Osteoporosis diagnosis

Thanks for all the input. GP wants further referral and tests before decide on medications.

I was diagnosed with osteoporosis after a dexa scan in 2021. Massive family history plus I had taken steroids for other conditions.
I have taken vit D and calcium although I gather there is very little evidence that it helps.
Also alendronic acid for 2 years. Recently stopped when I had gastritis and I suspect I may not be able to take it again so may be offered zolendronic acid. I'm torn really. My dentist says these drugs stay in your system for 5 years.
Agree the Royal Osteoporosis society are excellent. Ive watched some very informative videos on their website and spoken to one of their nurses.

Have broken both wrists and a hip - not surprisingly my osteopenia had advanced to osteoporosis!

Am on calci-D tablets daily and an injection of denosumab every 6 months.

I was due to have a Dexa scan until Covid and lockdown intervened and the appointment disappeared. I have since moved to another district where the GP practice was on 'special measures'' I was also having half-yearly infusions of Zolendronic acid, because I can't take Alendronic acid. Now that the practice has been sorted out, I intend to have myself re-referred.

My daughter's FIL is having an urgent op next week to remove a tumour from the gland, which was discovered because of the large amount of kidney stones he had.

What symptoms of parathyroidism did people have? I have consulted several reliable sites (NHS, Mayo Clinic) and I have none of the symptoms they list.

I was diagnosed with osteoporosis in 2021 after I paid for a private xray. Had a Dexa scan but no idea what the results were. I take alendronic acid and calcium tablets. My dentist gave me more information about osteoporosis than my gp did. There is masses of information on the Royal Osteoporosis Society website.

HRT helps to prevent osteoporosis - not so sure that its much use once you already have osteo.

Originally diagnosed around 2003 and took bisphosphonates for a few years but decided that as they hadn't worked for my mum (both coeliacs) they may not work for me and discontinued them. Tried Strontium Ranelate but they were linked with heart problems so gave those up.
Dexa scan in 2018 showed lumbar -3.8
Right total hip -1.3
Left total hip -1.7
The consultant wanted me to have the infusion and I agreed but the appointment letter didn't arrive and after having had extra time to think about it, I decided not to go ahead.

M0nica, get your Parathyroid checked, not to be confused with the thyroid! Parathyroid takes calcium from skeleton and puts in blood causing high calcium. I had parathyroid removed due to this. It is not normal or ok to have high calcium blood levels.

Fractured and dislocated an ankle 8 years ago, osteopenia but not allowed hrt due to severe migraines.
Weight bearing measures. Lots of walking really. That’s it for me.

I was diagnosed 5 years ago with Osteopenia (stage before Osteoporosis) after sustaining a fracture in a fall
They prescribed Alendronic Acid (taken once weekly) which has had some effect in reversing my scores (I am still ostepenic but rather than being half way on the scale to osteoporosis I am now only a quarter of the way. Mo mention of HRT

I have a 69 year old friend with osteoporosis who has been on HRT for years and years. Not been a preventative medicine for her.

I had a full hysterectomy in my ‘40s and was told I could never go on HRT. Now almost 70 and was with gynae who put me on HRT!

@Rapunzel100 I had the same - only incidentally picked up by my oncologist. I had the op and calcium has returned to normal but I wouldn’t be keen on taking any extra calcium now although I do take vitamin D. I’m relying on exercise and a good diet to keep my bones healthy.

Yes , I was on it to prevent bone loss but it isn’t recommended to be on alendronic acid at same time as HRT. Saw professor last week this was from him . Royal osteoporosis charity are informative

I was put on HRT after a radical hysterectomy in my 40's because of the risk of osteoporosis.

Bind

Calci. Chew and alendronic acid are standard treatments for osteoporosis. I had a severe reaction to the one dose of alendronic acid I took. I have been told by my specialist hrt is not advisable at the same time. HRTis helpful to keep bone mass stable so it slows down losses. Look at your diet do you eat lots of oxalates such as spinach , almonds, rhubarb. These bins to the calcium so it isn’t as absorbable.

MOnica, when I had a parathyroid adenoma, the calcium levels in my blood were very high because the calcium was being leached from my bones, putting me at risk of osteoporosis without an operation to remove the offending gland. It may be worth checking this out. After the parathyroidectomy, both my Vitamin D and calcium levels returned to normal.

If you expect to need any major dental work (extractions/implants) doing in the next few years, make sure you talk to your GP/Consultant about this BEFORE starting on the bisphosphonates

Thanks for all the contributions. My blood tests showed VitD and calcium were fine. Will see how I get on with GP.

Franbern BUT.....my Gp - without any further tests said I had Osteoporosis - his actual words, 'Anyone of my age with a spinal stress fracture MUST have Osteoporosis.

I have severe osteoporosis, bones quite degraded. Only viewed on Dexa scan. I've never broken bones (I've fallen skiing). The tipping point to diagnosis was my top to bottom fractured spine resulting in height loss.

Perhaps ask for another Dexa, if it matters to you? (For the record it is unclear to me if you care one way or the other.)

My problem is that I have osteoporosis, despite having a high blood calcium level.

I took HRT for years because of menopausal problems. I stopped taking HRT, fell down 2 steps, dislocated and fractured my ankle so it had to be pinned and plated. I had osteopenia and had to be very careful for 6 months, taking vitamin D and calcium tablets for life now.

I fell 2 years ago and broke my big toe so was in a POP for weeks. I will be 80 next birthday.