T-score discrepancies

• By englishrose
• Posted December 14, 2008 at 4:56 pm
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I'm not an expert but I know that different machines do give different results (I believe because the results are actually comparisons to a standard population and those populations differ). So, those scores may just be variations between the machines. If it helps, my scores are much worse than yours (-3.8 in my spine!) and I've had kids, no problems. I do know that they don't recommend fosamax if you're trying for a baby.

Good luck!

Rachel

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• By Koo
• Posted December 14, 2008 at 9:00 pm
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Thank you Rachel for your reply and encouragement. It seems that T-scores vary quite considerably depending on the machine I just did not realise that there was this much variation. Your are right they do not recommend fosamax if you still want more children due to the time in stays in the bone. May I ask if you breastfed your children knowing you had osteoporosis? Have you been taking fosamax and had any improvements? My specialists are happy for me to have another child but will have to take a longer break between to try and rebuild the bone density I have lost through having a child and breastfeeding.

regards,
Koo

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• By DBM
• Posted December 15, 2008 at 7:38 am
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Scores differ from machine to machine. It is recommended you stay with one machine and pay attention to changes over time rather than the actual scores. Of course, if the scores on any machine are bad, you need attention but from this point on main concern should be changes or lack of change with treatment.

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• By nobonesaboutit
• Posted December 15, 2008 at 12:58 pm
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Sounds like someone needs to calibrate their machine! That's quite a difference. Not long ago ther was a discussion going on with young ladies having babies, breastfeeding, and undiagnosed spinal fractures. Search thru the site maybe under pregnancy or breastfeeding-you should come up with several ladies going thru the same as you!

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• By Triena
• Posted December 15, 2008 at 4:57 pm
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When I got my first bone density scan I was told it was important to have the next one as close to the same time of month and at the same place, to be able to make a valid comparison. Two years later I had moved, and my new doctor refused to refer me to the same place, insisting I be tested in my new location; " The machines are all calibrated--there's no difference." I have little faith in this doctor, but can't find another. The reading WAS different, and like you, I don't know which one to go by. Everything I have read says "use the same machine and test at the same time of year as previously."

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• By Bonehealth
• Posted December 15, 2008 at 5:52 pm
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I just had a similar experience with 2008 DEXA showing a significant decline from previous 2003 and 2005 DEXAs My consultant doctor (a so called osteo specialist) recomended Reclast on the assumption that I was not absorbing the Fosamax. I decided to consult with yet another specialist. Fortunately, upon reviewing all the graphics, the new specialist noticed that the wong data base was used in 2008 to derive my T scores. He repeated the DEXA, using the correct database (same as 2003 and 2005). I did not decline; in fact, my score had improved. Thanks to his thorough examination and not taking for granted what the radiologist reported he spared me taking Reclast and asked me to stop Evista that was prescirbed for me. If anyone needs a smart doctor in the Wash. DC, Metro I will be happy to recommend him. He spent a lot of time with my history, comparing the scans line by line and noticed the discrepancy. There was no charge for repeating the DEXA in his office.

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