National Osteoporosis Society - Osteoporosis Forum / Special Forums / Ask the Helpline Nurses

T Scores

Liz — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:41:20 GMT

Hi I have just been diagnosed with osteoporosis. My T score was -1.7 for femoral neck, -1.6 for the hip and -2.5 for the spine. It seems pretty borderline to me and I would prefer not to take medication. Would it be reasonable to increase my exercise and take calcium supplements and have another scan in 12months? Could the condition worsen dramatically if left without medication for a year? Is there any way my scan could have been interpreted differently with different scores by another technician - is the interpretation at all subjective or is the score very accurate and clearcut?

I don't really want to go down the path of a lifetimes medication at my age. I am very active and fit - or so I thought until I receved this diagnosis.

Thank you for any advice Liz

Varied t scores of the spine

Woman57 — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 19:32:15 GMT

Could you please tell me how t scores of bones in the spine can measure such different values?

I have just been diagnosed with osteoporosis in my spine. M my spine t score average is -3.1. I was told that 4 vertebrae were measured and these varied from -2.2 to -4.4.

The lady I talked to at the hospital said to only take notice of the average score. However great variations throughout the spine sound more worrying?

Osteoporosis and Anorexia

ella3367 — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 14:39:00 GMT

Hello

I'd be grateful for any information you had on osteoporosis/penia and anorexia. Is weight gain and period restoration still the recommendation for restoring bones loss - I have been told that however much calcium or treatment I take it is hormones that will help with bone restoration (which I'm told is possible with osteoporosis from an eating disorder)!

Also, can you advise on exercises that should not be done if osteoporosis is in the spine. i.e. are crunches/sit ups safe?

Many thanks, this forum is a wonderful idea!

osteoporosis

aicha — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 06:34:05 GMT

im 46 and i have just been diagnosed with osteoporos ,i am worried and do not know which treatment i should take.i am already taking fluoxetine for drepression.

can other conditions affect the osteoporosis medication?

bedford 1 — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 13:41:19 GMT

I have recently been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome. This causes me to have bouts of severe diarrhoea both day and night.

Can this have an impact on the osteoporsis medication that i am taking ?, currently adcal d3 and Stontium ranelate. My last blood test

showed low levels of calcium and very low levels of vitamind3. Can the bowel problems effect the absorption of these?.

aclasta - year long side effects?

meg owen — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 12:07:55 GMT

I received a dose of Aclasta by infusion at the end of October last year and initially suffered flu like symptoms as well as painful and swollen joints, temperature, shivers etc. these very severe side effects diminished over a few weeks but I am wondering whether some of the possible side effects mentioned in the aclasta leaflet could still be occurring now i.e.headache,dizziness,pain in the feet,pain in leg muscles,occasional lethargy and fatigue(having to go to bed)

I also suffer from meniere's and am unsure whether this has worsened - having never expereinced headaches with this condition in over 20 years, or whether this is as a result of side effects from the zolendronic acid still being in my system?

alendronic acid and new bone

Jilly — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 21:21:26 GMT

I have read that alendronic acid works by preventing the destruction of old bone but was confused about it's detrimental effect on the production of new bone. I am only 52 and a little worried about hanging on to old bone for the next 25 years. I also wondered if it was possible to improve bone density enough to eventual come off alendronic acid.

Back Pain

ElaineM — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:28:05 GMT

I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis in the Summer and also have Inflammatory Arthritis. I have been experiencing lower back pain for about 18 months which I don't think is linked with my Arthritis. Having asked both my GP and Rheumatologist if it could be the Osteoporosis they both said that you only get pain if you have fractures of which I am not aware I have any. My Physiotherapist says she thinks the pain could be due to my Osteoporosis.

Please can you tell me if we can get pain without having fractures?

Many Thanks

Switching from alendronic acid to strontium

Chana Helen — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:06:03 GMT

I am an active 63 year old, and have osteoporosis mainly due to the fact that I had a mastectomy and radiotherapy to my ovaries at age 45, due to breast cancer .
My doctor has offered me the chance to [b]change from alendronic acid to strontium[/b] because after more than a year taking alendronic acid, calcium and vitamin D, the osteoporosis I have has worsened (shown after a bone density scan). My doctor said the possible side effects of strontium were worse, and that I should 'research' the medication and decide for myself to change drugs or not. My doctor also mentioned injections, but said that a possible side effect was bone cancer. The thought of bone cancer terrifies me! :w00t: Would you recommend that I change to strontium, or even injections? ;)

mother newly diagnosed with osteopenia, extreme back pain being investigated. waiting for MRI Scan

