Dexa Bone Density Test - Osteoporosis Message Board

Faithwalker · 03-16-2002, 06:00 PM

I am new to the list and sure could use some help.
I was recently diagnosed with osteoporosis after breaking the third finger in my hand by simply turning it wrong.
I was placed on Miacalcin and 1200 mg. of calcium daily +vit.D.
I called and retrieved my Bone Mineral Density numbers and do not understand what it means exactly.
My spine number was: .882
My leg number was: .717
Can anyone help me to understand what these means and what it means to my future?
Thanks.
Earnestine

blondegal · 03-17-2002, 11:51 AM

I also recently had a DEXA scan and I'm learning so what I know is not a whole lot. Here's what I can tell you though and this is taken right off my DEXA report.

If your T-score range is from -1 to -2.5 then this indicates low bone mass or sometimes called osteopenia.

If your T-score range is below -2.5 then osteoporosis is what the experts call it.

I'm really confused about your scores being called OSTEOPOROSIS. Your scores are a lot better than mine in the leg and mine was not called Osteoporosis, but rather Osteopenia. These numbers are probably not T-score numbers, however. They sound more like BMD numbers but at this point I'd just have to guess. I know I've not helped too much but maybe you could post your T-scores if you don't mind and if you can find them out.

[This message has been edited by blondegal (edited 03-17-2002).]

[This message has been edited by blondegal (edited 03-17-2002).]

Faithwalker · 03-17-2002, 02:39 PM

Thank You for your help.
I am not sure what a T score is.
She said there were other numbers on the test but she only gave me the ones I listed calling it a bone mineral density.
She called the spine one something like Lumbar and the other sounded like semoral but of course I could not hear her very well on the phone either.
My dentist told me that my bones are deterioting rapidly and that it may be coming from my asthma inhalers.
The nurse told me that my test results were low but she did not elaborate however.
I would not have known that it was Osteo if my doctor had not slipped and something during a routine discussion with my husband and I.
He thought I had already been told before.
I am unable to take the hormones due to skin cancer and a family history of cancer so the nasal spray is the only solution for me.
Earnestine

blondegal · 03-17-2002, 03:09 PM

Hello Faithwalker: I had a DEXA about 3 weeks ago and they scanned my lumbar spine and my femur (hip). Does this sound like the same in your case? The T-scores compare our bone density to the bone density of a healthy young adult (25-30 years old but I heard variations on that.) The T-score gives us a risk factor for fracture. Another set of scores, the Z-score compare our bone density to those in our age group. I'd say from what you've said that some kind of treatment is appropriate especially after the info you've added but if you have any doubts maybe you can get a copy of your DEXA report and seek another opinion. I know there is a treatment called Evista for women who cannot take estrogen and is supposed to have a good effect on bone density. Have you checked it out?

I really don't know what to make of my results since my spine is above average for a young adult and my femur is osteopenic. I was told to take Calcium and Vit.D and keep up my exercise program since I'm borderline low density in the femur. I was given the same protocol by two doctors so I'm just going to follow that and then do another DEXA in several years. I wouldn't mind trying the nasal spray if my scores don't improve. What are the side effects on the spray or are there any? I sure hope I'm doing the right thing!

bjg · 03-17-2002, 07:32 PM

i can understand why you are not a candidate for hrt...but instead of the nasal spray have you considered either fosamax or actonel..they do not carry the same increased risk of cancers as hrt.as with all meds they both have their own risk of side effects..problems with the esophagus being one of them...but why dont you research them for yourself and talk it over with your dr ..they may be right for you