are T-scores 3.5 and 3.9 severe osteoporosis?

Posted by rosemariewalters @rosemariewalters, Jul 4 1:14pm

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.

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Profile picture for bswpb @bswpb

@rosemariewalters 3.5 or -3.5…it make a difference

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@bswpb I don't think anyone has +3.5. Zero is considered to be normal.

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Profile picture for njx58 @njx58

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.

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@njx58 I agree doing nothing shouldn't be an option. I am just confused as to what to do. The more I read, the more confusing is is. There's so many different drugs. Thank you for your response.

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Profile picture for gently @gently

rosemariewalters, 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.

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@gently Thank you for your response. I will mention Forteo and Tymlos to my doctor. He's prescribing yearly injections.

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Profile picture for rosemariewalters @rosemariewalters

@gently Thank you for your response. I will mention Forteo and Tymlos to my doctor. He's prescribing yearly injections.

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@rosemariewalters the yearly injections are Reclast--easier for you and easier for him.
It isn't my favorite. It prevents you from losing bone, but doesn't build bone.
Some don't have side effects, but others don't fare well.
You might stay on site while you decide exactly what to do.
With your numbers I'd want to be adding some bone.

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Profile picture for rosemariewalters @rosemariewalters

@njx58 I agree doing nothing shouldn't be an option. I am just confused as to what to do. The more I read, the more confusing is is. There's so many different drugs. Thank you for your response.

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@rosemariewalters Evenity, Forteo, and Tymlos are the only three that build bone. Evenity, you go to the doctor for a monthly shot, for 12 months. The other two, you self-inject every day for 18-24 months. Evenity is not recommended for anyone with heart issues.

Sometimes, insurance is a factor. Evenity is a medical claim since the doctor gives you the shot. The others are prescriptions.

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Profile picture for njx58 @njx58

@rosemariewalters Evenity, Forteo, and Tymlos are the only three that build bone. Evenity, you go to the doctor for a monthly shot, for 12 months. The other two, you self-inject every day for 18-24 months. Evenity is not recommended for anyone with heart issues.

Sometimes, insurance is a factor. Evenity is a medical claim since the doctor gives you the shot. The others are prescriptions.

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@njx58 Thank you for this very helpful information.

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Profile picture for rosemariewalters @rosemariewalters

@njx58 Thank you for this very helpful information.

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@rosemariewalters Keep us updated on your progress!

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Profile picture for rosemariewalters @rosemariewalters

@njx58 I agree doing nothing shouldn't be an option. I am just confused as to what to do. The more I read, the more confusing is is. There's so many different drugs. Thank you for your response.

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@rosemariewalters
It can be so confusing and overwhelming. Everyone has a different story and what works well for some, does not work well for others. Make sure you are seeing a good doctor.

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My PCP prescribed Prolia for a -3.7 spinal Dexa reading. Since everyone I know with similar readings is sent to an endocrinologist, I found one and went. He recommended Evenity and then Prolia. At that point I consulted my United Healthcare insurance and USC Medical hospital support and they recommended seeing an in-network "geriatrician."

"A geriatrician is a primary care physician who specializes in the healthcare of older adults. They complete specialized training to diagnose and manage complex, age-related conditions—such as dementia, osteoporosis, and fall risks—and focus on optimizing patients' independence and quality of life.
Training and Qualifications - Geriatricians are fully licensed medical doctors who typically board-certified in either internal medicine or family medicine. Following their primary residency, they complete an additional 1- to 2-year fellowship specifically focused on geriatrics. This advanced training prepares them to manage the physiological and psychological complexities of aging.
When to See a Geriatrician - While there is no strict age limit, patients typically begin seeing a geriatrician around age 65 or older. You may want to consider consulting one if you or a loved one:
Suffer from multiple chronic health conditions simultaneously.
Take multiple prescription medications (a risk factor often referred to as polypharmacy).
Experience age-related changes such as memory issues, balance problems, or frailty.
Need help navigating complex care coordination among various specialists, social workers, and caregivers.
How Geriatricians Differ - Unlike doctors who focus on a single organ or disease, geriatricians take a holistic approach. They evaluate the "whole patient," prioritizing overall function, cognitive health, and emotional well-being alongside medical treatments. To find a specialized geriatrician near you or learn more about elderly care planning, you can explore resources and physician locators provided by https://www.americangeriatrics.org/

They are in short supply. I have an appointment in early October. Will report after that.

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