mincepie — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:34:13 GMT

hi my mother has had a dexa scan and been told she has osteopenia. a consultant felt her legs in the hospital and said she has osteoporosis. She has been on medication for emphysema for 8 years i think cortosteroids. after 3 weeks of agonising back pain, various hospital admissions and xrays all they said was its osteoporosis or arthritis and this was going to be expected from now on. they cant find anything on the xrays so are now sending her for an MRI scan. They are sending her for physiotherapy also. what is causing this terrible pain in her leg and back. is it possible she has fractured something. is osteoporosis a painful condition. am confused as her scan only showed her as having osteopenia yet hospital consultant said it was osteoporosis. her pain continues and she has had so much to cope with what with the emphesema as well. what can i do for her to help her. any help appreciated. thanks so much.

"young" (ish) adults with OP

matt g — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 02:57:45 GMT

Hi,
Is there anything out there in terms of advice, data, or treatment for relatively young women with OP?
Almost all of the data and health issues address the more common OP in the post-menopausal over 50's but it would seem to me (a medical scientist, but not in the OP field) that OP in the young is clinically different to that of older women, both from a manifestation and treatment point of view.

My partner, post-menopausal in her early thirties, has been diagnosed with OP (t-score -2.9) and there doesn't seem to be a lot of clinical info about this age group out there. In particular...
- In early/mid thirties, having just begun exercise, HRT and actonel is it possible/likely to improve the BMD and fracture risk significantly and clinically? Surely someone of this age ought to be able to [b]improve[/b] bone densiy - rather than just prevent it getting worse (or am I a hopeless optimist? ).

- Despite a t-score of -2.9, she's not breaking stuff! A week before her diagnosis, I 'airplaned' her in a park (she's only small...) and then dropped her... nothing broke! From the small bits of info I can find, a 'young bone' wont break like an old bone, even with a very low BMD. I presume there is some truth to this as the fracture risk calculator doesn't even allow me to put in an age of 35 years old.

Any info on OP for the young-ish adult would be very helpful.

thanks,
matt

Is HRT on its own enough to treat Osteoporosis?

minxy14 — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:08:31 GMT

I was diagnosed with osteoporosis (caused by total hysterectomy at 26yrs, I am now 44yrs) in April and my Consultant put me back on HRT (estradiol) as the treatment. I had not been taking it recently due to side effects. From the posts I have read everyone seems to be on drug therapy for osteoporosis as well as calcichews. Is it normal just to be treated with HRT and nothing else?

Thanks

Taking mediacation and calcium with fractures

SheilB — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:21:28 GMT

I fractured my wrist in the Summer and my GP thought that I should come off my medication (Bonviva) while it healed. This was not suggested at the hospital and I did not see my GP until my plaster was off but my wrist is definitely thicker and less flexible. Is it possible that I have extra bone which is causing this? I also carried on with my calcium, etc but was also told later that a friend had been advised to stop calcium while bone was healing. Which is right?

with best wishes, ShielB

Absorption of calcium citrate

froglet — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:28:24 GMT

How long does it take to absorb a calcium tablet? We need to space out supplement; iron, zinc, calcium. How long should we leave between taking them?

Kyphoplasty/Verteplasty

Dee — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:58:47 GMT

My son aged 30, has sustained a spinal fracture at L3 due to steroid-induced osteoporosis. He was on steroids for 4 years due to Crohn's Disease.

The fracture has largely healed, but he has lost height and has a forward stoop. A Nuclear bone scan shows some recent bone activity at the fracture site, and he has been referred to a consultant at Guys Hospital, London, to discuss the possibility of Kyphoplasty or Verteplasty.

My son is very much hoping to regain some height, and be able to straighten up. He is acutely embarrassed and self conscious of the change in his shape, and also in pain with muscle spasms.

What are the chances of success using these procedures, and what risks are involved?

Thank you

Dee

can Osteo be 'brought on' by an accident ?

patience is a virtue — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:10:36 GMT

Hi I was involved in a road accident earlier this year and sustained a compressed spinal fracture, when I was eventually discharged from hospital I requested repeat prescriptions from my gp and she asked if I had had a bone density scan, as they had a pilot scheme running for the over 50's ( I am 54 ) and a comment made in passing raises my question. she said "as this type of accident/injury can bring on osteoporosis" so as a routine I had the dexa scan and was diagnosed with Osteoporosis with a T score of -2.9 and I am taking Adcal once a week and chewable calcium twice a day. As I wasn't experiencing any problems prior to the accident is it possible that it was 'brought on' or is it purely a medical condition I had but was blissfully unaware of. ( thanks to a diligent GP I am now having the necessary treatment. )

I have noticed reading other posts some have been given advise or guidlines re what not to do re bending or not, as the case may be. I havn't had any discussions regarding this. could I be doing more harm than good by going about my daily life as normal as possible and trying to get my flexibility back especially as I already have collapsed vertabrae ?

