Nan-NMW
02-04-2005, 08:23 PM
My T-scores are -2.3 for spine and -4.0 for hip. I have noticed some of you have posted your scores. I would like to know just how bad mine are compared to others.
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taape
02-04-2005, 11:20 PM
HI,
My T scores are comparable to yours - not too good. Spine -3.8 at the worst level and -1.6 in my hip. Was anyone able to get a DEXA test that tested below L 3/4? I'm afraid the further down, the worse my score is. Just wondering.
My T scores are comparable to yours - not too good. Spine -3.8 at the worst level and -1.6 in my hip. Was anyone able to get a DEXA test that tested below L 3/4? I'm afraid the further down, the worse my score is. Just wondering.
Sherry M
02-05-2005, 03:56 PM
My T scores about a month ago were -2.6 in the hip and -4.5 in the spine. I am 50 years old. I am not looking forward to the coming years.
ZoeGirl
02-06-2005, 05:33 PM
I am 34, my hips are -1.4 and my spine is -2.5
Both of my sisters (ages 44 and 37) also have osteopenia. It's funny all of our doctors have different opinions. We share them with each other and try different things. I'm not nearly as worried about it as I was when first diagnosed (a few months ago).
My oldest sister's hips were -1.9 and her hips are -1.4 - but her numbers have gone up with diet and exercise only.
My other sister hasn't had a full scan, but her wrist scan showed the density to be -2.5
Both of my sisters (ages 44 and 37) also have osteopenia. It's funny all of our doctors have different opinions. We share them with each other and try different things. I'm not nearly as worried about it as I was when first diagnosed (a few months ago).
My oldest sister's hips were -1.9 and her hips are -1.4 - but her numbers have gone up with diet and exercise only.
My other sister hasn't had a full scan, but her wrist scan showed the density to be -2.5
Jone
02-06-2005, 10:04 PM
My T scores about a month ago were -2.6 in the hip and -4.5 in the spine. I am 50 years old. I am not looking forward to the coming years.
Are you on any medication now?? If so, have your scores changed while on medication?
Are you on any medication now?? If so, have your scores changed while on medication?
Sherry M
02-07-2005, 12:58 PM
Are you on any medication now?? If so, have your scores changed while on medication?
For the full story, see my post "need general info," also on the osteoporosis board.
For the full story, see my post "need general info," also on the osteoporosis board.
linda.b
02-08-2005, 06:06 AM
I am 58.
My T scores were ; spine L1-L4 -4.46 in 02 -3.78 in 04 I was greatly relieved by this result.
hip total -2.87 in 02 -2.94 in 04 Not so good but stable-ish ?
Hoping this trend will continue.
The good news is, no fractures at all to date. I think the consensus is, if you have had one fracture you are at greater risk of more.
Now 4years since my parathyroidectomy. Last 2years on HRT.
I found that, 6months taking Fosamax, 6months after surgery, made me feel like I had parathyroid disease again and did not increase BMD. Stopped the fosamax, against my consultant's advice .So glad I did.
I try to keep as MOBILE as poss. Immobility, bed rest, increases bone loss.
My T scores were ; spine L1-L4 -4.46 in 02 -3.78 in 04 I was greatly relieved by this result.
hip total -2.87 in 02 -2.94 in 04 Not so good but stable-ish ?
Hoping this trend will continue.
The good news is, no fractures at all to date. I think the consensus is, if you have had one fracture you are at greater risk of more.
Now 4years since my parathyroidectomy. Last 2years on HRT.
I found that, 6months taking Fosamax, 6months after surgery, made me feel like I had parathyroid disease again and did not increase BMD. Stopped the fosamax, against my consultant's advice .So glad I did.
