Bone density ?

Among other health issues I am dealing with my doctor's office called and the want me to come in to review my dexa-scan results. Clearly they don't have you come in if everything is AOK. This may have been an issue since before wls--I don't really know as I didn't get a dexa scan then. Are there any RNY post-ops out there who have had dexa-scans and not developed calcium problems? If so, what are you taking? I have taken 1500 MG calcium citrate daily (broken up into 3 doses) since my surgery and not sure what else there is to do. Suggestions anyone?

Sorry, I have major issues. Did they do PTH and 25 Hyroxy D also? Darlene

Darlene--I am not even sure they tested for calcium when they did my last lab-work. I'm gonna have to find it and check it out. The first I knew that I had a problem was when they called yesterday. I will look into what these tests are and be sure to mention them when I meet with her.

I had my Dexa scan last week and it showed a 10% decrease in my scores. I Officially have osteopenia or some bone loss but not to the extent of oseoporosis, YET. I will be going to the Dr. next monday. My calcium situation has been tricky. I eat 3 servings of dairy a day which is around 1200 mg of Ca. I supplement if I don't get it in my diet. My urologist ( kidney stones - too numerous to keep track of) prefers I don't supplement or eat dairy, but if I insisted he said no more than 1000 mg a day. However my research has shown that people who don't get enough calcium also have more stones. I decided Osteoporosis will cripple me where as stones will inconvenience me. So I am going to continue my dietary calcium and supplement too. I'll be talking to the dr. about the many bone building drugs on the market such as Fosamax and Evista. I am working on researching what I might want to do, so I can discuss it intelligently with him in the office. I also have arthritis in my spine, and the pain I assumed was arthritis in my hip is not. Had an MRI last Wed and no results yet.

Thanks-I've had so many MRIs lately I think I am going to glow or something. I just wish I had the dexa-scan before--I knew I was supposed to and just procrastinated. I have a thyroid problem and take synthroid--wondering if that may have something to do with it.

Pardon me for the hijack but I just picked up my first Rx of Synthroid 25 mcg. Just diagnosed with hypothyroidism (hmmm...maybe I should have been thinner earlier?). Do you have any side effects from Synthroid and/or has it made a difference in your PTH values and overall health? Also, was your thyroid disorder diagnosed pre or post op? Inquiring minds want to know... Karen

Karen--I was diagnosed a long time before WLS. Probably about 15 years ago. Until now I have had no side effects from the synthroid, but I do know that sometimes taking too much can result in bone loss. At least I think that is what I read a long time ago. The key is getting the dosage correct. For that you need to get tested on a regular basis. I am not sure I have had my PTH tested before. The synthroid made me feel better as I was having problems focussing and was lethargic. Make sure you do not take the synthroid around the same time as the calcium--the calcium effects the synthroid.

I need to revise my previous answer, thyroid does in fact also help regulate the calcium in your blood.

I know the para thyroid ( 4 small glands located around the thyroid) works to regulate the calcium and phosphorus levels in your blood, and hyperparathyroid can cause osteoporosis, but I don't think the thyroid is involved in the calcium /phosphorus levels, but regulates your metabolism. the mayo clinic website is a wealth of information. Just search parathyroid and thyroid and you will learn more than you ever wanted to know, LOL www.mayoclinic.com I also did a search on osteoporosis and osteopenia. lots of good info.I am seeing my ortho dr Monday so I'll let you know what I find out! One of my Drs' partners called me tonight to let me know the MRI results, My Dr is in New Orleans with his church group doing clean up. I have disks in my spine that are abnormal, but not herniated. and I have bursitis in my hip. I think that will be easier to treat than the torn cartilege he was afraid Ii would have. I'm hoping he can get me into physical therapy. Nice thing, the health club I belong to has a PT center in it! so I can go there and maybe get a good program that will not injure me. I exercise every day but am not totally sure I am doing the right stuff.

Hey--Willow--sounds like you are falling apart--like me.