especially when levels are low, you still need to exercise regularly weight bearing etc.

    If the AA agrees with you stick with it, if you get side affects there are other bone meds which are available through injection, it really all depends on what your own health situation is that will determine what medicine may be suitable.  If you don't get on with AA perhaps ask for a referral to a rheumatologist. 

    If you are in the UK check the NOS website for the different medicines available, pm if you want the link. 

    • Handbrake
      Handbrake Vee2

      Posted

      Thanks for the info Vee2 The diet is a funny one as I had almost cut out dairy for the PMR in favor of an anti inflammatory diet so will need to rethink that one,I am taking calcium vit d supplement with additional minerals and k2.is there anything else worth looking at? I'm pretty nervous about starting the Alendronic acid as I struggled to tolerate even the calcium and vit d tablets...feeling sick etc so was only managing half recommended dose but I'm getting there slowly but surely. Do you know if tablets can be taken together?.. Gosh I can see me setting my phone alarm  to remind me. For someone who has only kept paracetamol in the house ...I think I now need a pharmacy cupboard!

      I forgot to ask about getting my vit d levels checked and Gp didn't suggest it.How often should it be checked ( I'm in uk) he did mention that DXA scan would be checked in 7 years time...is that normal? Sorry for all the questions but I think I was a bit stunned at my results during my appointment..and ignorant incompetence ..how can I know what I do not know to ask. thanks again for your help x

    • Anhaga
      Anhaga Handbrake

      Posted

      Surprised that the DXA would only be done in seven years.  Last I heard none of the OP drugs should be taken for more than 5 years.  I think anyone on this site has probably heard me sound off about the OP drugs and I can only say that you absolutely must heed your own intuition.  But. I have two friends who moved their bone density from osteoporosis status to osteopenia completely through non-drug means.  One has since slacked off and become osteoporotic again, the other has kept up her diet and exercise regimen and continues to improve.  That has given me some hope that my own efforts to improve my bone density despite prednisone can work.  Won't know until second scan, which will be in October - here they will not do it more than once a year, infinitely better than once every seven years!
    • Handbrake
      Handbrake Anhaga

      Posted

      Hi Anhaga, lovely to hear from you again🤗 Yes 7 years does seem a long time to find out if everything you do has any impact! I think the spinal readings concerned me most as I wasn't sure what exercise to do for that to make an improvement...as vee states they are now at breaking point. Interesting that the lumber region and left hip are affected ...I would have thought if it was diet,exercise deficiencies the readings would have been more widespread.....I am left handed (and footed though) 
    • Juno-Irl-Dub
      Juno-Irl-Dub Anhaga

      Posted

      Actually I think the most recent guidelines for use of  bisphosphonates say 2-3 years and only in exceptional cases, to exceed this.  J
    • Handbrake
      Handbrake Juno-Irl-Dub

      Posted

      That does sound more reasonable Juno I will certainly be suggesting a review at that time. Thank you
    • Vee2
      Vee2 Handbrake

      Posted

      You will have to research all non dairy foods that are high in calcium and calculate if you are taking enough in, for people with osteoporosis its imported to have enough in the diet, for people with osteoporosis taking bone medicines its doubly imported to achieve a good results from taking the medicine.  As mentioned above check out the National Osteoporosis website resources page (from NOS home page click on the leaflets and booklets link, all the information about calcium needs, in foods, how to calculate your intake etc.  Lots of information to absorb, also check with the helpline at NOS concerning what questions are important to ask your doctor.

      Definitely ask for a vitamin D level check, its very important not to be deficienct and it you are you need to supplement accordingly, the helpline at NOS can help you with this also, in addition they have free downloads from the leaflets and booklets resources page.

      I would advise you to read your information leaflet with AA if you are still taking it, as it states clearly you should not take anything other than water for 30 minutes from taking the bisphosphonates, this applies to any other other medicines or tablets you may be prescribed.

      Also what I did not mention above is prednisolone is renowned for thinning the bones long term so do seriously consider and discuss things in depth with your doctor about protecting your bones.  The doc will be bound to say you need one of the OP medicines in your situation I would think, especially as you are on prednisolone and have T scores at -3.0.

       

    • Vee2
      Vee2

      Posted

      doubly important that should read

      and important not to be deficient and if you are....

      Best wishes V

    • Anhaga
      Anhaga Handbrake

      Posted

      Hi Handbrake.  Re: calcium in the diet.  Green vegetables, like broccoli, collard greens, and kale, are very high in calcium and I've read this calcium is more readily absorbed by the body than that in dairy.  I would never rely on dairy as my primary or even a particularly important source of calcium.  Countries with highest consumption of dairy also happen to be ones with highest rates of osteoporosis.  Calcium is also found in significant amounts in some beans and nuts, as well as many other foods, lots of valuable info on internet!
  • kathleen65757
    kathleen65757 Handbrake

    Posted

    My results are worse than yours and I have resisted taking AA. I could not bring myself to start. I had even collected the first month from the chemist but something stopped me from starting,

    I am taking the vitamins and minerals that are recommended including zinc, magnesium, vitamin K2, calcium, vitamin D3, as well as foods such as prunes, avocados and kiwi fruit.

    Exercise is pool only but lots of resistance and step ups.

    It is an individual decision but make sure you do your own research and pause until you are sure of your decision.

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