Has anyone had a bone density scan - is it worth it?

[Katymac]

This is the blurb.....

"uses Quantative Ultrasound (QUS) to show bone density at the heel which is a good indicator of general bone density in the body.

The National Osteoporosis Society says that 'QUS has been demonstrated to show predictive value for any fracture in women in their peri-menopausal years and of Colles fracture in women in their early post-menopausal years'.

An ultrasound scan is safe and painless; both heels will be scanned.

You will be provided with a full report of your results showing your T-score and Z-score together with any recommendations appropriate for you. Your report also includes a projection of likely future bone density.

BoneCheck will refer you to your GP for a full body DXA scan if your results indicate low scores."

Is it worth having it's £50?

Oh ok thanks. Just a better lifestyle then.
In the notes it said assess meds for -1 to -2.5. I think i need to do weight take ecercise. At least it will motivate me

Interestingly, i saw my endocrinologist this morning for my thyroid check up and he advised it was Osteopenia and to take calcium and vit D. My levels aren't optimal so i should get them up a bit. It's all good to know!

There again there are mixed opinions.
I'll find the link- taking added calcium has been linked to heart disease.

www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/05/160512084911.htm

I've also read pretty much everything on this and the research shows that calcium and Vit D is no use to younger people but helps older people ( 70s.) If you are dairy free ( as I was for years) then it's worth topping up to normal daily intake but no more than that. Have you tried some of the plant milks- like almond- which do contain added calcium?

Also, I see you said you used to cycle. Suppose you know that cycling does nothing for bones- has to be weight bearing exercise. the NOS has some good books for sale on the type of exercises to do at home to build bones. Floor based, like Pilates.

www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/9285516/Calcium-pills-double-heart-attack-risk.html

As you say, mixed opinion and advice! My calcium is under range and vit D is low, so that's why, in my case, I need to raise them.
That link seems to confirm that. It shouldnt be offered arbitrarily, but where ranges are low, it should be given to tsise snd then maintain levels. I guess it's too expensive to test everyone but not healthy to take supplements at toxic levels where vitamins are in range.
I eat almonds and drink almond milk, which i find is ok.
Yes, i know need to get back to the gym, but i like to do cardio too and get some vit D when the sun's out!

You don't need to use a gym. I don't go to a gym. I do the exercises at home in the lounge :)

That might be easier to fit in my hectic days!

I had one in early 50s. The result (normal bone density) enabled me to come off the biphosphonates which I'd been put on as a precautionary measure due to other risk factors. Definitely worth it for me.