So I thought I would give a bit more information after reading some of the comments! I realized I did not give enough pertinent information. I’m just 76 years old and have lupus since I was 61. During those first eight years or so I was on 3 to 5 mg of prednisone daily. we stopped the prednisone about five years ago. And only recently have I begun taking 3 mg of budesonide to help with my lupus. In addition, I take thyroxine every day for a thyroid condition since I was 19. When I was 61 I had my first bone scan and I was diagnosed with osteopenia. Over the years I’ve had my yearly bone density assessments and really haven’t paid the attention to them that I should until just recently. So currently my total lumbar spine findings of L3 – L4 I have a T score of -1.2 I might add these numbers were given to me in 2025 around the same time. Compared to 2024’s finding there was a non-statistical change. I had an additional. Compared to 2024’s finding there was a non-statistical change. I had an additional DEXA scanned because I truly don’t want to start the meds so my doctor ordered another DEXA scan for me. To continue my mean total hip score is -1.9. Again, a non-statistical change from 2024. My mean firm neck reading is a T score of -2.8 which represented a 0.6% statistical change from 2024. I’ve been put in the 19% percentile for major fracture and a 6.3% chance for hip fracture. I currently take 1200 mg of calcium every day and 5000 IU units of vitamin D. I do minor weight-bearing exercises by keeping my own home and walking daily. The only other information that I was given is that the least significant change based on 95% confidence interval is a 0.028 GM/CM 24 AP spine L1 – L4 dual femur and the distal radius. I’m not exactly sure what that means. I just feel my Dr thinks I should be on osteoporosis medicine as I had stated earlier and now is pushing me to take Boniva once a month.
I really appreciate being able to share this with other women suffering or at least going through somewhat the same thing now. I can’t seem to find information that helps me to understand if I’m at grave risk or, if I can take more time and have another test before I see if there’s any major changes. Thank you so much.