topic Re: Dexa Scan test for bone density in Wellness

Dexa Scan test for bone density

June Lands — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 03:14:08 GMT

I am having one done next Thursday. I had one done at age 44 and my density was good. Now 60, post menopausal for 16 years....and with different health challenges, I am curious to see how my bones are today. My diet, supplements and lifestyle have been very good but often that is not enough. If I find my density is not great, I still will not resort to the pharmaceutical drugs they push. Doctors dole them out like candy and do not tell patients how dangerous they can be. Also, reading up on the scanners, they are very inaccurate much of the time...also something patients are not told.

Re: Dexa Scan test for bone density

violann — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 03:24:54 GMT

Glad to see your post. I got a call today that there has been some loss in my hips over the last 4 years, so I'm going to ramp up the old walking routines and see if I can stabilize where I am now. I'm older than you though.

Re: Dexa Scan test for bone density

June Lands — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 03:35:45 GMT

On 12/4/2014 violann said: Glad to see your post. I got a call today that there has been some loss in my hips over the last 4 years, so I'm going to ramp up the old walking routines and see if I can stabilize where I am now. I'm older than you though.

Violann...we need to remember that it is normal for some bone loss at an older age. We are not 20 year olds anymore. Walking and strength training are our best friends!

Re: Dexa Scan test for bone density

millieshops — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 03:36:31 GMT

What's the point of having the test believing as you do that the scanners are not accurate and that you will continue to use lifestyle to treat any deficiencies?

Why not just continue to try to live a healthy life as you've apparently been doing and ignore the test altogether? You've lost me.

Re: Dexa Scan test for bone density

June Lands — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 03:40:35 GMT

On 12/4/2014 millieshops said:
What's the point of having the test believing as you do that the scanners are not accurate and that you will continue to use lifestyle to treat any deficiencies?

Why not just continue to try to live a healthy life as you've apparently been doing and ignore the test altogether? You've lost me.

I thought about that...my doctor wanted the test done, insurance covers it. Figure I would see what it said out of curiosity.

Re: Dexa Scan test for bone density

pistolino — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 06:34:29 GMT

If you don't intend to take the medications they push for bone loss, I wouldn't even bother with the test. It's a waste of your time and insurance money. Just because insurance covers it doesn't mean you have to have it, especially if you don't intend to follow the recommended treatment.

Re: Dexa Scan test for bone density

jlkz — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 07:17:23 GMT

My doctor recommends taking timed release calcium with vitamin D3 rather than a large dose which can cause problems.

Re: Dexa Scan test for bone density

Sweetbay magnolia — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 07:18:32 GMT

I had a perfectly ""normal"" scan and am still facing hip replacement due to joint degeneration. I guess you have to determine what you hope to glean from the test. Maybe my ""clean"" scan will help the surgeon determine my risk.

Re: Dexa Scan test for bone density

cantdrive55 — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 07:22:11 GMT

Were you advised to not take calcium supplements for a few days prior to the test?

Re: Dexa Scan test for bone density

feline groovy — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 07:28:16 GMT

There are safe, all-natural, very effective supplements that you can take instead.

Go to Amazon and check out: MK-7, Strontium, Vitamin D3, and Calcium Citrate.

I have osteopenia (thinning of the bones & the precursor to osteoporosis), and they have really helped.

Good luck. 8-)

Re: Dexa Scan test for bone density

June Lands — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 16:36:28 GMT

On 12/4/2014 Sweetbay magnolia said:
I had a perfectly "normal" scan and am still facing hip replacement due to joint degeneration. I guess you have to determine what you hope to glean from the test. Maybe my "clean" scan will help the surgeon determine my risk.

Yes, you can have arthritis and poor joints... and still have great bone density. Or visa versa....

having good bone is better as far as joint replacement as there is less chance for fracture when they pound the stem of the knee or hip into the femur or the leg bone.

Re: Dexa Scan test for bone density

June Lands — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 16:42:21 GMT

On 12/4/2014 pistolino said:
If you don't intend to take the medications they push for bone loss, I wouldn't even bother with the test. I Just because insurance covers it doesn't mean you have to have it, especially if you don't intend to follow the recommended treatment.

The drugs they recommend are not the cure all by any means. There is nothing to prove that either. To think this is foolish, and to not have a test just because you are not going to take their recommended treatment makes no sense.

Having the test is good just to know where you stand. Not everyone follows protocol used for every medical condition. That is called freedom of choice. The Patient has this choice in every medical matter and protocol. I pay for my insurance and have the right to any test that is covered.

Re: Dexa Scan test for bone density

June Lands — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 16:54:06 GMT

<h1 class="entry-title">Drug Safety – FDA Links Osteoporosis Drugs to Fractures</h1>

October 20, 2010 by Jeff Lowe

The FDA has published a consumer drug safety warning regarding the use of bone-strengthening drugs known as bisphosphonates. Long offered in prescription form as a means of treating bone density loss and osteoporosis, the drugs recently have been associated with an increased risk of bone fractures in certain patients.

The specific fracture in question brought the issue to FDA attention because it is so rare. It is a thigh bone fracture, which is not an ordinary site for breakage, even in the elderly patients most commonly prescribed bisphosphonates. Such patients are more likely to have hip or lower-leg fractures, or arm fractures from falling. The large amount of muscle in the thigh tends to protect it from such fractures. The relatively high occurrence of such breaks correlated strongly with patients who have been taking bisphosphonates for five years or more.

