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Bone Density Scan

last month

I'm at "low risk" and to keep taking 2,000 units of Vit D. She didn't know whether I should continue with my calcium pills or not (receptionist called me). I asked if Low risk meant that I am at *some* risk for something, and she didn't really know that either. Geesh

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Jasdip
Original Author

last month

I spoke with the doctor yesterday and asked her for more details. Low-density means that I have less than 10% of having a fracture in the next 10 years.

I also asked if I should keep taking calcium pills. She said no, just vitamin D . I feel relieved.

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Comments (8)

joann_fl
last month
Keep taking the calcium. When I went, they subscribed me meds for the bone density problem, and they made me sick. My Dr. said I could take 600 mg of Calcium.
eld6161
last month
All questions for your doctor. Will you be doing a follow up discuss the findings?
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This is probably what your doctor was suggesting, I didn't find any information as to the cost. I'm sure that was upsetting news, but at the same time, think of it as having your treatment 'in your own hands'...literally. "Low-Dose Parathyroid Injections. Although high persistent levels of parathyroid hormone can cause osteoporosis, daily injections of low and intermittent doses of this hormone actually stimulate bone production. Unlike most treatments for osteoporosis, including bisphosphonates, the benefits may persist even after the injections have been stopped. Teriparatide (Forteo), an agent made from selected amino acids found in parathyroid hormone, has now been approved for treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Studies suggest it significantly lowers the risk of fracture and increases bone mineral density. In one small study, parathyroid hormone significantly reduced spinal fractures compared to hormone replacement therapy. Although not yet approved for men with osteoporosis, it may be effective for these patients as well. Although the treatment requires injections, experts believe that patients will get used to them, just as people with diabetes grow accustomed to insulin shots. Side effects are mild and include nausea, dizziness, and leg cramps. No significant complications have been reported to date. Of concern are early studies reporting bone tumors in mice who were given parathyroid long-term. Such effects have not been observed in humans to date. (Of note in this regard, persons with Paget disease, a disorder in which bone thickens but also, oddly, weakens, should not take parathyroid hormone, since they are at higher than normal risk for bone tumors.)"
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Littlebit, did you have a heel or finger scan? My endo says those are essentially worthless, my ob/gyn had put in the finger type equipment for measuring bone density and she was just 'shakin her head, mystified as to why. I wouldn't put much into results you were given if you had other than a Dexa scan. Then a second 12-18 months later so they can compare and see if you are one who just has less dense bones (as you may if Caucasian, small framed, female) or if you are actually losing. Don't panic yet ;) My own doctor not only wanted to begin with the 2 to compare, she wanted them done by the same tech and the same equipment for most accurate comparisons, she doesn't medicate casually.
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pebo, If you are not having any troublesome symptoms of menopause, I believe it is better to stay away from hormone replacement. Some bone loss is normal as we age. There are other things you can do to minimize further bone loss beside take hormones. 1. daily weight bearing exercise (walking is the best). 2. avoid carbonated beverages. 3. if you do not get adequate calcium from your diet, take a supplement of Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, and vit D. Most doctors do not give enough information about the type of bone loss or what kind of risk for fracture a person actually has. It may be helpful for you to read up on menopause/HRT/bone loss, so you will have the facts and can ask the questions you need answered before making a decision. Only you can decide if the risks of HRT are worth the benefits for you. (Is the 1 or 2 percent bone gain worth the potential side effects and cancer risk of supplemental hormones?)
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Glad you've finally gotten some information. I know from my own experiences that even bad news is better than the not knowing and having the medical profession questioning the "reality" of your symptoms. Go easy and give yourself plenty of time to heal. And...if it won't alarm you too much, I'd look up the side effects of the various medicines you take/have taken. I've learned that the medical profession often times isn't too thorough with this type of thing. They swore that my DFL was not experiencing a drug interaction, yet when we got very insistent that the change the 1 med to something else on an temporary basis, all the side effect issues disappeared. Take care yourself. Lisa
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Elmer J Fudd
last month
Jasdip, between this and your knee issue, it may be worthwhile to find a new doctor. Good luck.
Jasdip
Original Author
last month
last modified: last month
Elmer, I am very less than satisfied with her, no doubt. But doctors are at a shortage and I don't know of any who are taking new patients. There is a sign stating that (not taking on new patients) on my dr's office door and others that I see (even in my local area). Plus if you HAVE a doctor they won't take you, as there are so many without one.

She is quite a change from the previous one. Her bedside manner was amazing, she was tremendous with both Tom and I. Unfortunately she got pregnant and moved back to Northern Ont. where she was from. I dearly miss her.

ETA: on a local group just now, someone was asking if they knew of a dr who's taking patients. They moved here last spring and haven't been able to find one.
Jasdip
Original Author
last month
I called the office this am to have a follow-up call with the doc to get my questions answered.

Scheduled for next Mon at 2:20.
morz8 - Washington Coast
last month
last modified: last month
Jas, low risk sounds good to me. Being small framed and having had hyperactive thyroid, I've always been at risk and I don't think low ever came into it ;)

I've taken additional Vit D for years on my doctors recommendation (and blood test) - even those years I was outdoors a lot and tanned with abandon - because I could turn very dark without burning and would get compliments on my significant tan. I'm not so vain now.

DH came home with results of a physical one year and his Vit D number was at the very bottom of the scale, one number away from dropping into the low range. His doctor hadn't mentioned it. He started taking the same dose as me and has had good readings every year since. Costco gel caps, inexpensive and easy.

I don't take additional calcium unless its the time released kind. But we are dairy people and I consume more milk, cheese than many adults. I don't know that you find many couples who have milk with every dinner they have at home, but we both drink milk with dinner. We like milk ;)
rob333 (zone 7a)
last month
last modified: last month
I agree, low risk sounds good. As in, low risk for bone breakage, with a, "what you're doing is working, so keep doing it". No need to up the dosage, for instance. I wouldn't be too worried. But then, you were just venting. I hear you!

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