Connect
are T-scores 3.5 and 3.9 severe osteoporosis?
Are T-scores 3.5 and 3.9 considered severe osteoporosis and should be treated with injections? I'm am older senior and concerned about side effects.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.
Connect
Yes, those scores are considered severe. Opinions about how it should be treated varies because a lot of people feel as you do about possible side effects.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI think what we all have to do is weigh the risks and benefits of the various options available to you in conjunction with your doctor. Unfortunately there is no perfect answer. One thing I wish I had known is to ask for how many people experience a certain benefit or adverse effect out of the number treated rather than a percentage. I found later than a percentage can be very misleading.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionAre those numbers positive or negative? And where are they from? What area?
The Bone Density Test showa T score 3.5 from lumbar spine. And the 3.9 T score from the neck and left hip.
@babs10 Thank you for your response. You confirmed what I expected.
@tillymack I agree about a percentage can be misleading. Thank you for your response.
@babs10 Thank you for your response.
Compare possible side effects to the alternative. If an older senior fractures a hip or spine, it is life-changing, possibly life-ending. -3.5 is a bad score. I would never want to live with that number. You don't even need to fall to get a compression fracture at that level. There are options, but to me, doing nothing is not an option.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reactionrosemariewalters, you might try one of the two bone building drugs that have the shortest elimination timeline.
That way you could quit if the side effects are unacceptable and be free of the drug within 24 hours. Forteo and Tymlos would be the two I'd consider in your situation.
Prolia is in your system for 6months Evenity is given monthly but can stay in your system for over two months.
Reclast is given every year, but can cause side effects for a very long time.
With each of these medications there are people who have no side effects.
Forteo and Tymlos are injected everyday and give your the soonest offramp.
In a similar situation I decided on Forteo. I haven't had any side effects.
Severe osteoporosis is defined as a T score of -2.5 or less with a fragility fracture. Your scores of -3.5 and -3.9 indicate severe risk of fracture.
Have your doctors suggested a medication.
\