Hello, @doverbey - sounds like you've taken a constructive approach to your new diagnosis of osteoporosis with the new diet and exercise regimen. Glad to hear the discussions on Mayo Clinic Connect have encouraged you along that path.

Hoping that other members here like @contentandwell @dazlin @lioness @dazlin @maryfrommissouri will have some input for you on what would be a good result of a computed tomography X-Ray (CTX) test right now, as you are trying to get one to have some comparison at 6 months from now.

How are you feeling with the lifestyle changes you've made so far, doverbey? What prompted you to go the non-medication route for your osteoporosis?

@doverbey @lisalucier Is a CTX test the same as a DEXA scan? If not I am not familiar with what it is. If you are having a second DEXA I know you should try to have it on the same machine because the machines can vary, even at the same facility.

I did have osteopenia but it has progressed to osteoporosis and will probably continue to get worse due to having to take prednisone, maybe for the rest of my life. With that being a large part of my problem, I do not think that dietary changes would be enough to compensate so I plan to start on one of the medications after April. Every drug has side effects and I have been told that the risk of them from the osteoporosis drugs is around 1 in 10,000. I know many women on these drugs who have had no problems at all.
For DEXA scans I have read that bone rebuilding is a very slow process so you would not see much improvement in six months, you need to wait a year.
What do your doctors think about you attacking the problem with just diet modifications? Do they feel that will be sufficient to keep your osteoporosis from progressing?
Strength building exercises are very important too of course. I generally go to the gym at my health club three times a week, alternating with the pool.
JK