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Has anyone had their doctor actually explain their DEXA scores?
While tbe T score compares density to a 30 year old for diagnostic reasons. theZ score compares scores within your age bracket. The NP really keeps pushing Prolia,
Affer doing some research, even though with a T score if for instance -2.8 (>2.5 = osteoperisis), a Z score of -0.5 is normal for a 72 year old. At least that was crom my own research. Although a diagnosis is helpful in thinking about treatment I find it off putting that this is not further explained. This was a very stressful diagnosis, especially with doctors pushing Prolia and other medications that can have horrible side effects. So my journey now includes breathing a sigh of relief just knowing that in my case and others may realize that if their scores fall in the range of others in that age group, it is not the result of some abnormal factor but the natural result of aging. It gives me confidence and hope that through strength training, HRT, and supplimentation, there uz hope.
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@jimmy05 I understand how you feel; I felt the same way when it looked like I needed to go on drugs. It was devastating to me as I had never even taken any kind of regular prescription meds. I had always done weight bearing exercise. But I came to look at osteoporosis as a natural part of aging for some women (DNA, hereditary, diet, etc). There are many reasons and you may not be able to actually pinpoint why. If you had a compression fx I would think it is important to do something. Try to start thinking of it as a part of life you are going through and it could also be much worse (many people have chronic conditions they have to deal with). I ended up taking Evenity; I have 3 more injections. I had no problems with it. Not sure what will happen next; I feel it will be based on the results I get after Evenity on the DEXA. But I have gradually make my peace with this condition.
@jimmy05
May I ask for the name of your rheumatologist at the Illinois Bone & Joint Institute? I was scheduled to see a rheumatologist at Rush and then a week before that appointment, received a call saying they needed to reschedule because the doctor was now unavailable. That pushes my appointment from mid-October to Feb. Naturally, I waited a few months to get the original appointment.
I couldn't figure out a way to direct message you about this. If you'd prefer not to share a name, I understand.
Regardless, I hope you have a satisfying conversation with this doctor and you feel comfortable with his/her recommendations.
@jimmy05 Hi. I am 70 years old T-8 fracture picking up 50#dog. T score 3.2 lumbar spine, 2.5/2.6 hips. I was allergic to Tymlos and Evenity. Was on OsteoProFitness weight resistance workout. That was good but I knew not enough impact under the circumstances. Was told no meds try to maintain. I finally had an Onero licenced program come to Jacksonville Florida area. I drive 156 mile roundtrip costs $400 for twice a week from GA. This is week 2-I was scared but Im doing it. So far so good fear factor fading. It does build bone-proven from LiftMor study 2018 Australia Dr. Beck. I have lifted weights in the past but never deadlifts or anything like this. I see 2 locations near Chicago. Look up the BoneClinic online and go to locations. Good luck!
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3 ReactionsI had my 2nd DEXA this past April, I did not realize until afterwards when meeting with a Endo doctor that I should have had the Dexa at the same facility. She said it was like apples vs oranges. I also found out that if you have osteoarthritis (which I do in my neck/spine) that the readings of your DEXA may be worse than it appears due to the bone thickness, disparities that show up as a denser bone. I am now looking to travel to have a REM test performed which is more reliable than a DEXA and reads more accurately for those with OA. My GYNO who initially set my first DEXA up did not and was not aware (as it seems most GYNOs and or GPs do not) very frustrating due to overall real numbers of my osteoporosis and not to mention the out of pocket expense. Like I've heard mention here and other that we are so terribly behind the times with having new treatments, etc., even without drugs. So much more needs to be researched but it's too slow for many of us. FYI, I chose to discontinue Prolia after 4 injections due to side effects. My last injections was a year ago. I chose not to go on another pharm prescribed drug. So far so good, but know I have a ways to go. I am now on collagen, D3, K2, calcium. We all need to keep researching ourselves and ask more questions. Seems many GPs and GYNOs need more information, too.
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3 Reactions@prarysky the rheumatologist at Illinois bone and joint that I will be seeing is Teresa Sosenko
@deborahla I wish I could chat with you about your journey and a few other questions I'd like to ask..
@jimmy05 You can private message me. Thank you, Deborah L
@deborahla, I removed your personal email from the public forum as outlined in the Community Guidelines https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/tab/community-guidelines/ It's better to use the private messaging function .
@jimmy05, I might add that by asking questions and sharing here in the forum, you are connecting with several people and @deborahla's messages benefit many. We can all learn from each other.
@jimmy05 Thank you! I also looked online to see if I could find a doctor at the Institute who specialized in osteoporosis. If you are interested, I came across this YouTube video presented by another doctor there. I have not watched this video yet.
@colleenyoung Thank you. I did not know there was a direct message.