Why am I not at risk of osteoporosis? I thought I was.

[kittylion2]

After being talked to by my SIL, I finally had a telephone appointment today with the practice nurse. I explained to her that I was concerned about my bone density/possible osteoporosis and would it be possible to have a test. The reasons I was concerned were -

1 Loss of height (four inches)
2 Back ache - especially lower back
3 Aching lower legs (I do have bad arthritis in my knees though)

I also said I was taking ezomeprazole which I have heard can be a bad thing if you have problems with your bones.

Anyway, the nurse said she would book a pelvic scan for me and let me know. However, less than an hour later she phoned back, saying she had discussed with the doctor and I didn't need a scan because according to a test or some sort of scale they had, I wasn't at risk. So I can't have a scan.

Then of course I went straight to Dr Google and searched for symptoms of osteoporosis - and found that loss of height, bone or muscle pain and lower back pain were three of them - and that also there could be no symptoms.

I wondered if there were any health professionals here who could explain stuff to me.

Thanks

Edit - forgot to include my age - 69

Of course loss of height is a pointer towards osteop. They are trying to save money aren't they. Unless/until you break a bone they won't care unfortunately.

I'd be pushing for a DEXA scan.

This.

Four inches is a lot of height to lose.

I'm not in the UK but I was given a scan after I was identified as having low density bones in a test given cheaply at the pharmacy. Not sure if that is available where you are (it's a heel test) but it convinced my dr to send me for a detailed scan that revealed osteopoenia. 4 inches is a lot! Keep on pushing.

I broke my shoulder and had a scan, only to find I have osteoporosis. Apparently they only scan you if you've broken a bone, even though they admitted if I'd taken the medication beforehand it would have really helped.

I would insist on having one OP, given the loss of height.

I have a DEXA scan every ten years because I had an early menopause, and that was enough for the GP to decide it was necessary.

Perhaps it might be worth asking for a telephone consultation with a GP, so they can go through it all with you and explain why they don't think it would be necessary for you to have any tests.

There has to be a reason for your considerable loss of height, and also the backache, so keep badgering them until you are satisfied that they are taking you seriously.

You need to look at NICE guidance…… there will likely be a criteria for referral for bone density scan.

your SiL is not a physician @kittylion2

If you are known at your surgery, they may already have a comprehensive overview of your current health?

This is a very useful site

If you are still concerned then perhaps make an appointment

Hopefully they did a FRAX score.

However it's possible they filled it out incorrectly if it was done without asking you the questions there and then and without determining why you have lost height.

The results of the FRAX score if your height loss is due to osteoporosis fractures is dramatically different.

I'd go back with a starting point of 'Why am I 4 inches shorter?'

My mother had osteoporosis and suffered years of pain with it. About thirty years ago, when I was coming up to the menopause, I pestered my doctor for HRT with my fears that I would be the same and was sent for a scan, which revealed osteopenia. I duly was prescribed HRT and Vit. D and Calcium and later tests showed that my bones had improved. I have been off the HRT for about 20 years ( not my choice) but continue to take the calcium.

I am now 80 and in spite of having several of heavy falls I have never broken a bone, so I think it has worked. My advice is to pester your doctor until he agrees to a scan - make an appointment with a different doctor if need be. If there is a family history of osteoporosis emphasise it and don't give up. It will be far cheaper for the NHS in the long run.
It is a really horrible condition - my poor Mum suffered so much pain and disablility - Good Luck!

Thanks @beetr00 Yes I know she isn't medically trained but she is very clever - and the reason I listened to her in this instance was because she had been sharing her concerns about me with a nurse friend.

Thank you also for the link, I have done the survey and it agrees with my GP. TBH though, I am not sure the practice does have a comprehensive overview of my health (even though I have been with them for 35 years). For example, I didn't think they would know what my height was as a young adult. Also I wasn't completely sure of a couple of questions - how much calcium was in my diet etc. However, it does explain why they think I'm not at risk (even if I feel I am).

I am a little nervous about the practice because a couple of years ago when I phoned about pains in my knees, they kept referring me to physio, and when I asked for an xray they said I didn't need one. Then an hour later they phoned back and said perhaps I should have one - and it transpired that I had widespread arthtitis in both knees and should not be doing the weight bearing exercises recommended by the physio. Doesn't fill me with confidence, but then, I don't really feel I can ring back and say - I know you said I don't need this scan but I don't believe you. 😟

@Stillamum3 so sorry to hear about your Mum - this is another thing though, I had a relatively early menopause (about 40ish) but never had HRT. My mother never suffered with osteoporosis, and I didn't have very bad menopause symptoms, so I never bothered going to the GP. I wish I had had your foresight though, as of course it's too late for that now.

With that amount of height loss I think I would still try to see the GP f2f to discuss your worries. I have only lost about 2" in height and I am 10 years older than you.
Either that or get a heel scan done at a chemist's. The VitD and Calcium tablets are quite cheap to buy, I think, over the counter.

I was also denied a scan.

My mother, her mother, her sister and her great-aunt all had severe osteoporosis. However, my GP agreed to prescribe HRT. I can't take biphosphonates because of a gullet problem (inherited) and the lansaprazole I take for the gullet might predispose me to osteoporosis.

If what you actually just need, is reassurance, then @kittylion2 as @Stillamum3 suggests, try to book an appointment with your GP. 🌼

@WearyAuldWumman -ooh yes - I also told her I was concerned about the ezomeprazole I take for heartburn.
@AnnaMagnani - good point, that would be a way in, OK you don't think I'm at risk of osteoporosis, but I would like to know why I have lost 4 inches in height.

Thank you to everyone for your helpful comments. I love MN at times like this. ❤

"I would like to know why I have lost 4 inches in height" @kittylion2, one of which is osteoporosis.

https://www.vhchealth.org/vhc-health-news/five-reasons-youre-getting-shorter/

Hmm@beetr00 - interesting link, reading that it could be poor muscle mass or obesity I guess. Depressing but true alas. 😢

I’m interested in your suggestion of getting a heel scan done at a chemist’s - I can’t find anything online about this being available at pharmacies in the UK. Do you have any more info or a link? Thanks

Sorry BailOut no. When I had mine done I didn't have any problem getting it done at the local hospital, but I thought that maybe now, with jabs and all sorts of services available at pharmacies, that would be too. I think someone upthread mentioned getting one.

Hmm. I was sent for my first dexa scan in my early 50s. Think I was just complaining of back ache. Scan identified osteopenia so I've been taking prescription calcium and vitamin D ever since. I've now - in my mid-60s - tipped into the osteoporosis range. I've not lost any height yet or broken any bones other than a little toe in my 30s. If you're losing that much height there must be a reason.

I was diagnosed with severe Osteoporosis 4 years ago, with 3 fractured vertebrae. I had Alendronic Acid for a few months before moving to Teriparatide, which I injected every day for 2 years. Now I have a high dose of Vitamin D each day. My surgery's nurse injects Denosumab every 6 months, which will continue for the rest of my life. A scan has shown increased bone density and healed vertebrae. My dentist checks the jaw every 6 months. I just feel grateful for the medicine!