6 months on I am still experiencing a lot of pain in my upper back which I assume is from damage to muscles and tendons, I am waiting results of an MRI scan will damage to muscle and tendons show up on an MRI scan ?

Many thanks in anticipation

Janet

Is the amount of water taken with Actonel critical?

seekinginfo — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:09:27 GMT

I take a weekly Actonel tablet. I take it with plenty of tap water. I have recently read a book by an American doctor in which he says you should only take 8 oz of water with the tablet. Is this correct? I had thought that more water would help to wash it down, but am I reducing its effectiveness by having more than 8 oz water? The tablet's instructions do not appear to specify exactly how much water one should have.

osteopenia and upper back pain

anninkent — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:18:40 GMT

Hi and thankyou for this opportunity,

I was diagnosed early this year (aged 62) with one vertebral fracture at T8 but a DEXA scan showed only osteopenia. I have been on risendronate and calcium and Vit D. The acute pain from one year ago has gone, but as soon as I do normal things like ironing or cooking,for more than a few minutes, I get what I can only describe as soreness in my upper back and twinging sharp pains. it goes off with rest, but is not really improving. There is a really sore place, though a scan shows nothing else amiss.

Ann

stopping treatment

dodo — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:14:54 GMT

I am 78yr old female diagnosed 11 years ago , been alendronic acid 8yrs , been getting some side affects, recently, so doc. advised stop tablets ( 4 weeks ago) have a bone scan ( had it this week) & then maybe I will be able to stop treament, as my bones will have recovered! I would love to stop but I am a bit wary , can you comment generally, can people with osteoporosis stop treatment? dodo

Supplements

SheilB — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:15:10 GMT

What supplements, vitamins and minerals, and in what quantity should be taken to help with Oesteoporosis? Research is very confusing, it seems higher doses of calcium, magnesium and Vit D are advised in America than here, and are there any that should not be taken together because I tend to take them all at the same time.

SheilB

Continuing a particular exercise for those accustomed to doing it.

Jenny — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:32:10 GMT

Hi - This is a kind of parallel question to Margie's. I have a T-score of -1.4, and am on Adcal D3. The whole of my spine is weaker than it should be, with the heads of the femur & L1 being the weakest. I have been practising yoga regularly for many years, and teach it as well, so am accustomed to working with many of the stronger as well as the more flexible postures. My question is therefore whether it is believed to be ok for experienced practitioners to continue with all posturework including stronger ones such as full forward splits, headstand and shoulderstand, (assuming it feels right to do so at the time), or if there are any types of postures which it would not be recommended for someone such as myself to practise?

Thanks and regards
Jenny

PS I would also be interested to know if this T-score rates as osteopenia, as the scan results seemed to imply it was, whereas my doctor seemed to think not.

Side effects of Alendronic acid

hippo — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:04:07 GMT

Hi
I have been prescribed Alendronic Acid 70mgs weekly for osteopena. The 1st one I took was ok, but after the 2nd one I had an acute reaction, flu like symptoms and swollen joints so much so that I had to have my rings cut off. It took 4 days for my fingers to get back to normal. I haven't taken any this week and am fine. If I take any more am I likely to have another reaction, or will it settle down? I'm also on Adcal-D3 and Letrozole 2.5mgs daily and Amlodipine 10mgs daily. I have been advised that I need some medication as I have had 3 breaks in 10yrs, 2 colles and 1 fibula.
Thanks
Margaret

Diet and Exercise Only

Flick — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:12:23 GMT

Hello

I am very keen not to take bisphosphonates. I have ready various books and articles which declare it possible to increase bone denisty with just diet and exercise is this possible in your experience and over what period and what intensity would this be achieved?

Flick

T Score

Kate — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:31:42 GMT

In May 08 I had a T score of -2.5 - does this mean I have osteoporosis or am I diagnosed as having ostopenia please? or is there a difference?

Kate:)

BISHPHOSHONATE

bigsbyb — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:01:48 GMT

QUESTION FOR THE HELPLINE,

FOR HOW LONG AFTER THE USE OF A BISPHOSPHONATE DOES THE BONE RETAIN THE BENIFIT OF THE MEDICATION. AND HOW LONG IS THE AVERAGE USE OF A BISHPHOSONATE.

