Long term use of high doses of Prednisone can cause Osteoporosis. It's rare, but possible. That's great that your doc is testing BEFORE Pat goes on the Pred.

Yes it is normal to have this done. It is a simple xray. Oh yes prednisone plays major issues with bones.

I had a DEXA scan done after a few rounds of pred. And yes, I was dx with Osteporosis in my spine. I was put on Actonel; I took it for two years but it was killing my esophagus and I ended up on Prilosec.

I stopped taking Actonel when my f/u DEXA-2 years later showed bone density improvement, I now have Osteopenia. My docs want me to take it again but I just can't. We have discussed the once a year IV infusion med for Osteo but we'll see. i still take Prilosec, sigh.

The disease itself can also play a role in getting Osteoporsis due to malabsorption issues.

Like wild said, it's a very simple x-ray.

Hi again, Sorry I should have been more clear. Pat is weaning off Prednisone now, 5mg daily for the last 3 weeks, so I guess the Dr is just being careful. Thanks

I had a bone density scan, too, after being on prednisone for 4 months. My doctor was just being careful as well.

glad his doc is being so thourough i was on pred for 6 yrs and the docs reckon i'll have problems with bone density later on in life due to my poor diet too. I recommend taking a supplement to help him along anyway as in a multi vitamin .
Hope the results are fine x

Wendy,
I had a bone scan BEFORE prednisone. I'm lactose intolerant and my physician was conscerned about that, combined with malabsorption issues (my Vit. D was almost non-existant).... my scan before 4 months of Pred showed Osteopenia..... I go again this summer and see what the 4 months of Pred has done... and if any of the replacement therapy is helping...

Wow, it sounds like your doc is really thorough. I'm impressed, I've been on Prednisone off and on for close to 30 years and never had so much as an xray, so you've given me something to think about. Thanks!!