I try to keep as MOBILE as poss. Immobility, bed rest, increases bone loss.
cwing
02-10-2005, 11:27 PM
Hi, I am so glad to here about other peoples t-scores. I have been trying to get some kind of info to compare mine. I am a 57 year old female. My last bone density test showed my spine at -3.2. My hips at -1.9. Left forearm at -2.2. I have been on fosamax for about the last five years and on miacalcin for about 2-3 years. Does anyone know anything about Z-scores? My Dr. recently sent me to an endocrineologist. What does a thyroid Dr. have to do with low bone density? What is the lowest t-score for a spine that anyone has ever heard of? I have also been on 1200-1500 mgs of calcium a day for acouple of years.
Thanks for any info.
Thanks for any info.
Aleta145
02-11-2005, 02:56 PM
Hi, I am so glad to here about other peoples t-scores. I have been trying to get some kind of info to compare mine. I am a 57 year old female. My last bone density test showed my spine at -3.2. My hips at -1.9. Left forearm at -2.2. I have been on fosamax for about the last five years and on miacalcin for about 2-3 years. Does anyone know anything about Z-scores? My Dr. recently sent me to an endocrineologist. What does a thyroid Dr. have to do with low bone density? What is the lowest t-score for a spine that anyone has ever heard of? I have also been on 1200-1500 mgs of calcium a day for acouple of years.
Thanks for any info.
From what I understand, Z-scores are based on where your bone mineral density stands in relation to others of your age group. T-scores compare you with the young healthy population, who would be at their optimum BMD. The ages on which these scores are based seem to vary a bit between manufacturers of the DEXA machines, but it's somewhere between 20-30 years old. Have you seen an increase in your BMD since you started Fosamax?
The reason you were sent to an endocrinologist is because two key glands of the endocrine system are responsible for secreting the hormones that regulate bone physiology. The thyroid secretes calcitonin and the parathyroid secretes parathryoid hormone; they maintain the balance of calcium and phosphorus and in turn regulate bone resorption.
__________________
Aleta
Dx Osteoporosis 5/04, age 49
T-Scores: Spine -3.0, Hip: -1.9
Current treatment: Evista
Thanks for any info.
From what I understand, Z-scores are based on where your bone mineral density stands in relation to others of your age group. T-scores compare you with the young healthy population, who would be at their optimum BMD. The ages on which these scores are based seem to vary a bit between manufacturers of the DEXA machines, but it's somewhere between 20-30 years old. Have you seen an increase in your BMD since you started Fosamax?
The reason you were sent to an endocrinologist is because two key glands of the endocrine system are responsible for secreting the hormones that regulate bone physiology. The thyroid secretes calcitonin and the parathyroid secretes parathryoid hormone; they maintain the balance of calcium and phosphorus and in turn regulate bone resorption.
__________________
Aleta
Dx Osteoporosis 5/04, age 49
T-Scores: Spine -3.0, Hip: -1.9
Current treatment: Evista
meemee57
03-14-2005, 10:58 AM
Newbie,
I am 57 years old.
I had my first bone scan March of last year (2004). The L1 vertebrae was
-2.8. The other lumbar vertebrae were in the osteopenia range. The L1 was of course severe osteoporosis. Over -2.5 is severe. I was devistated! I had no idea. My Mother is 90 years old and has very severe osteoporosis. I should have had a bone scan 5 years ago.
Now for the good news. Last year my Dr. put me on Fosamax. I've been taking the once a week pill. I have had no noticable side affects. I take 1200 mg of calcium a day. I have been walking and I also ordered an exercise tape for the osteoporosis foundation web site that is great.
Last week I had my yearly bone scan. The L1 vertebrae is now -1.9. That is a 10% improvement. The other sites have improved by 2% to 5%. That's in 1 year! I expect to be completely normal next year.
I have read a lot of messages from women who are refusing to take the medications their Drs. are prescribing. They are concerned about the side effects. I understand. I was a concerned myself. But I am to young to make an invalid out of myself. I'm sure people had concerns about the polio vaccine when it first came out.