IS IT BETTER TO START SOMEONE OFF WHEN DIAGNOSED WITH OSTEOPOROSIS WITH DEXA SCAN OR WAIT UNTIL CLINICAL RISK FACTORS SUCH AS FALLS KICKS IN AT A LATER AGE. IF ON MEDS FOR UP TO 10 YEARS WOULD IT BE BETTER TO HAVE AT APPROXIMATLY 75 AND PREVENT HIP FRACTURE IN THIER LATE 80s

MANY THANKS

BRENDA BIGSBY

Tscore

Kelly Ton — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:53:42 GMT

There's a discussion in the Osteoporosis forum which suggests that, when multiple bones are scanned, Tscore is actually the measure for the bone with the lowest BMD, rather than an average across all bones.

- Is that true for a typical NHS scan of the 5 lower vertebrae?

- If so, are the results kept for all bones so it's possible to see whether there's just one bone with a problem, or whether it's more widespread? The thought is that one very weak vertebra among normal vertebrae might benefit from surgery to support it whereas if there's only a marginal difference between the weakes bone and the others, this wouldn't be appropriate

Excercise

Margie — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:36:32 GMT

Hello

I was advised to avoid deep forward bends. Is it ok to twist from the waist, standing up with back straight and hips facing forward. I was diagnosed in the summer and my efforts to 'be careful of my back' have led to me stiffening up. I am 49 and intend to be around for along time yet so I need to keep supple and flexible. Are there any exercises I can do to help 'build' the bones in my spine? I am trying to increase my walking and am interested in other ways of improving my bones. I am taking alendronic acid and adcal 3 and trying to increase the calcium in my diet but it is proving harder than I expected to change the diet if a lifetime.

Thank you

Margie

Strontium

froglet — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:26:32 GMT

I'm British but currently in Australia and unable to purchase Strontium here. Can I buy this in the UK?
Thanks

causes of oesteoperosis.

geeby — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:57:49 GMT

Hello , I hope this question will not be too long winded as it is in a few parts , I am 51 yrs old I have acute scoliosis and recently I was sent for a dexa scan as a precaution and it confirmed that I have oesteoperosis. my doctor did not explain how severely I have it ,he danced around any questions I asked him .he merely prescribed alendronic acid and calcium (calcichew) .

I have for many years been complaining about throat problems and only around 2 yrs ago I finally got refered to a specialist after many visits , nothing definative was found other than I had an acid problem , recently they decided that I should undergo a barium swallow , and it confirmed an Hietus hernia and Scarring of the throat due to exposure to acid . also during the same period I was suffering with throat problems I was encountering hot flushes ,and would get them suddenly ,even when resting .sometimes with a horrible feeling that my heart was beating irregularly .

is it possible that my oesteoperosis could be down to a problem with my parathyriod .and how would I be able to find out .

my doctor is like a computer he is pre programmed and wont listen to my pleas for advice he allways skirts around what I ask him and has not refered me for specialist help regarding my oesteoperosis.

Since I am on the calcium ,(I also take magnesium in simmilar amounts) I appear to be getting the hot flushes back .

I have stopped the alendronic acid and vowed never to take it or any of its sister drugs again after horrible side affects.

I am getting scared that something more serious may be going on ,and want to see a specialist ,but how.

Please read this before posting

James — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:23:57 GMT

Hello everyone.

We have a few points that we need to make clear - once you've read this post, please feel free to start your own topic and the nurses will get back to you.

This forum is hosted by the National Osteoporosis Society Nurse Helpline Team. Please remember this is a public forum, so please do not post any private information. If you would like a confidential response to your query please email the helpline team or phone them on 0845 130 3076 (9-5 Monday – Friday).
The charity's nurses can provide information and support only. For personal advice, please contact your doctor or other health practitioners.
More information about the Helpline Service can be found on our webpage.

A brief overview of how to ask the nurses a question:

The Helpline forum is only open every Tuesday
You can pose a question to the Nurses by starting a new topic (click the 'New Topic' button).
The Helpline forum will be closed to new questions at the end of each day.
The Nurses will reply to your question within 48 hours - keep checking the topic for a reply.
Please check that your question has not already been asked before starting a new topic.
We reserve the right to close topics if we deem it necessary.
If you have any problems, please send a private message (via the forum) to James or email j.hobbs@nos.org.uk.

That's it, please feel free to ask them any burning questions you might have about osteoporosis.

Thank you.

Side effects of calcium supplements

pilady — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:39:36 GMT

I have been taking Calichew D3 tablets for 2 months and then had to change because of suffering most of the side effects stated for this product, I am now using Calfovit D3 which although early days (1 week) is are proving to be better. My question is that although not given as a side effect for either product I have been getting pressure behind one of my eyes could this be down to the Calcium supplements I have been taking.? I went an optician last week for eye tests and have to go again tomorrow,

pilady