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Bone Scan Results

Tigercat17

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Tigercat17 Enthusiast
Tigercat17
Posted

Hi all,

I just got my bone scan results back today. I scored - 2.1 (Thinning Bones), so my doctor wants to see me. I'm 38 years old & I was diagnosed with celiac 7 weeks ago & gluten free.

Does anyone know what they do for "Thinning Bones? I have to say I'm really upset. It's just more bad news. I've been taking calcium 500 Mg for the last 8 years along with multi vitamins. I thought the bone scan was going to be normal. What a bummer... :(

Can I reverse the bone loose? Does anyone have any tips or recommendations? Thanks!

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twe0708 Community Regular
twe0708
Posted
Hi all,

I just got my bone scan results back today. I scored - 2.1 (Thinning Bones), so my doctor wants to see me. I'm 38 years old & I was diagnosed with celiac 7 weeks ago & gluten free.

Does anyone know what they do for "Thinning Bones? I have to say I'm really upset. It's just more bad news. I've been taking calcium 500 Mg for the last 8 years along with multi vitamins. I thought the bone scan was going to be normal. What a bummer... :(

Can I reverse the bone loose? Does anyone have any tips or recommendations? Thanks!

I am going through the same thing and was just diagnosed with Celiac a little over three months ago. My bone test said thinning of the bones too and I just turned 40. You have to remember since we have Celiac and didn't know it for some time, I am sure taking the extra calcium was just going right through you. I am taking extra calcium 3x a day (about 1300 mg total) and doing some light lifting/working out about 3 to 4 times a week. My doctor wants me to see a Rheumatologist, but I don't care to go right now (tired of doctors) when I alredy know what I need to do. Plus, I have read some negative things about Fosamax and would rather try light lifting and over the counter calcium before they put me on a prescribed medication. Not that he would for sure do that but I already know what needs to be done, so why go. It takes a good year to two years before we will see results so you will have to be patient. Hopefully you are not a smoker because that harms the bones too! Good Luck!

twe0708 Community Regular
twe0708
Posted

P.S. And don't take calcium with iron.

Gemini Experienced
Gemini
Posted
I am going through the same thing and was just diagnosed with Celiac a little over three months ago. My bone test said thinning of the bones too and I just turned 40. You have to remember since we have Celiac and didn't know it for some time, I am sure taking the extra calcium was just going right through you. I am taking extra calcium 3x a day (about 1300 mg total) and doing some light lifting/working out about 3 to 4 times a week. My doctor wants me to see a Rheumatologist, but I don't care to go right now (tired of doctors) when I alredy know what I need to do. Plus, I have read some negative things about Fosamax and would rather try light lifting and over the counter calcium before they put me on a prescribed medication. Not that he would for sure do that but I already know what needs to be done, so why go. It takes a good year to two years before we will see results so you will have to be patient. Hopefully you are not a smoker because that harms the bones too! Good Luck!

There was a study done in Italy, I believe, and they wanted to see how much of a negative effect smoking had on bone growth. Turns out, the different between the recovery of the smokers vs. the nons were so small, the study concluded that smoking didn't cause as much harm as originally thought, which I think surprised the researchers. This isn't to say it's healthy overall but I think it is vastly overblown.

I agree with your plan of action on this. It's pointless to see yet another doctor when you know what you have to do to regain bone density. It is entirely possible to do, especially if you are pre-menopausal. Estrogen plays a key roll in bone formation. It will take a while and it will also take awhile to recover from celiac damage but you can regain your health, without a doubt!

Tigercat17 Enthusiast
Tigercat17
Posted
  • Author

Thanks for your comments & tips!

I have been taking my iron along with my calcium for years. Of course I'm anemic too. And I take two iron pills a day. I didn't know that about separating them. I'll start doing that today.

And I'm sure your right about having celiac for a long time. I've probably had it for years, too -maybe all my life, but who knows? I have to say it makes me mad that no one check me for this before.