Labeling will change for all oral and injected bisphosphonates that are approved for the treatment of osteoporosis, while other types will not be affected. The new labels will be updated to reflect the particulars of the increased risk that has been observed.

Doctors are stressing that patients should not stop taking their medication on their own initiative. Instead, they suggest that all bisphosphonate patients read their literature and familiarize themselves with the symptoms of a thigh bone fracture. They should consult with their healthcare professional at the earliest opportunity if they have any concerns, particularly if they have been taking the medications for five years or more. In addition, the FDA is urging doctors to reconsider the use of bisphosphonates as a treatment, and to reevaluate their patients periodically to see if continuing to administer the medication for long periods of time is the best course of action.

Re: Dexa Scan test for bone density

millieshops — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 17:10:14 GMT

I don't believe in wasting money, so I wouldn't have the test just out of curiosity.

Also, having grown up prior to the drugs currently available and having seen the havoc to the body done by not doing anything, I also know there is risk in doing nothing, too.

My mother and her sisters born between 1905 and 1920 knew nothing of bone density tests or bone-building medications. All were small women who walked more than average for women of their generation, and each one suffered the costs of osteoporiasis.

Based on my personal knowledge, I do have the dexa scan. So far (73 now), my doctor has not recommended any meds, but I'll follow his suggestions if he does. I've lived through doing nothing!

Re: Dexa Scan test for bone density

June Lands — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 17:20:37 GMT

On 12/5/2014 millieshops said:
I don't believe in wasting money, so I wouldn't have the test just out of curiosity.

Also, having grown up prior to the drugs currently available and having seen the havoc to the body done by not doing anything, I also know there is risk in doing nothing, too.

My mother and her sisters born between 1905 and 1920 knew nothing of bone density tests or bone-building medications. All were small women who walked more than average for women of their generation, and each one suffered the costs of osteoporiasis.

Based on my personal knowledge, I do have the dexa scan. So far (73 now), my doctor has not recommended any meds, but I'll follow his suggestions if he does. I've lived through doing nothing!

Sounds like the right thing to do! Good for you for doing what you feel is necessary for your good health. I like that

Re: Dexa Scan test for bone density

Tinkrbl44 — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 18:34:55 GMT

On 12/4/2014 AnnaBella said: I am having one done next Thursday. I had one done at age 44 and my density was good. Now 60, post menopausal for 16 years....and with different health challenges, I am curious to see how my bones are today. My diet, supplements and lifestyle have been very good but often that is not enough. If I find my density is not great, I still will not resort to the pharmaceutical drugs they push. Doctors dole them out like candy and do not tell patients how dangerous they can be. Also, reading up on the scanners, they are very inaccurate much of the time...also something patients are not told.

So ... what is your question?

Re: Dexa Scan test for bone density

June Lands — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 18:48:39 GMT

On 12/5/2014 Tinkrbl44 said:
On 12/4/2014 AnnaBella said: I am having one done next Thursday. I had one done at age 44 and my density was good. Now 60, post menopausal for 16 years....and with different health challenges, I am curious to see how my bones are today. My diet, supplements and lifestyle have been very good but often that is not enough. If I find my density is not great, I still will not resort to the pharmaceutical drugs they push. Doctors dole them out like candy and do not tell patients how dangerous they can be. Also, reading up on the scanners, they are very inaccurate much of the time...also something patients are not told.

So ... what is your question?

Did I have to have one? It was a viewpoint...my viewpoint. Enjoy your weekend everyone!

Re: Dexa Scan test for bone density

tends2dogs — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 18:54:44 GMT

Just because someone chooses not to take the recommended drugs for osteoporosis, doesn't mean they shouldn't have a bone scan. I had one this year at my yearly exam. I go to a preventive where they don't prescribe Fosamax, etc. I had the scan done to compare to the one I had 5 years ago. It was also done to see if the supplements they have prescribed for me are working. They are.

AnnaBella, go get your bone scan. It will tell you if you need to be more proactive. Do I recall that you had hip or knee replacement recently? This may be a test you shouldn't pass up.

Re: Dexa Scan test for bone density

Mj12 — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 19:00:26 GMT

On 12/5/2014 tends2dogs said:
Just because someone chooses not to take the recommended drugs for osteoporosis, doesn't mean they shouldn't have a bone scan. I had one this year at my yearly exam. I go to a preventive where they don't prescribe Fosamax, etc. I had the scan done to compare to the one I had 5 years ago. It was also done to see if the supplements they have prescribed for me are working. They are.

AnnaBella, go get your bone scan. It will tell you if you need to be more proactive. Do I recall that you had hip or knee replacement recently? This may be a test you shouldn't pass up.

Yes I believe so.

Re: Dexa Scan test for bone density

Madisson — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 19:12:29 GMT

The research that showed this revealed that these fractures of the femur happened after the patients had been on the drug for 10 years. The FDA is considering asking doctors to reassess the need for the drug after 5 years.

There is also a small risk of developing osteonecrosis of the jaw (mandible) from taking the bisphosphonates and having invasive dental procedures (extractions and other dental surgeries) performed. You should always tell your dentist that you are on this drug.

Like with any drug, when you go on bisphosphonates, you have to do a benefit vs. risk analysis.