I got the results of my medical dexa scan and found the paperwork on previous medical dexa scans and thought I would update this thread.
The scientific scan came in at -2.5 (borderline osteoporosis) from the Medical study but I am ignoring that as it was not apples to apples. MD that I consulted said to ignore it.
12-8-11 left hip .796g/c (T score not assigned on first test) osteopenia
01-30-14 left hip .796g/cm T score -1.84 osteopenia
04-06-16 left hip .822 g/cm T score -1 normal
12-8-11 AP spine L2-L4 .932 g/c (T score not assigned first test) osteopenia
01-30-14 AP spine L2-L4 .859 g/c -1.88 osteopenia
04-06-16 AP spine L1-L4 .822 g/cm T score -2.1 osteopenia
04-06-16 Femoral Neck Left .668 g/cm T score -1.6 osteopenia
So, things look not so bad. But get this....I had a poor technician for the recent 04-06-16 scan--no way was it accurate. I don't think I would have picked up on this but for the fact that I had just had the scientific scan who positioned me correctly. The scientific scanner and the 2011 and 2014 scanners spent several minutes positioning my feet and my hands/arms before each scan. The thing that really stood out was the 2016 scanner did not put my feet in the "triangle pose." She had my feet kind of spread eagle about 24" apart. I even made mention that I understood the technician was important for the scan but the technician said it was 100% machine and the scanner/technician did not matter.
Got my results but they troubled me. Two minutes of googling and read the Norland machine manual of instructions and also a US govt doc of procedures and sure enough the feet are supposed to be in a triangle pose for the hip and femoral neck scans. The hands/arms are supposed to be placed certain ways for the spine scan. (The technician did lift my knees on block for the spine scan...the only thing she did correctly.)
I called the Gyn PAC who had ordered the scan, told her that I got my numbers but did not think the scan was accurate due to technician error. I did not want a repeat but thought the info should be relayed to whomever oversaw the technicians. Not unexpectedly I got runaround from Gyn PAC...kind of brushed off.
I'm going to have my PCP order scan in two years out. He is in the Shands/Univ of FL system and I think I need to change going forward.
I find it hard to believe my hip score improved, stayed the same, yes, improved no. The spine score is probably not accurate either.
Mostly I feel sad for women who are prescribed the osteo meds based on an incompetant technician.
I've been reading books on bone health. One book has about 1" thick of pages of discussion on machine errors and technician errors. I don't plan on reading the details as it looks kind of dry but these errors exist in the dexa scanning.
I'm learning a lot and will have more to update.
Help Please, Bone Density results, somewhat surprising
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That's kind of depressing that a technician would do that. Position of the feet matters with a simple blood pressure test. So why wouldn't it matter for a bone scan? And I agree that it's not surprising that a medical pro would condone (choose to ignore) shoddy methods by another medical pro. But that doesn't make it any less disappointing. Probably that positioning doesn't make a huge difference, but if it didn't matter at all, why would anyone else bother with it.
Thanks for the update and the insight.
Tex
Thanks for the update and the insight.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
When I was diagnosed with osteoporosis two years ago, I took the test results to my friend who is a DO. My regular doctor admitted that she had no idea how to read the results. My friend looked it over and when she told me that it was positive for osteoporosis, she told me not to take the prescription meds. She explained that our bones have K1 and K2. One of the roles of K1 is to remove the old bones and K2 rebuilds. The prescription meds don't allow K1 to do its job so that K2 rebuilds on old bones. She said that while subsequent scans will show improvement, it's not a healthy improvement.
She suggested adding Vit K to my arsenal of vit D and magnesium. I also take OsteoPhase, from Tango Advanced Nutrition. This was recommended by my acupuncturist when I went to him after I broke my wrist. He said that his wife was diagnosed with uterine cancer at a very young age and needed a hysterectomy which threw her in to menopause at the age of 25y. She then developed osteoporosis. He began his research and found this product. He said that she went from osteoporosis to osteopena and then normal while taking this product. I don't remember the length of time this took her to reach normal, but I decided to try it. I've been taking it for four years now and I will have another scan this summer. My fingers are crossed that there will be improvement.
This is all just FYI and I thought I would share the information for what it's worth. I will post my test results in a few months. I also have a new doctor that is able to read test results and who also referred me to a wonderful GI doctor.
She suggested adding Vit K to my arsenal of vit D and magnesium. I also take OsteoPhase, from Tango Advanced Nutrition. This was recommended by my acupuncturist when I went to him after I broke my wrist. He said that his wife was diagnosed with uterine cancer at a very young age and needed a hysterectomy which threw her in to menopause at the age of 25y. She then developed osteoporosis. He began his research and found this product. He said that she went from osteoporosis to osteopena and then normal while taking this product. I don't remember the length of time this took her to reach normal, but I decided to try it. I've been taking it for four years now and I will have another scan this summer. My fingers are crossed that there will be improvement.