I'm not sure what my doctor is going to say yet, but I really don't want to go on more prescription drugs if I have to. I've always lifted light weights & exercised my whole adult life. I think that's why I'm so shocked that I have thinning bones. I haven't did any in the last four months since I've been so skinny, weak & just not feeling good. I think I should start back again & hopefully that may help some.

mushroom Proficient
mushroom
Posted

Don't overlook that your body needs a good supply of Vitamin D in order to use the calcium to make bone. You should make sure that you are not Vitamin D deficient (as many celiacs are). so that the calcium can do its job.

ang1e0251 Contributor
ang1e0251
Posted

Remember that calcium needs magnesium to bind. They work together. Here is a link that talks about it.

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Wolicki Enthusiast
Wolicki
Posted

Take some vitamin c with your iron, too. Helps it absorb. I have osteopenia and osteoporosis. I take Caltrate + D twice a day, and prescripton strength Vit D. I've been getting Reclast injections once annually for the last two years. Even with the Celiac (wasn't dx until 6-09) my bones haven't deteriorated. Since I have absorption issues, the pills weren't an option. Hope that helps. oh, and weight lifting is very good!

Tigercat17 Enthusiast
Tigercat17
Posted
  • Author

Yes, I do take vitamin C 500 mg with my Iron. And I've been vitamin D deficient for about two years now & I've been taking 2,000 vitamin D ever since. I'm wondering if I have other defiances. Should I ask my doctor to do a complete work up? I'm just really curious what else I'm deficient in & what my doctor is going tell me next week.

More bad news? What next? <_<

mushroom Proficient
mushroom
Posted

Yes, it is a good idea to have all nutrient levels checked as a baseline, to see how much supplementation is needed; check all those mentioned above, plus B12 and folate, because you are likely deficient in several of them due to malabsorption. In addition to Vit. D, and B12 shots, a take a mega B complex and a high dose multimineral tablet that also contains all the vitamins. Fortunately, I do not have osteoporosis.

srthomas21 Explorer
srthomas21
Posted

What are the symptoms of thinning bones if any?

mushroom Proficient
mushroom
Posted
What are the symptoms of thinning bones if any?

Unfortunately, you often don't know until you break something :o If you are low in the nutrients we have been discussing there is a good chance that your bones are not in very good shape. The only way to know for sure is to get a DEXA bone scan which is a relatively simple, and painless procedure (although may cost quite a bit). If you have been diagnosed celiac or gluten intolerant I would certainly recommend that you have one. Sadly, doctors do not always know to do this. :( You have to tell them what you need, including asking for the nutrient tests.

srthomas21 Explorer
srthomas21
Posted

Is this more common in women than in men or does it not matter?

Also what nutrient test should I ask for? I have checked B12 and Folate both of which were fine but I dont think anything else has been checked.

Tigercat17 Enthusiast
Tigercat17
Posted
  • Author
Yes, it is a good idea to have all nutrient levels checked as a baseline, to see how much supplementation is needed; check all those mentioned above, plus B12 and folate, because you are likely deficient in several of them due to absorption. In addition to Vit. D, and B12 shots, a take a mega B complex and a high dose multimineral tablet that also contains all the vitamins. Fortunately, I do not have osteoporosis.

Thanks for the tips! I think you're right, I am probably deficient in a lot of vitamins. I will ask my doctor to check all the nutrient levels when i see her next Friday. I'm sure she might not of even thought of that since it was my dietitian (who has celiac himself) that told me to get the bone scan done in the first place. Seems like the doctors really don't know much about tis disease.

Too bad I have to weight till next week. I really want to get this started before i really start to have problems...like i don't already.. :P

mushroom Proficient
mushroom
Posted

Overall, statistics show women as more likely to get osteoporosis than men; however, I think all bets are off when we are dealing with celiac. My husband and I both started with really good bone density; mine have stayed good but my husband quickly dropped to osteopenia,, and he didn't even realize he had celiac--just went on the diet so it would be easier for the household. It wasn't until he developed DH when he "cheated" that he realilzed he was "one of us"..

