REMS (Echolight) Scan - anyone?

Posted by andreamayo @andreamayo, May 12 7:38pm

I would love to hear from anyone that has had a REMS (Echolight) scan and how you feel the results compared to your DEXA?
I'm considering booking one in Toronto as I cannot find a clinic in Vancouver. I'm doubting my DEXA because my average spine is apparently -3.7 with my L4 vertebrae at -4.3. Hips are -2.8.
I'm 56 years old, I haven't fractured, pain free and I'm very active but these scores are scary and I'm considering changing my lifestyle because of them. Can I still jump off our sailboat when docking? Ski? Paddleboard? I've heard of people fracturing turning to look at something with scores like mine, or fracturing when sneezing. YIKES! I am so very afraid to fall.
To be truthful, I want the REMS to tell me my bones are strong and then I will worry less. I hope it's not a case of "be careful what you ask for".
I have met a friend in this discussion group that had a REMS recently and I'm most grateful that she shared her experience with me. I look forward to hearing more.
Thank you in advance from anyone that has had a REMS scan and hopefully the discussion will stay on topic. 🙂

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

lisa751 | @lisa751 | May 15 6:45pm

In reply to @andreamayo "I did, I will email you. :)" + (show)

Andrea, I am also in Vancouver and looking for a R.E.M.S. Would you mind sharing the location with me as well?

Thank you:)

mrwoolley | @mrwoolley | May 16 9:06am

I went to Calgary for REMS. Then I found this in Vancouver.
Buddy Osborne
BoneHealth BC
New Business Development
Education and Clinical Liaison
https://bonehealthscan.janeapp.com/
buddy@bonehealthscan.ca
778-389-5643

andreamayo | @andreamayo | May 16 12:29pm

In reply to @mrwoolley "I went to Calgary for REMS. Then I found this in Vancouver. Buddy Osborne BoneHealth BC..." + (show)

I have an appointment with him today! 👍 I was planning to fly to Toronto for one.

andreamayo | @andreamayo | May 16 12:31pm

In reply to @lisa751 "Andrea, I am also in Vancouver and looking for a R.E.M.S. Would you mind sharing the..." + (show)

I am having a scan later today. 🙂
Buddy Osborne
BoneHealth BC
New Business Development
Education and Clinical Liaison
https://bonehealthscan.janeapp.com/
buddy@bonehealthscan.ca
778-389-5643

glojo (Gloria) | @glojo | May 17 7:34am

In reply to @andreamayo "I am having a scan later today. 🙂 Buddy Osborne BoneHealth BC New Business Development Education..." + (show)

Do you mind sharing about the experience and results?

baguette | @baguette | May 18 7:52am

I had a DEXA scan that turns out had problems Lowest score was -3.8, and my PCP said take Prolia based on the conclusion of severe OP. Keith McCormick, author of Great Bones, wrote if there is a standard deviation between high and low scores, throw out the lowest score. That seemed to be the case with my DEXA, so I declined Prolia. Eventually I went to a REMS practice in NC, and the orthopedist looked at the DEXA and said throw out the two lowest scores because of standard deviation. Then my T score concluded osteopenia. The REMS also came out osteopenia, with one vertebra not registering. Unlike DEXA, if the REMS cannot take a good image it doesn't register a score. What I was told that there are no errors with REMS, and there can be errors with DEXA. Plus if you don't get DEXA with TBS software then you don't get the important bone strength/fragility score. REMS gives you that. The orthopedist didn't recommend drugs for me. So even without the REMS, it was worthwhile for me to see a doctor who could read a DEXA scan properly. Nice that the REMS backed up the doctor's conclusion.

nme1985 | @nme1985 | May 18 8:35am

In reply to @baguette "I had a DEXA scan that turns out had problems Lowest score was -3.8, and my..." + (show)

What is a Rem?

grammy9 | @grammy9 | May 18 8:53am

I had a dexa scan 2 years ago with a spine score of -3.1. I just had a echolight done and my spine score is -3.2.

rgibson123 | @rgibson123 | May 18 2:35pm

In reply to @mrwoolley "I went to Calgary for REMS. Then I found this in Vancouver. Buddy Osborne BoneHealth BC..." + (show)

Did you go to the place in Blackfoot? I contacted them to ask some questions but haven’t booked anything yet. I was surprised that you can self-refer - no need for a doctor’s referral.

andreamayo | @andreamayo | May 18 7:36pm

In reply to @baguette "I had a DEXA scan that turns out had problems Lowest score was -3.8, and my..." + (show)

A HUGE help, thank you for taking the time to fill me in.
My REM just gave me outstanding results compared to my first DEXA 6 months ago.
My spine went from SEVERE osteoporosis of -3.7 to osteopenia -1.1 !!! I am cautiously optimistic, I have another DEXA booked in 3 weeks time for comparison.