Is a dexa every 2 years enough?

hopefulheart,
My endocrinologist didn’t know what blood markers were and wasn’t interested.
My rheumatologist did know what they were, seemed to have never used them, but cheerfully ordered them for me. 😳

Kind of amazing and sad at the same time

@hopefulheart My endocrinologist (at Mayo Clinic) prescribed Evenity. I've had the injections for 6 of the 12 months so far. My endocrinologist told me that he will order a bone density scan after I complete Evenity. He also orders CTx, a blood marker that I did prior to starting Evenity and presumably will do again after I finish Evenity. Also, I get labs bimonthly while on Evenity to check my calcium levels because Evenity lowers calcium blood levels for bone building. I'll then get Reclast. So, I suppose looking at this I'm getting a bone density scan after one year on Evenity and then subsequent bone density scans as needed while on Reclast.

Here is an article from Mayo Clinic on blood marker:

Laboratory Testing of Bone Turnover Markers:

-- https://news.mayocliniclabs.com/2023/08/07/laboratory-testing-of-bone-turnover-markers/#:~:text=The%20most%20common%20bone%20resorption,measurable%20in%20urine%20and%20serum.

Nature girl
Thank you so very much
This is the route I’m likely going
Evinity then reclast
I do not want to take prolia

Have you had any side effects with Evinity?
Do you take Tylenol before the injection?

@hopefulheart I haven't had any side effects from Evenity. I don't take Tylenol before the injection but I might do that next time only because I had a little achiness at the injection site.

You MADE MY DAY
Thank you for responding
I am seeing my doctor June 25 ( far away but she’s amazing …she ONLY treats patients with osteoporosis
I thought the endocrinologist I saw yesterday would be good
He’s minutes from my home) but nope
I’m staying with my osteoporosis doctor

On the “don’t get me started” soapbox:

My rheumatologist is not interested in bone markers or scans or DEXA’s more frequently than every two years. Not sure why.

I just happened to have a regularly-scheduled DEXA in January, 2024, after using Tymlos for about 8-1/2 months followed by five Evenity injections. My bone growth at that time was excellent (+28% in L spine), so my doc will not order any further testing until January, 2026 - he says bone grows very slowly . . . wait, what!?

Seems like bones can break down faster, especially after taking these meds, so why would we not want to know if our maintenance drug of choice is working and what’s going on with our skeletal system - you know, the thing that keeps us upright! Because my left femur neck is still a bit OP, the radiologist who read my scan recommended a one year follow up DEXA for January, 2025. Hmmm . . .

I don’t think anything we print here will change doctors’ or insurance companies procedures or minds, but it feels good to profess that we should have the benefit of a more frequent diagnostic service that could potentially keep us healthier and happier. Of course, we can always pay for it OOP.

Stepping down now ;).

Cheers!

@hopefulheart, I'd look for a new doctor in this situation. The problem is finding one who will work WITH you. It seems like so many aren't taking new patients, but worth a shot.

Back to your question, I hope to get DXA scans yearly. I am willing to pay out of pocket if I have to. The trouble might be getting the doctor to order it for me - not sure yet, I haven't asked but I tried to schedule one on my own (found a place with hologic and TBS software thanks to a member on this forum) and was unable to schedule without an order.

Thank you
I do wonder why they hesitate to monitor these strong meds

My understanding is Medicare will pay for one more than every two years if medically necessary. You can call Medicare and ask them.

I never understand why a doctor won’t order something when a patient requests it, even if it is not recommended as protocol.

I quit smoking when I was 35, I’m 71 now. I would like a lung cancer screening. My PCP, who I do like, said my smoking history does not fit the protocol to order a screening. I may discuss with her when I go in for annual