This is all just FYI and I thought I would share the information for what it's worth. I will post my test results in a few months. I also have a new doctor that is able to read test results and who also referred me to a wonderful GI doctor.
Diana
I've added a personal trainer to my regimen. From mid March until mid April I trained on my own to pick up some upper body strength. I felt I needed a trainer to work on correct positions etc. Mid April I hired the personal trainer. My original plan was to have trainer once a week and rest of week on my own to save money but the gym assigned me to a trainer who is a former Olympic shot put thrower and former UF athlete. I requested a free session with her. I was really impressed so decided to go 3x per week-2 50 minute sessions and 1 half hour session.
My trainer is way overqualified to be doing personal training at my level. I think it is only a matter of time before she is a Strength and Conditioning Coach at UF or an Asst Track and Field Coach at a Division I program.
There are a lot of small build older ladies 20 or 25 years older than me at my gym lifting probably 70% more in weights than me. I'm sure they are in the gym to maintain bones. I'm in pretty pathetic upper body shape but working on it.
The unexpected side effects of my training/increased physical activity are increased libido and increased energy throughout the day and increased feeling of well being.
I'm not doing the weight vest yet. It is too darn hot in Florida and maybe it is a vanity thing. I've never seen a woman anywhere walking around in a weight vest. My weight is 140 pounds 5'6" I'm reading that under 124 pounds weight vests are very helpful. I figure I'm carrying around 15 pounds of extra weight without the vest.
The ladies in the University of Arizona BEST Exercise study gained 2% bone density after one year of weight training with weights and vests. Average age of the ladies was 55 years. 2% is not a huge gain by any means but I figure the weight lifting as well as other activity is just part of the solution to maintaining bone density.
My trainer is way overqualified to be doing personal training at my level. I think it is only a matter of time before she is a Strength and Conditioning Coach at UF or an Asst Track and Field Coach at a Division I program.
There are a lot of small build older ladies 20 or 25 years older than me at my gym lifting probably 70% more in weights than me. I'm sure they are in the gym to maintain bones. I'm in pretty pathetic upper body shape but working on it.
The unexpected side effects of my training/increased physical activity are increased libido and increased energy throughout the day and increased feeling of well being.
I'm not doing the weight vest yet. It is too darn hot in Florida and maybe it is a vanity thing. I've never seen a woman anywhere walking around in a weight vest. My weight is 140 pounds 5'6" I'm reading that under 124 pounds weight vests are very helpful. I figure I'm carrying around 15 pounds of extra weight without the vest.
The ladies in the University of Arizona BEST Exercise study gained 2% bone density after one year of weight training with weights and vests. Average age of the ladies was 55 years. 2% is not a huge gain by any means but I figure the weight lifting as well as other activity is just part of the solution to maintaining bone density.
Brandy, you are my inspiration!! So hopeful that I start feeling like exercising soon! I know it would help me greatly, especially my state of mind. These 3 kids are wearing me out
. This summer I've got to get on an exercise schedule.
. This summer I've got to get on an exercise schedule.Martha E.
Philippians 4:13
Jul 2008 took Clindamycin for a Sinus infection that forever changed my life
Dec 2014 MC Dx
Jul 15, 2015 Elimination Diet
Aug 17, 2015 Enterolab Test
Dec 2015 Reflux
Sept 2016 IC
Philippians 4:13
Jul 2008 took Clindamycin for a Sinus infection that forever changed my life
Dec 2014 MC Dx
Jul 15, 2015 Elimination Diet
Aug 17, 2015 Enterolab Test
Dec 2015 Reflux
Sept 2016 IC
I forgot to mention that those with osteoporosis should check with a physical therapist or their primary care physician before beginning an exercise regimen. Some yoga poses are contra indicated for those with osteoporosis specifically poses with forward flexion i.e. poses that involve touching your toes.
I have osteopenia and my understanding for Osteopenia is that I can exercise all out and have no restrictions so that is what I am doing. I will be working out with kettle bells this afternoon.
I have osteopenia and my understanding for Osteopenia is that I can exercise all out and have no restrictions so that is what I am doing. I will be working out with kettle bells this afternoon.
Thank you brandy! I don't have osteoporosis. Although, I fear that will be next. I have started noticing my nails are splitting (i've always had good nails), so now I'm worried I'm not getting enough calcium.
Martha E.
