Bone density issues

[WILLIAM]

I am currently considering whether to go ahead with ADR surgery following a Bone Density Reading of 2.1. I wonder whether anyone has successfully had the op. with a worse density than this or indeed if anyone has had the op with a better density but with bad results (ie collapsed bones).....ie. I am trying to guage what kind of a risk I'm taking. Apparently for every year I wait on osto medication I can only really hope to improve my density by about .2 Has anyone done better than that ? Thanks.

[Alastair]

Hi William,
if you're having doubts about bone density issues, then you should be talking to your surgeon as he is the person who will be facing huge problems if things are not as they should be.
Best,
Alastair

[Harrison]

Bill,

Please consider a few info resources on this important issue:

- See my latest SAS report here. I talk about the issue of osteopenia a bit from the SAS presentation perspective.
- See this FAQ on Bone Density, on this, there are many useful past discussions on this (thx to Trace for putting this one together)

Sir A brings up the obvious point – what does your surgeon say about this? Also, forgive the curious question – how old are you, and are you a smoker? Do you exercise?

[CindyLou]

Just to add a little more confusion to T scores: my DXA T score for my spine was -0.3, my hip -0.1. It was classified as "normal" and when Dr. B did my 3 level lumbar adr on 4/15/07, 4 weeks ago, when he got in there, things were not as they should have been...my bones were quite soft and porous. He ended up doing 3 vertebroplasties to shore them up. All I can say is, thank God I had Dr. Bertagnoli who knew what the hell to do. I will give a full update on Monday, after my 4 week appt. and x-rays.

[kevin bosse]

Hi cindy
I've been following your results.I'm not on all the time so i'm not sure if you are home yet.i hope so and I hope you are resting well. I too had 3 levels and know it's a long journey .So make sure you do everything to rest those weery bones .I hope you're feeling well.

[spotty14]

CindyLou,
That's really scary that the DEXA showed almost perfect bone density and the real thing was much different. I'm glad that everything turned out well in your case.

Wiliam,
Do you know the cause of your bone density loss? Is it something that may continue to get worse? I'm very frustrated because no matter what treatment I get it seems like it isn't good enough to get me in the safe range for surgery.

[CindyLou]

Kevin, thank you for the kind thoughts and well wishes.

And Spotty, let's wait and see what my x-rays show on Monday. I'm noticing pain very low and deep in low back, but am only 4 weeks out. Am very anxious to see those x-rays. If this 3 level adr does not significantly abate my pain, I think I will drive myself off a cliff. Either that or my husband will beat me to it and push me off the cliff!

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mothers out there!

[chasswen]

cindy
relax 4 weeks is nothing i am sure every thing is where dr. b placed it. the real turning point is 12 weeks.
at that time sleep and siting should improve a great deal.
and remember DON"T DO TO MUCH
warm regards
chuck

[WILLIAM]

To answer some of the questions....I'm 51, I don't smoke, don't drink excessively and do excercise though because of the back not weight bearing excercise...(this could be a factor)...currently having blood tests to rule out some of the other possible causes....chances it's just me, ie genes etc.....spotty what do you think a safe margin to operate is....ie what is your bone density now and where are you trying to get it....?

[spotty14]

William,
My T Score was -3.1 when I found out I had osteoporosis, went on Forteo 2 years got up to -2.6 after one year. I finished my 2 years on the medication and was not tested at the 2 year mark (big mistake, the doctor's not mine). Then 6 months after being off the medication I'm worse than when I started at -3.4 so I know I need the medication because there's been a dramatic increase in boss loss because I imagine I was around -2.2 or so after 2 years on Forteo but wasn't tested then. When I originally contacted Dr. Bertagnoli he said -2.5 was the limit for surgery. Since I don't know the cause of getting worse other than my calcium level is no longer being kept on an even keel with Forteo I'd be afraid to have surgery even at -2.5 because what happens if the ADR wouldn't stay in place with continued bone loss even with bone cement, maybe. Unfortunately, I could only take the bisphosphonate medication by IV infusion and don't want that due to the risk of jaw necrosis. If I knew the cause of the rapid bone loss or could get it stable then I'd be more confident to get surgery but as it is I can't have ADR surgery like this.