Last week, I decided to have a REMS scan to add another dimension to moving forward with my bone meds. My DEXA results put my spine in the osteopenic range and my hips as normal. The REMS gives a very similar result for my spine but that my hips are osteoporotic. That is a huge discrepency between the DEXA and REMS for my hips and, despite knowing that the two cannot be compared, it seems illogical to me. I read a very technical paper about REMS and struggled with the specialist language used, but the jist was that the result of a REMS scan would be somewhat dependent on the Body Mass Index entered. So if the exact same skeleton was scanned a few minutes later, but a higher BMI was entered then the bone density result would be higher. I’m a small build but within the healthy weight range (and quite muscular) but was advised that an extra 5kg of weight wouldn’t go amiss…is that merely to improve the next test result?
My test for sarcopenia was very good, so at least the gym membership is paying off. It felt good to talk to someone who seemed to be on my side and to be treated as complete person which, I feel is the main plus for REMS. As for the test itself, I’m baffled.
I also had a REMs recently. I was due to start medication so wanted a baseline that I could monitor before another DEXA in 3 years time. The results were more favourable overall showing osteopenia rather than my DEXA osteoporosis. I’m also petite and this appeared to have a bearing on the REMS result…seemingly at my age, bmi and height my results would be expected. My spine in DEXA was normal but I was advised this can’t be possible and the REMS showed the spine was similar to hips. I’ve wanted to avoid medication and now don’t know what to do! I was told my consultant won’t consider the REMS scan as they will only go by DEXA. I find this whole experience of osteoporosis so confusing.
With REMS, there was a bigger difference between my hips and spine than with DEXA, hence my confusion. I’ve decided not to be so hung up on numbers and test results and just do everything I can to maintain my density. I feel strong after 18 months of gym, strength and resistance work and can still enjoy running 10k. Test results just make me stressed!
