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CTX availability?
After 20+ years on Evista, I switched from my PCP to an endocrinologist at a major medical center 4 years ago when my osteopenia drifted into osteoporosis territory. There was improvement following the first 2 Reclast infusions which nudged my DEXA scan scores slightly back into the realm of osteopenia. The final 2 infusions provided very little to no improvement. My endocrinologist recommends either continuing with Reclast or taking a holiday and then proceeding with one of the stronger OP meds.
I asked about CTX or any other tests but was told by my endocrinologist and the DEXA scan technician that nothing else was available at this and associated facilities. I would be happy to have feedback from others.
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By "stronger"education does he she mean an anabolic?
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Hug
1 ReactionWhen you say they told you "nothing else was available, " were they referring to the CTx tests? There have been discussions on this website from others, including myself, about trying to obtain bone turnover marker tests such as CTx. In addition to others who may reply, try searching "bone marker turnovers," and I hope you find some additional information.
Unless you are lucky to have found a doctor, typically an endocrinologist, who is forward thinking about the use of these tests, you may have to make your case to your doctor and see if they are willing to order them. I think some people have ordered these tests on their own from independent labs.
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Hug
1 ReactionCan you clarify if the CTX is extra software for use with existing DEXA scan equipment OR a blood test?
@prarysky Nothing at this extremely large referral center. I'm not sure I used the term CTX at the time. Is there reason to doubt the value of the CTX tests?
@gravity3 She gave me a list of specific drugs which included both types.
CTX is a blood test. If you are talking about additional software for a DEXA scan, that is a TBS (trabecular bone score). If, in fact, you are referring to TBS, look here:
https://www.medimaps.ai/find-centers-with-tbs/
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4 Reactions@prarysky I was able to get a CTX and a P1NP at Quest for about $50 and no doctor's order. However, it may not be helpful if the MD won't use the numbers to inform treatment.
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3 Reactions@gravity3
Should be stronger OP meds
@tillymack
Sequencing of these meds is very important. I wish that I had known that years ago when I started.
@babs10 Were your tests blood tests? I've also read about additional software that can be added to a DEXA scan machine to provide more information about the condition of the bones. Do you know anything about that? Thank you!