Philippians 4:13
Jul 2008 took Clindamycin for a Sinus infection that forever changed my life
Dec 2014 MC Dx
Jul 15, 2015 Elimination Diet
Aug 17, 2015 Enterolab Test
Dec 2015 Reflux
Sept 2016 IC
Philippians 4:13
Jul 2008 took Clindamycin for a Sinus infection that forever changed my life
Dec 2014 MC Dx
Jul 15, 2015 Elimination Diet
Aug 17, 2015 Enterolab Test
Dec 2015 Reflux
Sept 2016 IC
Martha,
Weak, brittle nails are not caused by a calcium deficiency, at least not in my experience. That's caused by a magnesium deficiency. The only time in my life that I had a nail-splitting problem was when I was magnesium deficient. There was way more than enough calcium in my diet and my blood calcium level was higher than it usually is. I even had a couple of kidney stones develop (the only time in my life). And I know I wasn't vitamin D deficient, because my vitamin D test level a year ago was 95. But without adequate magnesium to take it out of the blood and utilize it properly, calcium runs amuck and causes all sorts of problems.
It took almost a year for my nails to regrow enough to replace all the weak, brittle keratin, but now, a year after I doubled my magnesium intake, my nails are once again nice and strong.
Tex
Weak, brittle nails are not caused by a calcium deficiency, at least not in my experience. That's caused by a magnesium deficiency. The only time in my life that I had a nail-splitting problem was when I was magnesium deficient. There was way more than enough calcium in my diet and my blood calcium level was higher than it usually is. I even had a couple of kidney stones develop (the only time in my life). And I know I wasn't vitamin D deficient, because my vitamin D test level a year ago was 95. But without adequate magnesium to take it out of the blood and utilize it properly, calcium runs amuck and causes all sorts of problems.
It took almost a year for my nails to regrow enough to replace all the weak, brittle keratin, but now, a year after I doubled my magnesium intake, my nails are once again nice and strong.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Thank you Tex! Well that makes sense, you know for about 2 months I only got in the oil in the mornings since I was so worn out. Now I'm using the oil 3 times a day. Hopefully I will get my mag back up. Luckily those breathing problems or breathlessness has gotten better. Not going to let that happen again, no matter how tired I get!
Martha E.
Philippians 4:13
Jul 2008 took Clindamycin for a Sinus infection that forever changed my life
Dec 2014 MC Dx
Jul 15, 2015 Elimination Diet
Aug 17, 2015 Enterolab Test
Dec 2015 Reflux
Sept 2016 IC
Philippians 4:13
Jul 2008 took Clindamycin for a Sinus infection that forever changed my life
Dec 2014 MC Dx
Jul 15, 2015 Elimination Diet
Aug 17, 2015 Enterolab Test
Dec 2015 Reflux
Sept 2016 IC
So glad you're doing this Brandy! I love weight training. Makes me feel so good and strong, helps me sleep better to! You will make improvements, just keep at it!brandy wrote:I've added a personal trainer to my regimen. From mid March until mid April I trained on my own to pick up some upper body strength. I felt I needed a trainer to work on correct positions etc. Mid April I hired the personal trainer. My original plan was to have trainer once a week and rest of week on my own to save money but the gym assigned me to a trainer who is a former Olympic shot put thrower and former UF athlete. I requested a free session with her. I was really impressed so decided to go 3x per week-2 50 minute sessions and 1 half hour session.
My trainer is way overqualified to be doing personal training at my level. I think it is only a matter of time before she is a Strength and Conditioning Coach at UF or an Asst Track and Field Coach at a Division I program.
There are a lot of small build older ladies 20 or 25 years older than me at my gym lifting probably 70% more in weights than me. I'm sure they are in the gym to maintain bones. I'm in pretty pathetic upper body shape but working on it.
The unexpected side effects of my training/increased physical activity are increased libido and increased energy throughout the day and increased feeling of well being.
I'm not doing the weight vest yet. It is too darn hot in Florida and maybe it is a vanity thing. I've never seen a woman anywhere walking around in a weight vest. My weight is 140 pounds 5'6" I'm reading that under 124 pounds weight vests are very helpful. I figure I'm carrying around 15 pounds of extra weight without the vest.
The ladies in the University of Arizona BEST Exercise study gained 2% bone density after one year of weight training with weights and vests. Average age of the ladies was 55 years. 2% is not a huge gain by any means but I figure the weight lifting as well as other activity is just part of the solution to maintaining bone density.
Hi Cathy,
Thanks for the positive encouragement! I thought I would update you and everyone else.
The weight training is going well. I've been at it with the personal trainer for about 3-1/2 months. My posture is definitely better thanks to the training.
