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CTX Blood test
I have osteopenia and just started with a new endo. I was on bisphosphonates for 10 years, then nothing for 5, then back on Actonel for about 18 mos and again nothing for the past 5 yrs. Latest DEXA showed some decline and since I have reflux and was on bisphosphonates for so long, one doc (not an endo) recommended Prolia but the possible side effects scared me. The complicating factor is that I also have Spondylolisthesis and spinal fusion may be in my future so the surgeon would want me on something prior to surgery. This new endo scheduled a CTX which I’ve never had before. He also said that if I opted for surgery (or even if I didn’t) he’d consider Tymlos or Forteo or even an IV resorption med obviously depending upon test results. So it sounds as if it IS possible to reintroduce a resorption med which is sort of conflicting information to that I’ve received in the past. Has anyone had a CTX and how helpful did you find the results in terms of making treatment decisions?
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Been on reclast for 2 years. No side effects but now have dental issues. The oral surgon wants me to have a ctx blood test before he treats me. will have it next week. will find out results shortly after that. It will show me weather or not my gums will be able to heal or if the bone will remain exposed and infection could then appear. I need extractions plus maybe implants and dentures. He will not treat me if the results are not good.
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Hug
2 ReactionsCompetent oral surgeon. Many dentist wouldn’t even know what a CTX was. I know this post is old, but how did you make out with your tooth? I’m on Forteo now, and CTX is 900+. I hope I don’t need dental work.
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Hug
1 ReactionPer my humble understanding, . CTX must be adequate to facilatate healing of bone. it is when CTX is too low that you have to be concerened about dental work, injury healing or surgery. Bisphosphnates lower CTX - thats thier job. but if it gets too low. micrfractures can cause problems, bones can get brittle etc... becasue the remodeling is not happening as normal .
We are all different and have different Bone marker baselines. On Tymlos my CTX is 535 ( dissolver) /p1NP 90 ( builder) . Which is good relationshiop for me. We are all different. Tymlos activates both aspects of bone remodleing - and shuld be stopped when building processes ( p1NP) start to slow done and dissolving processes( CTX) get too high in relationship. But many other factors must be analysed also. I suggest reading Great Bones by Dr Keith McCormick for further information - its detailed but stay with it. There is much to leran to help you find you way to health. Blessings.
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Hug
1 ReactionCTX is measuring the rate at which the osteoclasts are breaking down bone. If it’s higher than normal range thst means your bone is being broken down at a higher rate than it should. And you have to look at the P1NP also to see the rate at which the osteoblasts are building up the bone. This is a process that goes on our whole life every few months but if these numbers are not in sync with each other there can be issues.
I’ve had two sets of bone markers CTX and P1NP.
You are supposed to have them every three months.
My CTX went lower which is good, it’s the osteoclasts.
The P1NP raised slightly, which means I was slightly increasing bone, osteoblasts.