Hmm, guess I’ll ask about it at my next check up. May wait till I go on medicare next May unless it is covered under preventative tests by my current insurance ($3k deductible otherwise). Thanks!
I have had several dexascans (bone density tests) because I’m at risk—thin, Asian, female and now post-menopausal. Have also taken inhaled steroids for many years and some courses of oral steroids. So far, my bone density is OK. It’s always been covered by my excellent insurance without copay.
Well, I’m 2 of those things (female and post menopausal). I need to check if it is one of the things my insurance considers preventative and would cover before my deductible is met. They don’t cover much - not even prescriptions.
I’m actually excited to go on medicare in May. Between Med B, D, and a good supplemental it won’t be any cheaper premium wise but it will be nice to lose that big deductible.
Have any men had a bone density scan? I couldn’t get the Z-score from the doctor’s office for my husband…I don’t think they knew what that is.
Your bone density test result also includes a Z-score that compares your bone density to what is normal in someone your age and body size.
I have a male running friend who has osteoporosis and is a good competitive runner. He had the spontaneous femur fracture from taking Boniva. He gets bone density test every 2 years (which is what insurance covers, usually).
Surprisingly Medicare does not cover routine screening dexa scans; that’s in the booklets. There has to be an underlying medical reason for the test other than, say, being a 65 year old woman. . I recently had the scan and got a notice that Medicare didn’t cover it. I was afraid I was going to be stuck with the $300 cost even though my doctor had assured me it would be covered or otherwise I wouldn’t have gotten it because I didn’t think I really needed it. But…I called Medicare and asked for a copy of the Medicare Summary Notice. The notice had two footnotes re the scan:
A. Medicare does not pay for this item and service.
B. You didn’t know this service isn’t covered so you don’t have to pay…Future services of this type won’t be paid.
First reaction when I read this - Seriously? You’re kidding! But it looks like they give you one free pass for ignorance. I don’t know who eats the cost if Medicare doesn’t pay, my supplemental doesn’t pay, and I don’t pay. I guess it becomes a freebie from the lab. Footnote B also said if I already paid or got billed, to show them the notice. It was a delightful surprise.
The reason I didn’t think I needed one was because (1) I had a bone density scan at age 50 which told me I had the bones of a 35 year old and (2) when I broke my ankle three years ago, my orthopedic surgeon (who put in and took out the plate and pins) told me I had strong bones and they healed beautifully. So I figured if someone who had been inside my bones thought they were in good shape, I wouldn’t worry.
There are over the counter vitamin D supplements that have a listing of 10,000 IU. They may be called "short term therapy for fit D deficiencies. Taking these with your calcium will help with absorption. I’ve been told there is no harm to staying on these for long periods of time, but check with your doctor. Most calcium supplements come with some vitamin D included, but I do not believe it is enough vitamin D for runners. Go with the higher dose. I did not read all the posts, so maybe someone already covered this.
I just had a bone density scan on Tuesday and my dr. got the results today. My bone mass has increased 30% in my spine and 25% in my hips. I’ve been on Prolia for two years. Dr. extremely pleased with my result.
That’s great improvement!
Good for you!
@emilybee: That is incredible improvement!! I just had my fourth Prolia injection and will have another scan in April. I’m hoping my results are as good as yours.
Have you had any side effects from the Prolia? I have not.
Wow Emily. That is fantastic.
@VeryHappy, no side effects at all. Doesn’t even make my arm hurt after injection.
I was on Boniva for a few years but I hated having to take it once a month, so I asked if I could go on Prolia and my gyno said sure.
I did have side effects from the Prolia, but I seem pretty sensitive to medications, and my running is always a barometer.
What were your side effects, @MomofWildChild?
I’ve had none.
I felt a little flu-like and just generally a little “off”. Nothing major, but I didn’t like it.
Prolia update:
I had my bone density test about a month ago, after 18 months (three injections’ worth) of Prolia. My spine improved 6% and my hips 1.8%. Not @emilybee improvement level (she reported 30% and 25%!!) but both my doctor and I are happy.
I plan to continue Prolia for the foreseeable future.
My spine got worse and my hip stayed the same after a year plus of no meds. My doc said the problem with Prolia ( 2017 reports) is that when you stop there is a fast and severe loss of any gains. You have to immediately go on something else.
A new med is due to be approved in the US late this year and she wants me to get on it. It’s a monthly injection. Ugh. It’s approved in the UK now. She thinks I’m ok for now.
My sister is being treated for her osteoporosis. So far, I have mild osteopenia per the bone density test. I’m hoping to stop or perhaps reverse it via exercising. I have a water rower and am ramping up my exercise on it to combat bone loss and also for cardiovascular strength. So far, so good. I also am taking calcium and vitamin D3 supplements.
MOWC, I didn’t know that about the immediate reversal of gains. That stinks. I will discuss with my doctor tomorrow when I see her for the next injection.
HIMom: About 12 years ago, I started exercising and lifting weights specifically to stave off osteoporosis. It worked really well for several years – I increased my bone density with exercise – but after a while it stopped working. I still exercise a lot, have always taken calcium and Vit C, but two years ago, at my last test, my numbers had worsened considerably. I will do whatever it takes to prevent osteoarthritis. I have a family history and am extremely petite, so I don’t have any height to spare at all.