Don't give up! Do everything you can to maintaiin your quality of life. I believe God has also had a part in my healing. Because my results after one year are truly miraculous.
God Bless!
MeeMee57
I am 57 years old.
I had my first bone scan March of last year (2004). The L1 vertebrae was
-2.8. The other lumbar vertebrae were in the osteopenia range. The L1 was of course severe osteoporosis. Over -2.5 is severe. I was devistated! I had no idea. My Mother is 90 years old and has very severe osteoporosis. I should have had a bone scan 5 years ago.
Now for the good news. Last year my Dr. put me on Fosamax. I've been taking the once a week pill. I have had no noticable side affects. I take 1200 mg of calcium a day. I have been walking and I also ordered an exercise tape for the osteoporosis foundation web site that is great.
Last week I had my yearly bone scan. The L1 vertebrae is now -1.9. That is a 10% improvement. The other sites have improved by 2% to 5%. That's in 1 year! I expect to be completely normal next year.
I have read a lot of messages from women who are refusing to take the medications their Drs. are prescribing. They are concerned about the side effects. I understand. I was a concerned myself. But I am to young to make an invalid out of myself. I'm sure people had concerns about the polio vaccine when it first came out.
Don't give up! Do everything you can to maintaiin your quality of life. I believe God has also had a part in my healing. Because my results after one year are truly miraculous.
God Bless!
MeeMee57
taape
03-14-2005, 08:00 PM
MeeMee,
Congratulations on improvement in your bone density. You are very fortunate that you don't have any side effects from the Fosamax. Just about everyone I have talked with and including myself gets terrible stomach problems from the medication.
Congratulations on improvement in your bone density. You are very fortunate that you don't have any side effects from the Fosamax. Just about everyone I have talked with and including myself gets terrible stomach problems from the medication.
spinewhine
03-14-2005, 10:09 PM
My T scores about a month ago were -2.6 in the hip and -4.5 in the spine. I am 50 years old. I am not looking forward to the coming years.
I'm 54 and my T-score was -3.5 in spine (L2-L4 region) and -2.4 in the hip. My gynecologist told me the spine score was really bad and sent me to an endocrinologist. That's why I went right on Forteo -- to try to get some more bone density before hopefully locking it in with Fosamax.
It was a real shock to get this diagnosis because I feel fine and have had no fractures. My doctor also recommended working with a trainer at the gym to build upper body strength. I'm doing that too. The doctor said when muscle pulls on bone, it builds bone. My trainer said muscle is heavy and when it lays on the bone, it builds bone. Whatever. I'm doing some light weight lifting and stretching exercises. Trying to gradually become stronger. Also working on balance since it's important not to fall. Good luck to everyone.
I'm 54 and my T-score was -3.5 in spine (L2-L4 region) and -2.4 in the hip. My gynecologist told me the spine score was really bad and sent me to an endocrinologist. That's why I went right on Forteo -- to try to get some more bone density before hopefully locking it in with Fosamax.
It was a real shock to get this diagnosis because I feel fine and have had no fractures. My doctor also recommended working with a trainer at the gym to build upper body strength. I'm doing that too. The doctor said when muscle pulls on bone, it builds bone. My trainer said muscle is heavy and when it lays on the bone, it builds bone. Whatever. I'm doing some light weight lifting and stretching exercises. Trying to gradually become stronger. Also working on balance since it's important not to fall. Good luck to everyone.
Linni
03-16-2005, 08:21 AM
I'm 54 and my spine is -1.94 and my hips are -2.91. My numbers have actually gotten worse despite being on once a week Fosamax, increased calcium and increased exercise. At my last dr's appointment I told her I was going off Fosamax because a) it wasn't working and b) I was getting severe muscle pains in my legs and feet. So, I've upped my weight bearing exercise - I lift weights three times a week now for half an hour or forty-five minutes, but I don't know what else TO do, because I was doing everything right in the beginning anyway.
