That's a very broad question! There are a number of different medications, all of which are frequently discussed here: Tymlos, Forteo, Fosamax, Evenity, Prolia, Reclast.
DEXA is generally retested after a year, although there are situations where a more frequent test is warranted. I think most people look for improvement verification after a year. There are blood tests you can take along the way which may indicate if the medication is working.
I’m waiting on my new HU scale results after 6 months of Evenity. When first diagnosed in June of 2024, with severe osteoporosis, my HU scale for bone density was 45 and my blood was 35. My DEXA Score at that time were the following;
Lumber Spine T-score -3.6
Left Femoral Neck T-Score -3.1
Left Total Femur Neck T-Score 3.6
Right Femoral Neck T-Score -3.0
Right Total Femur: A-Score -3.7
Left Forearm T- Score -1.0
Unfortunately I need to wait until July for another DEXA scan.
Once I received the results next week, I will let you know.
I’m waiting on my new HU scale results after 6 months of Evenity. When first diagnosed in June of 2024, with severe osteoporosis, my HU scale for bone density was 45 and my blood was 35. My DEXA Score at that time were the following;
Lumber Spine T-score -3.6
Left Femoral Neck T-Score -3.1
Left Total Femur Neck T-Score 3.6
Right Femoral Neck T-Score -3.0
Right Total Femur: A-Score -3.7
Left Forearm T- Score -1.0
Unfortunately I need to wait until July for another DEXA scan.
Once I received the results next week, I will let you know.
Please request a bone DENSITY scan. I made the mistake of omitting the key word, density, and almost ended up with a bone scan using radioactive agents looking for cancer. Imagine the cost of that.
Please request a bone DENSITY scan. I made the mistake of omitting the key word, density, and almost ended up with a bone scan using radioactive agents looking for cancer. Imagine the cost of that.
Yikes! Figured that the DEXA is understood on this site. Sorry. Will not make any assumptions in the future. My whole goal was to ensure that you knew you could just do a self-pay and get the DEXA anytime you wanted as long as you were willing to pay and your physician concurred with ordering the test for you. In my state, you cannot get a DEXA without a doctor's order.
Yikes! Figured that the DEXA is understood on this site. Sorry. Will not make any assumptions in the future. My whole goal was to ensure that you knew you could just do a self-pay and get the DEXA anytime you wanted as long as you were willing to pay and your physician concurred with ordering the test for you. In my state, you cannot get a DEXA without a doctor's order.
I still can not figure out why the NP had not questioned why I was requesting a bone scan but she did not. She simply ordered it. It was fun getting that straightened out. Be specific about what test you are requesting.
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That's a very broad question! There are a number of different medications, all of which are frequently discussed here: Tymlos, Forteo, Fosamax, Evenity, Prolia, Reclast.
DEXA is generally retested after a year, although there are situations where a more frequent test is warranted. I think most people look for improvement verification after a year. There are blood tests you can take along the way which may indicate if the medication is working.
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Hug
2 ReactionsI’m waiting on my new HU scale results after 6 months of Evenity. When first diagnosed in June of 2024, with severe osteoporosis, my HU scale for bone density was 45 and my blood was 35. My DEXA Score at that time were the following;
Lumber Spine T-score -3.6
Left Femoral Neck T-Score -3.1
Left Total Femur Neck T-Score 3.6
Right Femoral Neck T-Score -3.0
Right Total Femur: A-Score -3.7
Left Forearm T- Score -1.0
Unfortunately I need to wait until July for another DEXA scan.
Once I received the results next week, I will let you know.
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Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsScores during 5 years of Fosamax; culminating in a T8 fracture at the end of 2023:
2018 before starting:
Spine -2.0
Hip -2.8
2020 (2 years of treatment):
Spine -1.5
Hip -2.9
2023 (5 years of treatment)
Spine -1.6
Hip -3.0
Fractured in December 2023.
Stopped Fosamax March 2024.
June 2024:
Spine -2.2
Hip -2.8
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6 ReactionsThank you. This is so helpful. Would you mind sharing what Fosamax dose you were taking?
You can always have your physician call in the bone scan order if you are willing to self-pay.
I was on the weekly 70 mg dosage.
Please request a bone DENSITY scan. I made the mistake of omitting the key word, density, and almost ended up with a bone scan using radioactive agents looking for cancer. Imagine the cost of that.
Ohmigosh, I am so sorry. What a nasty outcome.
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1 ReactionYikes! Figured that the DEXA is understood on this site. Sorry. Will not make any assumptions in the future. My whole goal was to ensure that you knew you could just do a self-pay and get the DEXA anytime you wanted as long as you were willing to pay and your physician concurred with ordering the test for you. In my state, you cannot get a DEXA without a doctor's order.
I still can not figure out why the NP had not questioned why I was requesting a bone scan but she did not. She simply ordered it. It was fun getting that straightened out. Be specific about what test you are requesting.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions