Dexa scan results.

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi,

I had a dexa scan in May and received the results today.

I hate to admit I really don't understand them, apart from it shows osteoporosis at both sides ( femur neck -2.7 and L1-L4 -3.9).

The rheumy has suggested IV bisphosonate.

I would appreciate any information, please don't think I just come on this forum to ask questions and not contribute, but a year into this illness I lack the expertise of so many on here to comment very often.

Hope you are all as well as you can be.

Julia

2

You may also want to check out the osteoporosis chat room.

3

  I think Karen is referring to this:

https://patient.info/forums/discuss/browse/osteoporosis-and-osteopenia-1650

4

Many thanks.

5

The figures are a comparison with typical levels for someone in their 20s. Anything down to -1.0 is "normal", down to -2.5 is described as osteopenia, low bone density, and -2.5 and below is termed osteoporosis. It is common for spinal (L1-L4 are the lumbar vertebrae, the bones in the lower back, below just above the waist) to be lower than the hip.

Your figures are showing you have low bone density and the spinal levels are quite low too so you are at risk of spinal fractures, even fractures that happen without an accident. 

Where are you? The UK National Osteoporosis Society has a web page and a Helpline who will talk you through the numbers and options. You get the details from this page on here;

https://patient.info/support/national-osteoporosis-society

In the USA it is the National Osteoporosis Foundation - google them if that is who you need.

I am well known for being against AA (alendronic acid) being handed out automatically to everyone willy nilly. However, if I had readings like yours even I would accept the option of at least a trial of treatment. Nefret on this forum has been on denosumab (Prolia) for more than 2 years without any problems at all and her bone density is now classified as "normal". Other i.v. options are available I think but I'm no expert in that area. The NOS helpline people are.

6

Great answers already...but don't forget the Calvium and Vitamin D anyway😊

7

Hi Eileen,

Thank you for you're reply, and valuable information.

I am not sure about the Iv route, but I will certainly get the information from the sources you have suggested.

I am in Staffordshire in the UK.

I hope you are well.

Julia