As for the nutrient testing, they all seem to be specific boxes the physician checks on the form, or at least over here they are. There doesn't seem to be any such thing as "a nutrient panel." It's a good sign that your B12 and folate were normal. :) One thing to be aware of, though, is that you really need to be in the middle or above on the laboratory ranges. The ranges are so wide, and sometimes not all of what they are measuring is available to the body. My B12 and folate were "normal" too, but right at the bottom of the range and I had a type of anemia where your red blood cells are too large. I had kept asking the doc what "mean cell volume" meant because it was consistently out of range and I just got brushed off because it was "just a little" high. Well, being "just a little" above normal can be the same thing. For most things you really want to be at least mid-range for maximum health.

Tigercat17 Enthusiast
Tigercat17
Posted
  • Author
Overall, statistics show women as more likely to get osteoporosis than men; however, I think all bets are off when we are dealing with celiac. My husband and I both started with really good bone density; mine have stayed good but my husband quickly dropped to osteopenia,, and he didn't even realize he had celiac--just went on the diet so it would be easier for the household. It wasn't until he developed DH when he "cheated" that he realized he was "one of us"..

As for the nutrient testing, they all seem to be specific boxes the physician checks on the form, or at least over here they are. There doesn't seem to be any such thing as "a nutrient panel." It's a good sign that your B12 and folate were normal. :) One thing to be aware of, though, is that you really need to be in the middle or above on the laboratory ranges. The ranges are so wide, and sometimes not all of what they are measuring is available to the body. My B12 and folate were "normal" too, but right at the bottom of the range and I had a type of anemia where your red blood cells are too large. I had kept asking the doc what "mean cell volume" meant because it was consistently out of range and I just got brushed off because it was "just a little" high. Well, being "just a little" above normal can be the same thing. For most things you really want to be at least mid-range for maximum health.

Good to know -Thanks! I know the last time I got my iron checked they told me I was slightly low even though I've been taking 2 iron pills a day. Now I'm wondering if I might need more iron? I'll talk to my doctor about that too.

I ask a lot of questions when I go to the doctors - I think I drive them all crazy! :lol:

Nancym Enthusiast
Nancym
Posted

I don't know if there's any answers here for you but I've been following this doctor's blog and his post today is about Celiac disease and bone loss

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Alphawave Rookie
Alphawave
Posted
Hi all,

I just got my bone scan results back today. I scored - 2.1 (Thinning Bones), so my doctor wants to see me. I'm 38 years old & I was diagnosed with celiac 7 weeks ago & gluten free.

Does anyone know what they do for "Thinning Bones? I have to say I'm really upset. It's just more bad news. I've been taking calcium 500 Mg for the last 8 years along with multi vitamins. I thought the bone scan was going to be normal. What a bummer... :(

Can I reverse the bone loose? Does anyone have any tips or recommendations? Thanks!

Well, one thing you can do is add a 1:1 ratio of magnesium/calcium. You need magnesium to get the calcium INTO the bones, as much as you do Vitamin D. If you cannot tolerate magnesium in a pill because it gives you the runs, then try a good topical magnesium. Yes they really do work, and I saw an ER doctor tell a patient to apply 3 x a day, and then he explained that the absorbtion is usually excellent. By the way, sitting in the sun, if available in your state at this time of year, is very helpful, and adding 1000-2000 IU of vitamin D. The other advise on weight bearing exercises is very important and studies have showin in the past that the TYPE of bone you produce is based a lot on weight bearing exercises. I personally have osteoporosis (from this disease) and had weird allergic reactions to actonel and fosamax. My doctor suggested if I want to try something natural, buy inositol IP6. It is a naturally occuring substance in some foods, so therefore not harmful at any dosage, and she said it helps heal membranes (example your digestive tract). Based on her information I bought the pills at a health food store and have begun taking them.....whats to lose? How old are you? Are you getting enough calcium for your age? I am a nurse and I see lots of young ladies who simply do not take enough calcium or eat dairy products at all.

