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Original poster

Has anyone else got Osteoperina?

11 replies

DottyDot · 04/03/2009 12:36

Just got back from a routine check up for Coeliac to discover the dexa scan (checks bone density) I had about 6 months ago and heard nothing about (so assumed all was OK) actually showed I've got Osteoperina, which the nurse said is the precursor to Osteoperosis.

It's something you can get with Coeliac but being young (ish) and not having heard back after the scan I assumed all was OK

So, I was a bit shocked and didn't ask much about it - like if I start taking Calcium will that keep it at bay and stop it turning into Osteoperosis? And how often should it be checked?

I've googled (of course!) but can't find much - has anyone else got this, maybe in relation to Coeliac? Or any kindly doctors that can put my mind at rest that I'm not going to crumble away over the next few years...

OP posts:
silverbirch · 04/03/2009 12:59

Should that be osteopenia? My DH who is coeliac had that. He has been taking calcium supplements and I think his bone density has been increasing again.

Original poster
DottyDot · 04/03/2009 13:19

Ahh - probably!! Thank you - I didn't write anything down and was just a bit shocked when she mentioned it, as I thought everything was OK.

OP posts:
Original poster
DottyDot · 04/03/2009 13:22

Ha! I've just googled again and there are many more items on Osteopenia than on Osteoperina!!

Thanks again - actually it's put my mind at rest that there's lots of info out there.

OP posts:
veryembarrassedmummy · 04/03/2009 18:43

I have this too, but am not coeliac.

You need a scan every 18 months - 2years.

You do need to take calcium, but that is not enough on its own- you also need to exercise like mad at impact and resistance type exercise.

Why not have a look at the National Osteoporosis Society website?

nightcat · 04/03/2009 22:33

you don't just need calcium, in fact there is usually enough o fit in a decent celiac diet, it's the magnesium you need to worry about (+ other vitamins)

cositjustisok · 05/03/2009 21:22

Hi Dottydot..I am coeliac and have had the same news as you...about 8 years ago..i take a Calcium and vitamin D supplement and have been advised about weight bearing exercises...(dont do them } i am given a repeat dexa every 5 years. My last was about a year ago and when I asked for the results was told they where absolutely fine ..did ask for details but they said there was none with teh results.....found that hard to believe and still waiting to be told if i need more calcium..or should I be practive and do the exercises...dont slate me cos I know I should.

Not much help but i too felt I was crumbling away.

Original poster
DottyDot · 06/03/2009 13:06

cosit - do you think that's because as time goes by, what could have been classed as osteopenia for your age group then, now isn't?

And I don't mean that at all in a rude way! For example, my bone density compared to others my age now means I'm classed as having osteopenia. But if it doesn't get worse (fingers crossed), as I get older, it'll get more normal - so in 5 - 10 years time I might be classed as having normal bone density.

I think that makes sense....

OP posts:
cositjustisok · 06/03/2009 13:30

Ummmmmm...not too sure. I was given a bone density result 8 years ago of 87%...in other words I had lost 13% of my bone...yikes!!!!..scary biscuits or what?...I remember them telling me that was the bone density for a 70 year old woman..(I think that is what they said). Anyway I was 34 or so at the time..so not too good. I am now 42 and hope I have not got any worse. Did they give you a % reading or anything to compare Dotty dot?

Original poster
DottyDot · 06/03/2009 13:35

Hi, no - I think my T score is -1.5. Obviously have googled and I think from -1 to -2.5 = osteopenia. And then from -2.5 onwards = osteoporosis. But I read somewhere that the comparison % isn't that helpful??

I don't know. I really should have asked more questions - I didn't even ask how/if I can get the calcium on prescription. She wrote down I needed it but I forgot to ask. hopefully I can get it on prescription as I get them free because of thyroid stuff!

OP posts:
cositjustisok · 06/03/2009 13:47

Yeah you will get calcium free because of your Thyroid prescriptions.

I thought the % was a pile of . I think I will ask for that T score as that was a more recent one and is bound to be not in %..Maybe that is why they could not answer my question.. because I was looking for another % reading and maybe that is what they meant "no information like that". Next appointment is in April so may be able to get some better answers then, now I know to ask for my T score reading...thanks for that.

foxinsocks · 07/03/2009 15:55

I have this too (osteopenia). I have never had a follow up appointment for it (am in my 30s).

Was told to increase weight bearing exercise too as this is good for strengthening the bones.

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