On another site I read that Fosamax might only 'seem' to be working at times, because it builds 'brittle bone mass' rather than regular bone mass. Does anyone know anything about this? What is brittle bone mass? (That doesn't sound good.)
Linni
On another site I read that Fosamax might only 'seem' to be working at times, because it builds 'brittle bone mass' rather than regular bone mass. Does anyone know anything about this? What is brittle bone mass? (That doesn't sound good.)
Linni
Aleta145
03-16-2005, 01:44 PM
On another site I read that Fosamax might only 'seem' to be working at times, because it builds 'brittle bone mass' rather than regular bone mass. Does anyone know anything about this? What is brittle bone mass? (That doesn't sound good.)Linni I've also read that. In order to understand, you must know a little about bone resorption and the mechanism Fosamax uses to build bone density. I made up a very simplified metaphor for it. Imagine your bones are like a busy parking lot. There's a demolition crew (Osteoclasts) that comes in and removes old cracked asphalt, and another crew (Osteoblasts) that brings new asphalt in and fills up the holes. A truck comes and hauls away the stuff they removed, and that is called resorption. When you're young, there's a balance of these two crews, but as you get older, there are more osteoclasts removing the old cracked up asphalt than there are osteoblasts coming in to fill up the holes. So there are a lot holes not getting filled in. Enter Fosamax. It lays off a bunch of the osteoclasts so their activity slows down in order for the osteoblasts to catch up. You end up with a lot of areas of old asphalt that normally would have been removed, but at least the holes are gone.
If my metaphor isn't accurate, I hope someone will correct me, because I am basing my own treatment decisions on it.
If my metaphor isn't accurate, I hope someone will correct me, because I am basing my own treatment decisions on it.
Aleta145
03-16-2005, 07:37 PM
So I have my husband's reports here which I'm putting into a spreadsheet to track his results on Fosamax. The earliest scan was done on a different machine from the latest one, so I thought it would make more sense to compare the actual density rather than the T-scores, since different manufacturers have different standards. In 2000 his L1-L4 spine was .716. Then last week, his L1-L4 was .838. Sounds a lot better than 5 years ago, right? Here's the kicker: in 2000 his T-score was -3.1. Now it's -3.2. So it's actually worse? Or should I even be looking at that number at all? How is a person supposed to base treatment decisions on data that is so conflicting?
I guess this is really a rhetorical question. Thanks for letting me vent.
I guess this is really a rhetorical question. Thanks for letting me vent.
CABones
03-19-2005, 09:28 PM
I'm 54 years old, and was diagnosed with steroid-induced osteoporosis about 8 years ago. After almost 8 years on Fosamax (with tolerable digestive problems), and the last 2 years of that on Evista as well, my hips had improved to a -2.0. However, my spine was at -5.1. Since it was so low, my doctor took me off the Fosamax and Evista, and I just started Forteo. I have never had a fracture of any kind, but I do have scoliosis which is why my doctor was so insistent that I start on Forteo.
tape7
03-20-2005, 12:25 AM
I'm 48 years old and just had my first bone density test of my heel. I just got the results in the mail today that my heel t-score is -0.4, mild to moderate risk for bone diminishment, and to make an appointment with my doctor. Does anyone know how likely that score is to be osteoporosis?
CrohnieToo
03-20-2005, 11:50 AM
I had that heel ultrasonometry for osteoporosis risk analysis too. Mine was -1.7 which was considered high risk for bone diminishment. As I remember it a T-score by this method of a number equal to or below -1.0 one should consider other risk factors. A heel T-score of -0.1 to -0.9 was considered mild to moderate risk and again one should consider other risk factors. A heel T-score of -0.1 on down suggested a consultation with your physician.
Kaitrin
03-21-2005, 05:39 PM
I've been on Fosamax for a year and a half. So far, my scores have stayed the same: T= -2.8 spine, T= -2.4 hip.