Bone Density Test

I've heard of people here going in for a Bone Density Test.

Can my GI authorize a Bone Density Test or should I go see a General Practice doctor?

I want to know how Prednisone has affected me.

Is there anything else I should be tested for to see how Prednisone has affected me?

Thanks

     After being on and off prednisone for the past eleven years I have full blown osteoporosis.  My last bone density was -3.5 and my family physician is VERY concerned.  I will not take Fosamax or Actonel because they can cause ulcerations in the esophagus and I have enough ulcers in my rectum.  I take calcium with D and eat a lot of calcium enriched foods.  The doctor mentioned Boniva injections but I have to do more reading about that.  I already suffered a compressed fracture of the lumbar spine about four years ago in a fall...flat on my spine.

     Prednisone raises the blood pressure, I am on Benicar 20 mgm for that but off the Toprol xl.  Keep a close tab on your BP.  This last flare my blood sugar level skyrocked in the evening and now I have to keep a watch on that...sheesh.

     You probably have plantar facitous....not sure of the spelling there, but I had that...it is a bone spur.  Mine went away with Dr. Scholl's inserts.  How old are you?  I had many contributing factors to my osteoporosis.  When I was about 21 I was on the verge of anorexia.  It was little heard of back in that day.  However, I wised up myself and started eating properly before winding up in therapy or the hospital.  I never was a milk drinker and I nursed my last baby for 13 months and suffered a calcium deficiency.  So all that totalled up leads to my own stupidity.  The prednisone just put the icing on the cake.

Christine1946 said...
</b> You probably have plantar facitous....not sure of the spelling there, but I had that...it is a bone spur. Mine went away with Dr. Scholl's inserts. How old are you? I had many contributing factors to my osteoporosis. When I was about 21 I was on the verge of anorexia. It was little heard of back in that day. However, I wised up myself and started eating properly before winding up in therapy or the hospital. I never was a milk drinker and I nursed my last baby for 13 months and suffered a calcium deficiency. So all that totalled up leads to my own stupidity. The prednisone just put the icing on the cake.

I'm 48 tomorrow. Sometimes the pain is so bad I can hardly walk.
What interesting is that when I wear tennis shoes and get on the treadmill my foot always feels better.
We'll see what the doc says.

Duagnised with UC July 21, 2009. Currently on Asacol and prednisone, but tapering prednisone already. Seems we caught the flare early and meds working well. Hope to stay in remission! I have had plantar faciatis for a few years now. I could barly walk at first, but use inserts, wear flats and stretch my feet three times a day. Also never go barefoot, even in the house. I wear nice cushy slippers. The exercise helps the most. Check for some on th einternet...google. Runners stretch against the wall to stretch out calf, ankle and plantar tendons in feet. I hope this helps.

My GI ordered one and I have ostepenia - He said to wait a couple of years and have another one.