We are doing a lot of squats with weights and kettlebell stuff which I don't think I would have felt comfortable doing on my own. I've decided to stick with the trainer for now as I'm learning a lot. I'm having no problems with my right shoulder or right knee as we've been working on strengthening those areas.
The trainer says if you have arthritis or joint issues building the muscles around those areas will help.
I need to still work on more sleep and a routine of meditation.
The MD gone integrative doc is big on strontium for bone density. Strontium is controversial in that it might have a link to strokes/heart disease. I have a wedding to go to in the end of August and think I will test strontium after the wedding. I tried one pill even before I met the MD/Integrative doc and I reacted but I was also eating old strawberries so may have been reacting to something else. I'll talk more on strontium later.
There are two opposing theories to protein and bone density.
One theory is the alkaline theory. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alkaline_diet This seems to be to be the mainstream theory and says protein and grains leach calcium from the bones and to eat protein but eat it sparingly. This appears to be the conventional wisdom theory and is espoused on the Osteoporosis foundation website and three books I've bought on bone density.
The funny thing about this theory is....get this.....no one says to eat less grains since grains supposedly also leach calcium from bones.
The opposing theory is THE EAT MORE PROTEIN THEORY. Huge HAT TIP TO BLUEBERRY ON OUR FORUM WHO STEERED ME IN THIS DIRECTION.
http://blogs.creighton.edu/heaney/2014/ ... ibility-2/
Here are some additional links:
http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/87/5/1567S.full, http://www.marksdailyapple.com/8-primal ... z4FZrk1RyF,
I started eating more protein back in March when I updated this thread and it has all been good. Harder nails, shiny hair, little hair regrowths around my forehead.
I really want to thank Blueberry for steering me in the "eat more protein direction." Dr. Heaneys theory is not the conventional wisdom theory pushed by the Osteoporosis Foundation and the forum members which is to eat protein sparingly.
I've been eating more protein and not looking back. For me as an MCer eating less protein would mean starvation so the eating less protein is not a viable option for me.
I was hoping one of you could help me with the protein math. Dr. Heaney recommends 1.2 grams /kg of weight/day of protein to build/maintain bone. What would that convert to in ounces for a 135 pound woman?
Much thanks if anyone can help me with the protein math.
Brandy
Thanks for the positive encouragement! I thought I would update you and everyone else.
The weight training is going well. I've been at it with the personal trainer for about 3-1/2 months. My posture is definitely better thanks to the training.
We are doing a lot of squats with weights and kettlebell stuff which I don't think I would have felt comfortable doing on my own. I've decided to stick with the trainer for now as I'm learning a lot. I'm having no problems with my right shoulder or right knee as we've been working on strengthening those areas.
The trainer says if you have arthritis or joint issues building the muscles around those areas will help.
I need to still work on more sleep and a routine of meditation.
The MD gone integrative doc is big on strontium for bone density. Strontium is controversial in that it might have a link to strokes/heart disease. I have a wedding to go to in the end of August and think I will test strontium after the wedding. I tried one pill even before I met the MD/Integrative doc and I reacted but I was also eating old strawberries so may have been reacting to something else. I'll talk more on strontium later.
There are two opposing theories to protein and bone density.
One theory is the alkaline theory. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alkaline_diet This seems to be to be the mainstream theory and says protein and grains leach calcium from the bones and to eat protein but eat it sparingly. This appears to be the conventional wisdom theory and is espoused on the Osteoporosis foundation website and three books I've bought on bone density.
The funny thing about this theory is....get this.....no one says to eat less grains since grains supposedly also leach calcium from bones.
The opposing theory is THE EAT MORE PROTEIN THEORY. Huge HAT TIP TO BLUEBERRY ON OUR FORUM WHO STEERED ME IN THIS DIRECTION.
http://blogs.creighton.edu/heaney/2014/ ... ibility-2/
Here are some additional links:
http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/87/5/1567S.full, http://www.marksdailyapple.com/8-primal ... z4FZrk1RyF,
I started eating more protein back in March when I updated this thread and it has all been good. Harder nails, shiny hair, little hair regrowths around my forehead.
I really want to thank Blueberry for steering me in the "eat more protein direction." Dr. Heaneys theory is not the conventional wisdom theory pushed by the Osteoporosis Foundation and the forum members which is to eat protein sparingly.
I've been eating more protein and not looking back. For me as an MCer eating less protein would mean starvation so the eating less protein is not a viable option for me.
I was hoping one of you could help me with the protein math. Dr. Heaney recommends 1.2 grams /kg of weight/day of protein to build/maintain bone. What would that convert to in ounces for a 135 pound woman?
Much thanks if anyone can help me with the protein math.
Brandy
