Don't forget, your bones are being compared to those of a 30 year old. You made still have bone strength, but bone loss is a natural part of the aging process unless it's brought on by genetics, medication, and etc.
Another thing about dexa "numbers": We don't know WHAT our best peak bone density number ever was compared to their method of scaling. I suspect for many it never did match what they say is a peak 30 year-olds optimal density, so therefore any little thing could drop into the osteopenia/porosis range, and we'd still be the same strong and healthy as we were meant to be naturally.
I'm not comparing my bone loss to a 30 year old, even if the docs are. I'm comparing it to my previous dexa scans. My bones loss has been rapid which is alarming. I agree, for those who've had a slow progression, it is less concerning and even 'makes sense'.
Right. A slow loss would be a natural progression of advancing years especially since most of us slow down as we get older. A rapid loss is another story. Good luck in your endeavors to bring it back to something less.
While I have a lot of issues with pharma, I am very glad I was able to get a DEXA scan in my 40s and discover my bone weakness while I can still do something about it.
My GP (I'm in the UK) wrote a prescription for alendronic acid (which I believe is the same as Fosamax) for 5 years. Not very happy about that as I am pre-menopausal! Also prescribed a calcium/Vit D supplement. No suggestion of referral or more bloods. I'm already on a high strength vit D - it was 12 earlier this year. I've also been treating SIBO (small intestine bacteria overgrowth). This has most likely caused malabsorption of minerals over a number of years. I requested the bone scan because of the above, my low weight, and because my mum broke her wrist at 40 and found out her bones were weak.
Comparing the bones of someone who is 54 to someone who is 30 yrs old does Not make any sense to me. It would be similar to comparing a health concern of a 20 yr old to a toddler. How is this scientific? Basically any numbers could be adjusted when the doctors are using that as a guide to hand out Rx's
Yes, but again they are a set of numbers based on a unrealistic scale. If my numbers were based on others who are within 5-7 yrs of me, then I would have a more objective idea of where I am. Who knows, I could be pretty spot on and have no problems for someone at 54.
DEXA scores are reported as "T-scores" and "Z-scores." The T-score is a comparison of a person's bone density with that of a healthy 30-year-old of the same sex. The Z-score is a comparison of a person's bone density with that of an average person of the same age and sex. Your age.
Bobbi, you've stated my feelings exactly. I am 59 years od, compare me to someone my age, not to someone 30 years younger. Besides, the DEXA doesn't show bone quality and, as I understand it, the results are based on interpretation, which could present differently based on the machine and machine operator.
You do want to get tested on the same machine each time, but it's easy enough to go to the same place. I'm making the assumption that if my scores are lower, my bone quality is worse (less).
I don't see this as an illness at all. I don't have the face of a 30 year old why should my bones be any different?
Sometimes I think the drug companies invent illness where none exists, so they can develop drugs that no one needs!
^OMG So true!
Another thing about dexa "numbers": We don't know WHAT our best peak bone density number ever was compared to their method of scaling. I suspect for many it never did match what they say is a peak 30 year-olds optimal density, so therefore any little thing could drop into the osteopenia/porosis range, and we'd still be the same strong and healthy as we were meant to be naturally.
http://www.npr.org/2009/12/21/121609815/how-a-bone-disease-grew-to-fit-the-prescription
I'm not comparing my bone loss to a 30 year old, even if the docs are. I'm comparing it to my previous dexa scans. My bones loss has been rapid which is alarming. I agree, for those who've had a slow progression, it is less concerning and even 'makes sense'.
Right. A slow loss would be a natural progression of advancing years especially since most of us slow down as we get older. A rapid loss is another story. Good luck in your endeavors to bring it back to something less.
That article boils my blood. Since I was told I have it I'm having anxiety issues. Didn't have them before. Really pissed off now.
While I have a lot of issues with pharma, I am very glad I was able to get a DEXA scan in my 40s and discover my bone weakness while I can still do something about it.
May I ask what your numbers were in your 40's?
I'm in my early 40s now and just got my numbers a few weeks ago. Spine -2.7 Hip -2.4
I think with those "numbers" you will do very well in taking care of your bones.
Hi Nicki Rush what did doc say tou? And make sure your doc does lots of bloods to check there is no underlying reason for u to have osteoporosis. X
My GP (I'm in the UK) wrote a prescription for alendronic acid (which I believe is the same as Fosamax) for 5 years. Not very happy about that as I am pre-menopausal! Also prescribed a calcium/Vit D supplement. No suggestion of referral or more bloods. I'm already on a high strength vit D - it was 12 earlier this year. I've also been treating SIBO (small intestine bacteria overgrowth). This has most likely caused malabsorption of minerals over a number of years. I requested the bone scan because of the above, my low weight, and because my mum broke her wrist at 40 and found out her bones were weak.
I should add that I don't intend to take the drugs but am working with a nutritionist I was already seeing for gut issues.
Comparing the bones of someone who is 54 to someone who is 30 yrs old does Not make any sense to me. It would be similar to comparing a health concern of a 20 yr old to a toddler. How is this scientific? Basically any numbers could be adjusted when the doctors are using that as a guide to hand out Rx's
AND THOUGH THEY ARE SENT WITH THE T SCORES, DOCTORS DON'T EVEN DISCUSS Z SCORES! (caps intended)
True, but if you use the dexas to chart your OWN progression, it's extremely helpful!
Yes, but again they are a set of numbers based on a unrealistic scale. If my numbers were based on others who are within 5-7 yrs of me, then I would have a more objective idea of where I am. Who knows, I could be pretty spot on and have no problems for someone at 54.
DEXA scores are reported as "T-scores" and "Z-scores." The T-score is a comparison of a person's bone density with that of a healthy 30-year-old of the same sex. The Z-score is a comparison of a person's bone density with that of an average person of the same age and sex. Your age.
Bobbi, you've stated my feelings exactly. I am 59 years od, compare me to someone my age, not to someone 30 years younger. Besides, the DEXA doesn't show bone quality and, as I understand it, the results are based on interpretation, which could present differently based on the machine and machine operator.
You do want to get tested on the same machine each time, but it's easy enough to go to the same place. I'm making the assumption that if my scores are lower, my bone quality is worse (less).
Keep your stress level as low as possible. Breathe through every event that shakes you down.