 Posted 15/12/2011 14:07:15
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| Hi Everyone, I had my second dexa yesterday after 11mths of Forsteo. My last scan in June showed a great improvement in my T score from -4.1 to -3.4, however, yesterday my T score was -3.6! My OP Nurse was adamant that I am making new bone and she showed me the figures on part of the scan result and also on the computer image of my spine which showed the bone to be thicker, which I have to say it did look a lot better. She advised me not to get too hung up on T scores as they can vary even by being in a differnt position on the scanner than last time!!!! My hubby and I spent at least an hour with the nurse following the scan trying to ascertain how I can possibly be improving if the figures don't prove it, anyway the explanation was going right over my head and has left me very confused. I have apparently increased by 24% in my spine and 8% in my hips since last January which is just fantastic, but yesterdays T score has puzzled me. Has anyone got any knowledge of T scores that will help my puzzled mind. Lydia x
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Posted 16/12/2011 10:53:42
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It does sound very confusing! The most helpful information that I found on interpreting DEXA results is from the University of Washington. If you copy and paste the link below, you should get a list of headings:
courses.washington.edu/bonephys/opbmd.html
Regarding T scores, the University of Washington states "most careful studies show a mean error of 2%, so the difference is statistically significant if greater than 6%". I suppose the difference between -3.4 and -3.6 might then be considered 'insignificant' by a radiologist, even though it doesn't seem insignificant to you.
I'm interested to know how you are managing to have repeat DEXA scans so frequently. I know this varies a lot depending on where you live, but I haven't heard of anyone having three scans within a year! My T score was the same as yours when I was diagnosed, although I've been very fortunate not to have had any fractures. I was refused Forsteo because I didn't meet the NICE criteria, but I am taking strontium now. My consultant has said that there is little point repeating a DEXA scan in less than 3 years, which does seem rather a long time to wait.
Notwithstanding the most recent result, it does look as if Forsteo is working well for you Lydia. Do hope that you will continue to improve over the next 12 months of treatment.
Best wishes
Jes
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Posted 16/12/2011 10:57:20
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| The last post was from me! I thought I was logged in, but obviously wasn't.
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Posted 20/12/2011 01:08:01
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| From what I've read, the results can vary slightly if you aren't scanned on the same scanner each time.
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