Osteoporosis and Fractures
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Sat, 08/29/2009 - 13:18
First bone density scan :(
Will it never stop!!! I just had my first bone density scan last week. I'm 63, 112 lb. female.....hip/femur -2.5 and worse was lumbar spine (L1-4) was -3.7. I've always had lumbar problems, have a known herniated disc and mod. stenosis but it has been stable. Two years ago I sustained a very painful L4-5 annular tear that took 9 months to heal.
I've lost 1-1/2 inches in height but I thought that was due to my two cervical fusions (total C3-6.) I didn't realize I'd shrunk till I was measured at my first Rheumy appt. in June. I'm now on placquinil, did 6 weeks of Vit. D, and now on predisone 5 mg a day which has finally brought great relief to my cervical spine, wrists, and fingers. Working dx is probable lupus and raynauds. Rheumy will tell me osteoporosis drug options at next appt 9/17.
I'm concerned about separating lumbar fractures from DDD and osteoporosis and what treament options I'll have if this happens.
Does anyone think I should make appt with my spine ortho doc for x-rays at this point?
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I think you should do whatever feels right to you. I am 37 and have osteoporosis t-3 of the lower spine and hips. I take an injection once at night called forteo. supposed to rebuild bone within 2 years. right now im thinking about whether to do discogram and or nucleoplasty. Ill know when it is time for my appt as will you the decisions we make are right for us and no one else. whatever you decide good luck
Severe Osteoporosis t-3 score 2009
Doctor says: no standing, or sitting for long periods. No lifting, bending, climbing, crouching, kneeling, crawling, or etc. The list goes on and on.
Swelling from knees to feet source unknown at this time.
Severe Cervical pain, burning, tingling, and numbness to the point that i cannot move sometimes. Muscle spasms, Migraines, and Radiculopathy. Also limited ROM cervical spine.
ACDF c 5-6 2007
Disk dehydration seen down to the C6-7 level. Susceptibility artifact seen along the areas of metal hardware. C3-4 and C4-5 there is at least mild narrowing of the nerve root foramina. C5-6 minor narrowing of the right foramen.
1. Anterior cervical fusion with metal hardware at C5-6 which is well maintained. There is mild narrowing of the nerve root foramina bilaterally.
2.Broad bulging disc C6-7 with borderline mild developing central stenosis and AP canal space diameter of 11-12 mm. also mild stenosis nerve root foramina.
I am not a medical professional my opinion is just that and should not be considered as medical advice!!!
I know refugee you can't say much....but I also think, since I am post-menopausal by many years, this bone density scan is near what one would expect.... I'm also a cynic and think they started the hoopla over this when so many women went off of HRT....got to make money someway!
I will be working with my spine surgeon tomorrow and may run it by him, if he's in a good mood
He's never xrayed my lower spine, and I sort of want to know if there are any collapsed vertebrae already. From my reading, you can have these without experiencing severe pain.
Yea me to. I am gonna request an mri of the lower spine cause of the pain factor and tingling i have going on.I just hope to get it done before the deductables and caps start over in october. Sorry i cant give any advice my osteo is bad to and im 37 so go figure. I think it is maybe something to do with where we lived and our lifestyle cause my husband has it to. His isnt as bad but close. I wish u luck with whatever decision you make let me know how it goes for you and i will do the same.
Severe Osteoporosis t-3 score 2009
Doctor says: no standing, or sitting for long periods. No lifting, bending, climbing, crouching, kneeling, crawling, or etc. The list goes on and on.
Swelling from knees to feet source unknown at this time.
Severe Cervical pain, burning, tingling, and numbness to the point that i cannot move sometimes. Muscle spasms, Migraines, and Radiculopathy. Also limited ROM cervical spine.
ACDF c 5-6 2007
Disk dehydration seen down to the C6-7 level. Susceptibility artifact seen along the areas of metal hardware. C3-4 and C4-5 there is at least mild narrowing of the nerve root foramina. C5-6 minor narrowing of the right foramen.
1. Anterior cervical fusion with metal hardware at C5-6 which is well maintained. There is mild narrowing of the nerve root foramina bilaterally.
2.Broad bulging disc C6-7 with borderline mild developing central stenosis and AP canal space diameter of 11-12 mm. also mild stenosis nerve root foramina.
I am not a medical professional my opinion is just that and should not be considered as medical advice!!!
Refugee - the more professional literature search I do the more I am convinced this is a huge scare technique, and the Rx's so far only help a very minimal but the long term adverse effects can be severe. Didn't talk to my spine surgeon, but did run it by his PA. She said they don't look at the BDS's as it doesn't change any surgical decision.
I did get a CD of my scan so had all the numbers to plot into the UK FRAX computation - and now that is under attack. Most all the studies were done with funding from the pharmac companies and Merck/Fosamax is really under the gun and major lawsuit just profiled in NYT. The jaw necrosis issue is now becoming so large that reports are coming in where dentists are refusing to pull teeth etc. if a person has been on any of the biophosates.
My rheumy called and was almost crying when I said 'no' to any drug treatment at this time. For now I will take Calcium citrate with Vit. D pills (because I am on Prilsec for GERD & citrate is not dependant on stomach acid for processing) and start walking more after work. I know my diet has played a significant role for lack of Ca & Vit D.
I don't regret having the scan done, but I think I will just tuck it away for now. Yes, osteoporosis can happen at any age, and men too. If rheumy wants to pursue this then he will have to do lab work to make sure this is not related to parathyroid or other disease issue......I see him on the 17th so will report back in after I see him.
I have been on fosamax and now my doctor wants me to try the forteo injection. I am scared because of all the side effects like rapid heart beat, joint pain and nausea.
Does anyone experience any of these?
What else should I be worried about?
I am scared. I have alot of factures and pain in my spine.
Let me know, please help.
ann
i do it at night and havent had any reactions so far. took me a week before i could use the needle just couldnt stand the thought of doing it and the needle is so tiny. I dont even feel it. been on it for a few months now and have to do it for 2 years but i had to get bone built back. My doctor didnt give me a choice i went in thinking i was going to get a script for a once a month pill and walked out with a full bag of stuff. good luck with your decision.
Severe Osteoporosis t-3 score 2009
Doctor says: no standing, or sitting for long periods. No lifting, bending, climbing, crouching, kneeling, crawling, or etc. The list goes on and on.
Swelling from knees to feet source unknown at this time.
Severe Cervical pain, burning, tingling, and numbness to the point that i cannot move sometimes. Muscle spasms, Migraines, and Radiculopathy. Also limited ROM cervical spine.
ACDF c 5-6 2007
Disk dehydration seen down to the C6-7 level. Susceptibility artifact seen along the areas of metal hardware. C3-4 and C4-5 there is at least mild narrowing of the nerve root foramina. C5-6 minor narrowing of the right foramen.
1. Anterior cervical fusion with metal hardware at C5-6 which is well maintained. There is mild narrowing of the nerve root foramina bilaterally.
2.Broad bulging disc C6-7 with borderline mild developing central stenosis and AP canal space diameter of 11-12 mm. also mild stenosis nerve root foramina.
I am not a medical professional my opinion is just that and should not be considered as medical advice!!!