DEXA scan results (and why you need to get one rather than rely on serum calcium level)

How much calcium is too much ya think? I'm trying to reverse my hypocalcemia right now, so I take 2000 mg. I wonder of I should really be taking more.

The ASMBS recommends 1500 to 2000 mg calcium citrate.  I would not suggest taking more, personally.

Do you know your vitamin D level?

It was 20 a month ago. No idea what it is now. I do know I feel a lot better now that I'm taking 5000 d3 daily and 50000 d3 once weekly. My hands aren't retracting like they were, still tingly though.

OK.  Well, until you get your vitamin D level up to 80, you won't absorb calcium real well.  You will definitely absorb some of it, but to absorb it really well, your D needs to be 80 (according to the Linus Pauling Institute).  So I would focus on getting that up, which it sounds like you're doing, rather than trying to take more calcium.  That's must my personal thought on the matter.

Tingly hands aren't usually a symptom of low vitamin D.  Was your B12 low by any chance?  Below 400, people usually get numbness and tingling in hands and feet, which is a sign of nerve damage.  Low thiamine (B1) and low copper can cause that too, but B12 is a much more likely culprit.

My thiamine was low. I take a daily dose of b1 along with my b12 and b50 complex. I hope I haven't caused myself permanent nerve damage is just 12 weeks. I've thought about asking my Dr about that if my labs come back in a good range next week.

I've posted this before, about the calcium level in our labs, and other labs that tell us about our calcium intake, but thought it might be helpful to post it again here.

If the calcium level in our blood drops too low, our muscles cannot contract.  The heart is a muscle and if it cannot contract, as in beat, we drop dead.  So if we don't take in enough calcium or don't absorb the calcium we take in for some reason (like if our vitamin D level is too low), our bodies produce extra parathyroid hormone, which sucks calcium out of our bones to keep that level in our blood good.  As long as you have bones and teeth to suck calcium out of, that calcium level in your blood will likely be OK. 

If it drops low, it may mean you have problems with your endocrine system or other potentially serious health problems, but it doesn't mean you aren't getting enough calcium.

For lab results that tell you about calcium, what you want to know is your D level and PTH.  If the D is below 80, that means you won't absorb calcium well, no matter how much you take. Doesn't mean you won't absorb any, you will.  But maybe not enough and you will be at increased risk for osteoporosis as well as other unpleasant things.

If the PTH is on the high side (even in the normal range, just on the high side), it suggests you are indeed leaching calcium out of your bones.

Some surgeons do not routinely order a PTH when they order labs.  If yours doesn't, ask for it.

Thanks so much for this post and the replies supported both by evidence and personal experience.

I only had my RNY in July but VSG almost 6 years ago. I am 47 so menopause will shortly be knocking on my door. I am currently having trouble with getting my calcium supplements in (just waiting for some new wafers to see if I can tolerate them) and my D3 was lowish on my pre-op bloods (I live in a tropical sunny region even in winter so go figure). Very jealous of those of you in the U.S. and your virtually unlimited access to a massive variety of vitamin alternatives. Much harder and more expensive to source in Australia.

I am also about to head to my local doctor this morning for something else so will ask them about getting a baseline DEXA scan. Will also discuss this phenomenon with my surgeon and dietitian at my next appointments as it is something neither has mentioned.

This site amazes me with the information I learn.

Cheers

Leisa

Anybody know if I can just ask for this test or do my calcium levels have to be low first? I was low on vitamin D before surgery, and have been taking 3000 IU a day, apart from the D that is included in my calcium supplement...I think it totals 5000 altogether.

Does Medicare pay for a DEXA scan?  Perhaps I should ask for a baseline test while I still have insurance from my previous employer. Thanks

You can just ask your doc to order the test.  Calcium levels do not have to be low first.  As long as you have bones, your calcium level should be OK.  The ASMBS recommends a baseline DEXA scan pre op and then another two years post op.

Yes, Medicare covers it.  Paid for mine a couple years ago.  Medicare Part B, so I think we have to pay 20%.

I received my results two days ago. From then my hip scan shows an increase 2% of bone, the lower back a 4% decrease but neither are osteopenia however there is noted osteopenia in my neck area.

I take 2000 my of calcium per day, my Vit D level was 100 and PTH was 12 (range 11-64). I suppose the only thing I can do is weight bearing exercise and maybe add a calcium which my understanding is the calcium number good with good D and PTH for us is optimal. Idk exactly how to proceed with this I am doing some research.

I concur a density test in my area anyway cost $200 and is recommended every 2 years unless test results show significant bone loss.

Oh BTH I'm menopausal and come from a family where Both grandmothers and ALL aunts and my mom have osteopenia or osteoporosis AFTER having hysterectomies. I'm trying to prevent as much damage as I can.