Bone Density

[Danny C]

Hi everyone.
Hope all had a good holiday if your from the USA. I am scheduled for 3 level ADR with Dr. B. Feb 6th. A couple of weeks ago I went to see Dr. Delamater about being my post op Doc. After reviewing my b-density scores, -3 at level 4 and -2.7 at 3 & 5. He advised me that I was a "disaster waiting to happen", if I went through with surgery. I was on Fosamax for 18 mths. and have been on Forteo for the past 6 mths. Next scan is Nov 30th. Any input from anyone that has had this issue will be very much appreciated. Thanks

[luvmysibe]

Have you seen a naturopath or holistic practitioner? There are many foods and herbs that can improve your bone density. There is also a wonderful book titled "Perfect Bones" that provides many suggestions. With those T scores my surgeons would not have moved forward with the surgery. Best wishes.

[Danny C]

No, I haven't seen a naturopath. However, I will see if I can find the book. Thanks much for your help! Have a good weekend.

[Mariaa]

Is Dr.B aware of your bone density scores? Seems like you've been on the right meds tho not sure the increments you've been screened at re BD and the improvement you've made over a timeline on these meds.
I've heard of Dr.B. using vertebroplasty with patients that have a bone density that might be borderline, questionable but am unaware of what he considers to be low enough to perform vertebroplasty or bad enough not to perform this type of surgery at all or to have someone wait and continue the meds to build up BD~

[spotty14]

I'm waiting for improved bone density also before having surgery. It will be 14 months on Forteo when I get my dexa scan next month. It's a good ting that Dr. B is requiring bone density scans to avert potential surgery disasters as mine probably would have been without prior knowledge of severely low bone density. Let us know what your scan results are.

[Danny C]

Last scan was June 05, showed 4% improvement in hips but not much in lumbar area. we'll see what the next one says. Thanks

[Harrison]

Danny, there are many posts on this topic (pls do a search and/or a manual sift through archived posts). As well, there is a Q & A we did some time ago found on the main site:

http://www.adrsupport.org/content.asp?cid=198

See the first one with Dr. Zeegers...

[Danny C]

Thanks Harrison I will check them out.

According to my bone density scores, which I don't know what they were. My doctor said I had the bones of a teenager, but I have 1mm of subsidence at my 1st post op ADR. The doctor told me to take it easy as he didn't want the disc to go any farther into the bone. This scared me very much....I am still a little afraid. I am having a CT Scan done next week to insure all is well. If my bones were supposedly strong and the disc could subside, well....I am just saying make sure that you give yourself the time you need to strengthen those bones!!! I wouldn't rush anything!! This is your chance, so take it easy and eat calcium and your meds till those numbers are right or the doctor can insure you that the vertebroplasty is safe and not painful if he needs to perform it. I will pray that all goes well with you!! Remember how important your getting it right is and if a little time could make those bones strong, maybe the wait would be worth it??? Ofcourse, I am not a physician, but I wish you all the best and want you to have a successful ADR!!! You are in my prayers!

[Danny C]

tcd, thanks so much for your wise advise. My prayers are back at you the your healing continues with no further adverse issues. I've been dealing with this for a good 20 years, so your right, what's another year give or take. What happens to me is I get excited that I may finally have some relief and then another problem rear it's head. I'll try to keep posting on a more regular basis.