New to this

Well, I would say they made a correct statement.  But, only the bone density test can tell us what stage we're at.  Those numbers are what's important and they will determine how it's treated.  Slowing it down is up to us as the patient.  We get all tripping hazards out of our way to keep from falling and breaking a bone.

And you are right about the support we get from those who are in our shoes.  We're the ones who understand what each other is going through.

Ah, here is the very thing I've been trying to explain.  The "osteopenia" which shows up on a standard x-ray is correctly referred to as "osteopenia" and it indicates lower mineral density hence the bone is a bit more translucent than normal.  It is not the same as the "osteopenia" which we usually refer to, which is bone thinning not as serious as osteoporosis.  I saw a definition of -1 to -2.5.  The standard x-ray is not measuring the bone density, only DXA scan will do that.  I'm trying to think of an analogy.  Say, it's a sunny day.  We can all see the sun.  But we don't know what the UV index is.  A special meter is needed to measure that.

being careful when lifting ( as I think thats what triggered my initial problem with my back) and remembering my supplements !

Sounds good!  You must be pleased.  Wish the powers that be had thought fit to release my spine t-score to me, instead of just saying I (quote) don't need it.  Think I should be the judge of that, don't you? 

Totally agreeAnhaga! The nurse set me down and went through it all and then gave me a copy to take home. She's not recommending any further treatment though she said my GP may think otherwise ! I soon put her right on that one ! Surely you are entitled to see and have a copy of your own results !

I am, but it's really hard to get them.  They don't even send the prescribing physician anything more than a (to my mind useless) summary.  She could get them by phoning the imaging department at hospital, or I can get them by paying a freedom of information fee and waiting several weeks.  Completely ridiculous.  Especially as some patients in my province are part of a pilot project and get to see all their results on line.  Apparently this program was recently rolled out in my area, but is sounds like it's a directive which came with no funding, so who knows how long we'll have to wait.   Was told that next time I could ask doctor to provide me with a letter which advises technician to give me the numbers right after scan done.  Which will be fine for femoral neck as I did get that (with a lot of trouble, I should add) but still will leave me wondering about spine, whether there were any changes since first scan.  It's fairly important to me as I've been on prednisone for over a year and that can have an immediate effect on bone density.  

Oh that's very annoying Anhaga.  I'm in UK and whilst our NHS leaves a lot to be desired, accessing results is pretty straightforward.   My GP is excellent and forwards me all my results without being asked.  I hope you manage to get them at some point.

Thanks Evelyn.  The last time I saw my GP I had actually made an extra appointment to deal with a bunch of non-PMR related questions, like accessing test results.  Unfortunately she was running nearly an hour late, having had to spend a lot of time with a woman whose sister had committed suicide.  My poor GP was pretty fragile herself by this point, I realized, so that appointment went really badly for me.  Will have to try again at the regular visit!  She's a lovely person, but the system is conspiring against me.