2 years into PMR and Osteoporosis - review by the Rheumatologist.

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Exactly 2 years ago PMR and severe OP were diagnosed. Treatment for PMR was Pred. 15mg. reducing. Treatment for OP was one year Forteo followed by one year Actonel. 

Results :

PMR - presently reducing very slowly from 4.0 to 3.5 and going well so far. In all, fairly uneventful. By Christmas I may be near 2.5 and may stay at that  for a period.

OP - Dexa scan showed 11% improvement in bone density. (T-score was -4.5 and is now -4.0, still very low.)

Recommendation by Rheumy -1)  continue slowly to reduct the Pred. - was impressed by Eileen's slow plan and how it worked so well for me!   

2) Resume Forteo for the second year, then back to Actonel for 3 years.

Comments by Rheummy:  again the differentiation between bone strength and bone density - and changes in bone that are only seen in it's microscopic architecture are making bone stronger and less likely to fracture. 

I asked if Forteo was not an available treatment, what would have been her second choice? She said Prolia for severe OP but that it's a much newer med. and can affect the immune system. She also added that Forteo is also used now in patient's with Chron's Disease and some other conditions I can't remember . . 

Next apt. in 4 months.

I may be boring some of you who heard some of the above before, but it's a summary for those who haven't.

J

 

2

That sounds encouraging Juno.  I wasn't quite sure what you were saying but I THINK you were saying that if bone is more dense, then it's less likely to fracture?  Even if that's achieved with AA or similar?  Only questioning this because I thought there was some mention that denser bone wasn't necessarily bone less likely to fracture?  Am I understanding what you said correctly>

3

Hi Chris, no what I think she meant was that even if density scores aren't the best after treatment, it doesn't mean that the bone hasn't become stronger (though microscopically evident only).  . . . .And therefore less likely to fracture. For example, if your bone is stronger and you fall, you are less likely to have a break.    J

 

4

Ah, that's good Juno - thank you for that:-)))))