[Guest]

I'm concerned about bone loss. I have had Sarcoidosis almost 17 years. Except a period of 11 months, I have been on Prednisone entire period. I am 49 years soon to be 50 years old. may I expect after such long term usage of medication? I have been asked to take Placquenil, yet from my research, I'm not quite ready anor problem, muscle damage. I am due to have a DexaScan next week. am I looking ? Thank taking time to look at my question. Sincerely, Jo A. Craddock

[Guest]

The dexascan can answer some of your questions regarding how much bone loss you have sustained. It is very unusual to require steroids for this long but unfortuanately in a small percentage of patients it is required. Taking calcium, provided yours is not elevated may be of benefit, I would check with your doctor. If you are a female estrogen replacement may be of benefit. There are medications now that help prevent ostoeporosis, such as fosomax.