Bone Density

[Starlightwarrior]

Hi, is there anyone who can say how "borderline" these results are please? I realise I need to see my gp or nurse but perhaps someone with similar scores can enlighten me as I am unable to have my follow up until July and I want to start using the gym for the first time.
Thank you.

You've not posted any results, plus giving us a bit of context would be useful here. Why have you had a DEXA scan and what do you mean by using the gym "for the first time"? Are you recovering from something? And what sort of gym use would you be undertaking?

Oh my goodness, my head is all over the place this morning. Hope this posts properly.
For context, I have RA and OA with fibromyalgia. My hands in general, and wrists in particular, have been much more painful lately and I have had splints made.
I want to use the gym for swimming mainly as my pain limits use of machines. I practice yoga but feel I need to progress a bit more if I can.

Image is under review

If it's swimming you want to do, I can't see how there would be a problem whatever your scan says as it's non-weight-bearing.

Those scores indicate you're at the safer to mid-end of osteopenic, rather than osteoporotic. From the point of view of someone with severe osteoporosis, you've got absolutely no reason to panic. They'll probably advise you to take calcium and D3 supplements, along with following guidelines for exercise to strengthen your bones (increase density). They may even suggest you take bisphosphonates preventatively, but I would think long and hard about the risks/benefits of that, personally.

Update us after you've had your results appointment, OP.

I ran your scores by Google Gemini:

T-Score Breakdown (Your Bone Density vs. Young Adults)

• Lumbar Spine (-1.8): This indicates osteopenia. It is your lowest score, meaning your lower spine has the most significant bone thinning compared to your hip area.
• Femoral Neck (-1.6): This indicates osteopenia. The femoral neck is the specific part of the thigh bone closest to the hip joint.
• Total Hip (-1.3): This indicates osteopenia. This measures the overall density of your entire hip region. 1, 2, 3]

Z-Score Breakdown (Your Bone Density vs. Your Age Group)

• All Regions (-0.2): Your Z-scores are consistently -0.2 across the spine, femoral neck, and hip. Because this number is very close to 0.0, your bone density is completely normal for someone of your age and sex. 1, 2, 3]

Understanding the Difference

• T-scores tell doctors if you have bone loss (which you do, classified as mild-to-moderate osteopenia). 1, 2]
• Z-scores tell doctors if that bone loss is unusual for your age. Since your Z-score is normal, your bone thinning is likely due to the standard aging process rather than an underlying secondary medical condition. 1, 2, 3]
• BMD (0.674): This is your raw Bone Mineral Density value, likely measured in g/cm². This raw value is what the machine uses to calculate your T and Z-scores. 1, 2, 3]

Yes I realise that. I am also advised to do some strengthening exercises with light weights but will know what is on offer, and suitable, once I have my induction.
I just feel worried about damaging wrists further with even light weights but the swimming will help my back pain. I shall take advice from the trainer if course but was curious about how advanced, or not, the bone degeneration might be.
Thanks for your response.

baroqueandblue thank you SO much for taking time to post such useful information! I'm sorry I hadn't seen it before my previous response to another poster.
I can see that I am in a decent place to allow me to start a fitness regime of some sort and will take advice from the PT I've been allocated.
I will post what treatment, if any, is prescribed.
Thanks again :)

No worries, and if your PT doesn't seem particularly knowledgeable about bone health, consider finding one who is. You've got good bones as things stand, maybe this is a nudge to gen up and give yourself the best chance of keeping it that way! 😃

That's exactly the rest I see it - thank you.