Best of luck to you!

Carin3 Rookie
Carin3
Posted

Hi! I am a newly diagnosed Celiac patient as well. I have been gluten free for almost two weeks. I have had iron deficiency anemia for a long time and finally started seeing a hematologist in July. After putting me on prescription iron pills my hemoglobin has dropped! Meanwhile she had me consult GI who did a endoscopy and colonoscopy. The duodenum biopsy was positive for celiac however the bloodwork they did later was negative. The GI says he doesnt think I have Celiac but the hematologist says I do. I have many of the non-GI symptoms so I am going with the hematologist at this point. My biopsy was sent off for another doctor to look at-still waiting on that. I am going to get an infusion of IV iron on Friday b/c the hem says I am not absorbing the oral iron. Anyways, I am 34 years old and am wondering if I need to head back to my Primary Care doc to have some labs checked. I have never had these checked and wondering if I should. Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Thyroid?? What do you all think? Also, should I ask for a bone scan? My mom has osteoporosis. I am sick of going to the doctors as well but want to start feeling better. Just wanted some opinions. Thanks!

mushroom Proficient
mushroom
Posted
Anyways, I am 34 years old and am wondering if I need to head back to my Primary Care doc to have some labs checked. I have never had these checked and wondering if I should. Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Thyroid?? What do you all think? Also, should I ask for a bone scan? My mom has osteoporosis. I am sick of going to the doctors as well but want to start feeling better. Just wanted some opinions. Thanks!

My answer would be "yes" to all of the above. I took too long to learn that I needed to have these checked. I was deficient in all, but I did not have osteoporosis :) Also have your folate level checked.

Tigercat17 Enthusiast
Tigercat17
Posted
  • Author
Well, one thing you can do is add a 1:1 ratio of magnesium/calcium. You need magnesium to get the calcium INTO the bones, as much as you do Vitamin D. If you cannot tolerate magnesium in a pill because it gives you the runs, then try a good topical magnesium. Yes they really do work, and I saw an ER doctor tell a patient to apply 3 x a day, and then he explained that the absorbtion is usually excellent. By the way, sitting in the sun, if available in your state at this time of year, is very helpful, and adding 1000-2000 IU of vitamin D. The other advise on weight bearing exercises is very important and studies have showin in the past that the TYPE of bone you produce is based a lot on weight bearing exercises. I personally have osteoporosis (from this disease) and had weird allergic reactions to actonel and fosamax. My doctor suggested if I want to try something natural, buy inositol IP6. It is a naturally occuring substance in some foods, so therefore not harmful at any dosage, and she said it helps heal membranes (example your digestive tract). Based on her information I bought the pills at a health food store and have begun taking them.....whats to lose? How old are you? Are you getting enough calcium for your age? I am a nurse and I see lots of young ladies who simply do not take enough calcium or eat dairy products at all.

Best of luck to you!

HI, thanks for all the information! I'm 38 & my bone scan results were -2.1 :( And I've been taking calcium with extra vit. D & magnesium too for about hte last eight years. I also lefted weights & enjoyed excericing all my adult life. I thought I was doing good...

I did see my PCP yesterday & she wants to do bloodwork on all my vitamins & then start me on IV calcium. I have bad acid reflux now & she doesn't want to put me on fosamax. I was glad. I have heard some bad things about it & she told me boniva hasn't been aroung that long & she doesn't trust it. I did start taking some vit. B complex vitamins. She said it won't hurt. My hair is thinning too, so I thought I'd give it a try. Maybe I'll absord some of it.

Also, it seems that dairy is making my acid reflux worse right now, so I have to avoid it for now.

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