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My Echolight experience
I went for a REMS Echolight scan today. It's like a sonogram: the technician has a wand, and they put gel on you and rub the wand on it. You are on your back. For your spine, they rub the wand on your stomach, which is why they tell you to fast so that there's nothing in the way. Then the machine processes the analysis and prints out a pretty report showing where you are on the T-score chart, with red/orange/green bands so that you can see what zone you're in. It also provides L1/L2/L3/L4 scores, and assigns a five-year fragility risk.
I'm not sure what to make of the results. In January, my L1-thru-L4 T-scores were -3.2,-2.8,-2.8,-3.4. After eight months of Tymlos, this scan shows -2.3,-2.6,-1.7,-1.7. They said the scores tend to be a little better with Echolight since it assesses quality as well as density. So, I'm hoping I made some progress. I have another DEXA scheduled in January (same doctor, same machine.) We'll see what it says.
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Thank you! I didn't see this early enough to cancel the DXA - I THINK, though I will try - but presumably I will need a scrip from the doctor for the imaging center scan. This situation is highly annoying! And the fact that the endo did not inform me about this alternative is also a bit confidence-busting. I'm sure she will say that the scan needs to be done where the last one was done to compare more exactly.
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1 ReactionWhere in SoCal are you? In a search, SonoHealth at the Osteo Strong in Tustin came up as offering Echolight.
I don't know much about Echolight but it appears to be a small portable device that can be set up anywhere. I know with a Dexa, it is important to be aligned properly for the scan and it's important to get that procedure done with a trained densitometrist. What kind of training is provided to use the Echolight and is that training as important as when getting a Dexa? I believe the Echolight device itself provides the analysis (?) but is there any issue with the technician appropriately using the device? I emailed the service providers at SonoHealth asking what training or experience they have with the device/procedure and never got a reply. I'm going to try calling them to see if I can get any more info. I'd love to have the imaging done but want to make sure it's done by someone who knows what they are doing and that the results are accurate.
For anyone that's had the procedure done: What kind of provider did you see? What type of facility were you at and did the providers seem knowledgeable? Do you know if they had any training on the device? Is any of that important with REMS?
I had Echolight done at a wellness clinic, so you don't have to be a doctor or work in a doctor's office.
The technician's job is very different between a DEXA and Echolight. With DEXA, the technician has to get your body into the right position, but then the machine does the work. With Echolight, it's like a sonogram: you lie on your back, they put some gel on you, then rub the wand on your abdomen. That is why they tell you not to eat beforehand, so that there's nothing in the stomach that gets in the way. The technician does all the work moving the wand around, and my sense was that it can take a little work to get a clear reading.
As for accuracy, who knows? I posted my DEXA vs REMS comparison earlier, and I really don't know what to think. I don't think I'll do another Echolight.
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2 ReactionsI have a free consult with OsteoStrong at the end of Jan. 2025. How do you like it so far?
I also lift weights (I haven't worked up too heavy yet) and have a vibrating place where I do my lifting, some balancing, resistance bands, etc.
I'm hoping the OsteoStrong will push things along. I wear a weight belt for squats and on the treadmill.
No meds - the usual supplements.
I also have an Echolight scan scheduled for March to compare with my Dexa last Nov., which showed -3.4 in my lumbar spine and osteopenia in my hips.
I'm hopeful too.
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1 ReactionI do like it. Note that it’s a 3-hour drive round trip for me to get to an OsteoStrong, and I’m willing to do that in hopes it will help. I don’t do that drive in winter tho. But once a week for 8 months. I have had another DEXA or EchoLight to measure my progress. Hopeful.
I too lift, with a trainer, and almost as heavy as I can (70-80% max), with fewer reps (5-6), in order to avoid wearing down my soft tissue (tendons, ligaments) that I no longer have the hormones to support. I use a vibration plate whenever it’s working at the gym. I’m fortunate in that my scores are borderline (-2.5) on DEXA, and EchoLight show strong bones, so I’m less worried about fracture from jumping, twisting, and heavy work. Everyone, be careful!
Thank so much for your reply.
I'm looking forward to the OsteoStrong. It's not nearly as far, about 50 minutes, but our car is a 1998 Buick, and showing it's age. Still, I'm hoping it will be just fine because Osteostrong is sounding better and better.
You are more advanced than I am in the weights department!
I have osteoporosis and am planning on getting a REMS Echolight test done in the next two months. Insurance does not cover this test yet correct?
Not yet. I paid $150, and it was worth it to me. The results were confusing until I had an opportunity for a doctor to analyze it for me. This is the problem I see with REMS at the moment. Anyone can be trained to use the technology, but not everyone is expert at explaining the results. Lots of misinterpretation going on.