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When should I have blood tests? Dexa scan request

Posted , 7 users are following.

jane0118
jane0118

Hi Eileen and the gang,

I have now been on 15mg Pred for 4 weeks since being diagnosed by Consultant Rheumatologist at local hospital. GP not at all happy with dx as I am only 50. Dramatic improvement in symptoms, so I am happy with dx. I have got consultant to agree to do the Bristol protocol of 6 weeks and 6 weeks. GP feels I do not need to do any blood tests really as I had some before strting treatment, just go on how I am feeling. Previously I had normal ESR, but CRP of 18, 23 then 26 at beginning, middle and end of September - he told me it could just be because I had had a cold, he failed to take into account the acute morning stiffness, night pain and inability to walk! I googled my symptoms and found this site so asked to be referred!

Should I have a blood test before I step down, and then how often? I am due back at hospital in March.

Next, as I am only 50, I do not want to take Alendronic acid. The consultant says I need to, as 1 in 3 post menopausal women get osteoporosis. I am a non smoker, drink only in moderation, have a BMI of 24, do not have a family history of fractures, and am not post menopausal, so do not want to take it "just in case" as 2 out of 3 women do not! Apparently my hospital prescribes steriods for 2 years and then does a DEXA at the end of the treatment period.

The BSR guidelines for PMR state that bone protection should be started if the patient is over 65, and if under 65 have a DEXA scan. If starting dose of pred is above the standard 15mg, then start AA.

Consultant has refused scan, GP has said if I do not take the AA he will not be responsible if I have a hip fracture, and he is documenting this in my notes. GP will write to consultant requesting scan and hopefully mentioning BSR guidelines.

I have been labelled a stroopy patient!

 

1 like, 24 replies

24 Replies

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  • pinkcat10
    pinkcat10 jane0118

    Posted

    hi thanks so much for this support!

    No I wasnt given calcium supplements and have always hada very small frail frame.  I have blood test results on Thursday with my doctor and will see if I can push for a Dexa if nothing else to put my mind at rest.  Apologies may be being thick but whats pred?  Have also now been signed offf work for two weeks to rest and heal.  Have to say its a huge relief not to have to struggle in on the train every day.  Not sure my boss is pleased but I love my doctor!

    • MrsO-UK_Surrey
      MrsO-UK_Surrey pinkcat10

      Posted

      pinkcat, Pred (short for Prednisolone) is a steroid medication.  You have posted on the section of the forum for those suffering from Polymyalgia Rheumatica and/or Giant Cell Arteritis.  Most of those on Pred for these conditions also take calcium supplements to protect against the risk of steroid-induced osteoporosis.  However, if you look to the right of this page you will find a list of all the groups, including one for osteoporosis.  Meanwhile, lots of good luck wishes for your blood results on Thursday and I hope you heal soon.
  • pinkcat10
    pinkcat10 jane0118

    Posted

    oh so sorry new to this.  Good luck everyone and thanks for the help.
    • EileenH
      EileenH pinkcat10

      Posted

      No need to apologise - I did wonder if you had PMR when I first replied but you have had answers to your questions anyway. Good luck for your future "patient journey"  - how that term irritates me but it does express it well!
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