Ageism in hospital letter

DH was sent for a Dexa scan yesterday, he is 80. It assessed his risk of a hip fracture as only 6.9%, I think that is amazing for his age. Since the treatment doesn't really have any effect on bone density for 1 - 2 years and has side effects, I don't think we will be wanting to start that, whatever our young and very enthusiastic GP suggests!

Some people will pick holes in anything.

When my DH went to a day assessment unit after having a stroke the letter sent to our GP later described the assessment unit as geriatric care. It is just a medical term.
Condescending attitudes are another thing altogether.

Witzend

avitorl

Could it possibly have meant you are too young to suspect it?

That’s how I read it.

Although it’s certainly not unknown in younger women. Didn’t I once read that Gwyneth Paltrow was diagnosed with a pretty bad case some years ago?
Probably down to some fad, supposedly ‘healthy’ diet, but IIRC it’s also associated with certain anti-cancer drugs, IIRC tamoxifen is one such.

avitorl

Could it possibly have meant you are too young to suspect it?

That’s how I read it.

foxie48

That makes sense thank you

"For others, particularly older people over the age of 75, the risk of breaking a bone may be so high that there's no need for them to have a bone density scan before treatment is prescribed" taken from the NHS guidance on DEXA.

www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/dexa-scan/why-its-done/

80 is old tho, and whatever’s wrong in owning that?

Basgetti

avitorl
Could it possibly have meant you are too young to suspect it?
Well, this.
Suggests to me that your clinician thinks you are possibly on the young side for the condition.
See no ageism there.
Hope all turns out well.

I am 80 so doubt they think I’m too young.
I read it that she was saying ‘ Although she is 80’, meaning normally we wouldn’t bother!
She’s lovely otherwise so I expect it was a little slip up so won’t take offence.

Depending on age NICE guidelines re osteoporosis suggest treatment can be started without confirmation of diagnosis. Your doctor is indicating that he's varying the guideline and wants confirmation by scanning even though at your age that's not strictly necessary. He 's justifying varying the guideline to whoever he's writing to so they don't question your referral.

Elsewhere you wrote that you are 80. Anything between 40% and 70% of women that age will have osteoporosis.

Taking common medications such as corticosteroids for inflammation, proton pump inhibitors for reflux, SSRIs for depression or will increase the risk.

“Despite” suggests an assumption it will be be present but whatever words are used it seems sensible to check to see a) if it is present and b) the severity.

avitorl

Could it possibly have meant you are too young to suspect it?

Well, this.
Suggests to me that your clinician thinks you are possibly on the young side for the condition.
See no ageism there.
Hope all turns out well.

Could it possibly have meant you are too young to suspect it?

I think it should read
“In view of her age, I think it would be wise…..” etc