How many of you have had a bone density test done for osteoporosis screening?
How many of you were diagnosed with osteopenia (especially at a fairly young age) or osteoporosis?
If you were diagnosed, at what age, and how advanced was the disease?

I found the following, which was new to me, but maybe not new to you:

"Enthesitis in the spine initially produces osteopenia, but later reactive bone forms leading to fusion."

When I was 37 or 38, i started early perimenopause. because of this and my thin bone structure, i decided to get an early base-line bone scan done to screen for osteoporosis. i had to argue with 3 different doctors before someone would allow me to have the test. each doctor said,"you're too young." the doctor who finally conceded was a bit surprised at the results. I had moderate osteopenia of both the spine and the hip. No one connected the dots of my SI (and other musculoskeletal) symptoms and the osteopenia. To me, those two combined symptoms would be a clear indication to look at more than just RA. I have since been tested every few years and at least the osteopenia has not progressed.

Perhaps for those of us still undiagnosed or diagnosed with undiff spondy,
getting bone density results that show osteopenia would help with a diagnosis. What do others think?

sue


sue

Spondyloarthropathy, HLAB27 negative
Humira (still methylprednisone for flares, just not as often. Aleve if needed, rarely.)
LDN/zanaflex/flector patches over SI/ice
vits C, D. probiotics. hyaluronic acid. CoQ, Mg, Ca, K.
chiro
walk, bike
no dairy (casein sensitivity), limited eggs, limited yeast (bread)