Bone Density Results: 2 good, 1 bad.

[Opa3 3]

 

Based on the information below, can anyone explain a 2.8% loss of bone density at the Fermoral Neck and 6.6% gain at the Lumber Spine after 2 years? I have Celiac and I'm stunned by the opposite!

Treatment:

Alendronate, 70 mg/week  between April 25, 2013 to May 3, 2014. Ended due to stomach pain.

Project Healthy Bones Class: Feb. 24, 2014 to April 20, 2015. We focus on posture, balance, strength and flexibility.

Supplements: Calcium and Vit. D, daily.

                                          

                                      Bone Density Results

                                             T- Values

     Site                               March, 2013                          April, 2015

Lumber Spine                           -2.7                                        -2.2                            

L1-L4, Dx                         osteoporosis                              osteopenia

Density, g/cm2                         0.797                                      0.850

Change, %                           ------------                                    +6.6

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Left Hip                                 -1.7                                          -1.7

Dx                                    osteopenia                                osteopenia

Density, g/cm2                      0.773                                       0.776

Change, %                         ----------                                      +0.4

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Femoral Neck                        -2.3                                           -2.5

Dx                                   osteopenia                               osteoporosis                  

Density, g/cm2                     0.612                                           0.595

Change, %                        -----------                                        -2.8

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks!

                

[cyclinglady 1,595]

I can not explain it but just wondered if you were tested on the same machine.  Is your doctor concerned? 

[RMJ 125]

I can't explain it either.  It is the opposite of my results - my hips got better and my spine worse.  I'm guessing that my exercises affect the hips more than the spine.

[Richard Rosen 1]

I normally go to a radiology group for bone density testing. However, one year I went to my local hospital; closer. Wow! Significant loss compared to steadily increasing density over several years. I suspected it might be in inaccurate test, and sure enough, two years later returning to my usual radiology service the results showed an increase from my last test there four years previous.

Two years later I did another test and there was an increase of 8% and 13% in the two areas and other than a mild ostopenia I had regained by bone density after a ten year effort. This I attribute to being truly gluten free for several years (finally figured how to order at restaurants), and exercise regimen focused on bone strengthening exercises, and taking 750 mg strontium for four years. It may be the strontium wasn't needed, but added it after researching.

One last thing: I am focused on natural health remedies and optimizing health with what I eat, supplements and avoiding the direction of the traditional medical establishment as much as I can.

[Opa3 3]

I normally go to a radiology group for bone density testing. However, one year I went to my local hospital; closer. Wow! Significant loss compared to steadily increasing density over several years. I suspected it might be in inaccurate test, and sure enough, two years later returning to my usual radiology service the results showed an increase from my last test there four years previous.

Two years later I did another test and there was an increase of 8% and 13% in the two areas and other than a mild ostopenia I had regained by bone density after a ten year effort. This I attribute to being truly gluten free for several years (finally figured how to order at restaurants), and exercise regimen focused on bone strengthening exercises, and taking 750 mg strontium for four years. It may be the strontium wasn't needed, but added it after researching.

One last thing: I am focused on natural health remedies and optimizing health with what I eat, supplements and avoiding the direction of the traditional medical establishment as much as I can.

I read strontium can can give a false increase the density results. I'm not happy with doctors either.

I can't explain it either.  It is the opposite of my results - my hips got better and my spine worse.  I'm guessing that my exercises affect the hips more than the spine.

I can not explain it but just wondered if you were tested on the same machine.  Is your doctor concerned? 

 For both dates,I used the same radiology service on a Hologic QDR 4500C bone denisitometer. My PCP ignored the results. I haven't hired a specialist yet.

[cyclinglady 1,595]

Opa,

I  am am not a bone expert.  My recent (8/2015) scan result indicated that I am holding my own.  No big changes.  You would think I would have improved, but I did not.  I chose to get calcium from my foods, took some supplements, took Hormone Replacement Therapy (bones and to treat menopausal symptoms) and exercised (run, walk, swim, bike).    Perhaps it is just my age (54) or that I detest weights but I stopped worrying about it.  My rib and hip bone pain is gone and I have not had another fracture (T7 and T9 spinal fractures two months after my celiac disease diagnosis and I was doing nothing!). 

Perhaps age has something to do with it.   You seem to be doing your best.  I would avoid "high-risk of falling" activities (skateboarding, ice skating, etc.).  Otherwise, you seem to be doing great!  

 

[Opa3 3]

Opa,

I  am am not a bone expert.  My recent (8/2015) scan result indicated that I am holding my own.  No big changes.  You would think I would have improved, but I did not.  I chose to get calcium from my foods, took some supplements, took Hormone Replacement Therapy (bones and to treat menopausal symptoms) and exercised (run, walk, swim, bike).    Perhaps it is just my age (54) or that I detest weights but I stopped worrying about it.  My rib and hip bone pain is gone and I have not had another fracture (T7 and T9 spinal fractures two months after my celiac disease diagnosis and I was doing nothing!). 

Perhaps age has something to do with it.   You seem to be doing your best.  I would avoid "high-risk of falling" activities (skateboarding, ice skating, etc.).  Otherwise, you seem to be doing great!  

 

Hi Cyclinglady,

At age 70, I need lots of encouragement. Thanks.