Finally Got My Bone Density Scan Results!

[Smowball]

Apparently I’ve got osteopenia. I’d never heard of it - only heard of osteoporosis.
Waiting for call from my doctor as to what now.

[naomi24]

//It means your bone density is lower than the average adult, but not low enough to be diagnosed as osteoporosis.//

https://theros.org.uk/information-and-support/osteopenia/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyJ6K9Pux-AIVh-7tCh2SPA-SEAAYASAAEgLxMPD_BwE

[Smowball]

Guess it explains the fractures Naomi.

[Redhelen72]

//Osteopenia is when your bones are weaker than normal but not so far gone that they break easily, which is the hallmark of osteoporosis//

[Redhelen72]

Although it may be better to wait until you speak to your specialist and or GP to get an fuller picture.

[Smowball]

Yes apparently it doesn’t mean that I’ll automatically develop osteoporosis.

[bednobs]

you'll need to work hard not to though. Youll probably be offered medication to help, your menopause status may have an effect.

[ducksie]

I have Osteopenia, lifting weights will help strengthen the bones and you may never get Osteoporosis. Another scan is usually done 3 years later

[Samuraisan]

I'm the same smowball. I was diagnosed about 5 years ago, but have managed to halt it by walking a lot, taking calcium powders every day and one pill, called Bonviva here in Spain, every 30 days. Also making sure I get enough Vit D. ( which is not too difficult here !)

[barry1010]

It is called Bonviva in the UK and it is prescription only here

[Patsy33]

Hope you can keep osteoporosis at bay, Smow. At least you know what it is now and with Doctor's help, can go forward in terms of treatment.
Did you say once that you're taking Ppi's? Omesoprazole, lansoprozole?? Im on the latter. Unfortunately, they don't help with the bone situation..Best wishes.x

[jourdain2]

A few years ago (6) I had a bone density scan - I was 67 - and all was well, my bones in good condition. Possibly because I had been extremely fit and active until back problems in 50's/60's. However, I have managed to crack 3 ribs in the last 6 years (I know the reason why in all cases and they are quite reasonable and all bones healed well and in the right timescale) so I now take calcium and Vit D tablets daily, just in case. It's probable that that sort of dosage would help you. If you increase your exercise level, if you can (I can't) that would help too.

[Smowball]

I’ve also read that exercise can help/strengthen bones etc, but in my current situation with fractured spine that’s almost impossible. Hospital say they are going to speak to my doctor, who should prescribe Vit D/calcium, and in meantime try and get some sunshine whenever I can. Have to say I’m pretty miserable at the moment - it’s just one thing after another : (

[ToraToraTora]

so how dense were you? :)

[Smowball]

I don’t know TTT - I found out this diagnosis by accident. I went for my physio & was telling him I couldn’t get my bone density results when he said that he had them on his system, even tho he hadn’t requested it. Said he really shouldn’t be telling me himself but that I had osteopenia - I was so shocked . He said the actual consultant who ordered the scan would have to send it direct to my doctor, for them to discuss with me in more detail, so I spoke to hospital again and finally got a secretary who says she will send it this week(she might even have done already now) and then I will hopefully get a call from my doctor to explain in more detail.

[Redhelen72]

I would seriously be raising a formal complaint with the miss communications that you keep getting

[Sqad]

This may all be "no big deal" as we do not know the extent of this "osteopenia."

Just wait for the results.

[MissTerious]

What I can't understand is that I had osteopena and it did develop into osteoporosis, so was given appropriate medication, alendrolic acid and calcium. On my next scan they said I was clear of both! How did that happen. I have had lots of MRI scans since on spine hips and loads of other joints. But nobody has mentioned osteoporosis again or advised density scans, in NHS or private hospitals. I mentioned it to my GP once who said that can happen!

I take vitamin D daily, but was never prescribed it.

[Smowball]

Red/everyone - I have made a complaint to the hospital and to be fair the woman I actually got thru to in the end apologised profusely. She then rang me back and said she had printed off the results and sendt them to my doctor, and also written to him, but she personally couldn’t give me the full details of scan. So I’m just waiting for them to arrive with doctor.

[Smowball]

MissT - they’ve both cleared up!??

[MissTerious]

Apparently Smow. He said the tablets had obviously done the job!