Posted , 10 users are following.
Hello all,
I 've been on prednisone for just over 4 months for PMR.
I had a bone mineral density scan at that time and I would like to know if now is a useful time for a re- scan, or should I wait a little longer to check for any change due to the medication.
Anyone have any experience with this?
Thanks
0 likes, 25 replies
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EileenH jack1949
Posted
The changes in density are relatively slow and normally a dexascan would not be repeated for at least a year and under the NHS it would be at least 2 or even 3 years. To some extent it would also depend on the results you had in the baseline test.
jack1949 EileenH
Posted
Thanks Eileen. I had guessed that would be premature .
I'm hoping that the dose of pred I'm on now, 9 mg tapering 1mg/month, may not affect my bone mineral density that much
EileenH jack1949
Posted
In over 7 years, mostly at above 10mg my bone density barely changed. It's about time for another check I suppose...
Michdonn EileenH
Posted
Good Luck Eileenh! 🙂
EileenH Michdonn
Posted
Thank you!
Michdonn EileenH
Posted
You are welcome, glad you are safe at home!🙂
EileenH Michdonn
Posted
It was really such a privilege to meet you "in real". Do thatnk your wife for lending you for the afternoon!
Michdonn EileenH
Posted
Oh, I will tell her that she get a chuckle. Your husband was very nice to have time to meet me. Your world is quite large, basically I stay in my little mountain village. It was great to meet you, you have no idea how much you helped me through a very rough time. I will always be grateful. 🙂
peggy_56092 EileenH
Posted
I too am grateful for all you do. Thank you so much!!
Michdonn jack1949
Posted
Jack, in my experience it is to soon for a re-scan, especially if no problems were detected on first scan. Take your supplements, walk and do a little weight training. I have done this a increased my density with one Zoledronic Acid injection three years ago. Try and stay as active as you can without over doing it. I been on as 30 mg of Prednisone with no bone density issues. We are all different and each case is different, but that is my experience. Good luck on the rest of your PMR journey. 🙂
jack1949 Michdonn
Posted
Thanks Michdonn
I've been on cal , mag, k2 and d3 sincecstarting on pred thanks to this site!
Also keeping fit and active and doing some resistance exercises
my first dexascan showed mikd osteopenia but this have o correlation with the prednisone
In spite of warnings that pred can lead to weight gain, I'm happy to say that I'm at my lowest and healthiest weight in 30 years thanks to intermittent fasting and a ketogenic diet
Michdonn jack1949
Posted
You are welcome Jack, I also take MSM for my bones. 🙂
ptolemy jack1949
Posted
As the others say checking every two to three years is normal. Do you know the results of your first test? Were you given medication for Osteoporosis?
jack1949
Posted
Thanks Ptolemy Yes, I do have the results of my first scan - minimal bone density loss
My doc did suggest a med for osteoporosis, but I feel he is generally too eager to prescribe, so I declined
ptolemy jack1949
Posted
My surgery doctors seem obsessed with bisphosphonates I had another argument with one of the doctors yesterday. She said you have been on steroids a long time you should take them. I then said what about my bone scan, which she had totally ignored. She then grudgingly said your bones are quite good! So we go along until the next time, which will probably be the next time I talk to them.