My Bone Density Scan Results: The Importance of Advocacy & Follow Up Care in Coeliac Disease

Send us Fan MailA Gluten Free Podcast Episode 169In today’s episode of A Gluten Free Podcast, I share something personal in the hope that it might help you on your own coeliac and gluten free journey. I recently had a bone density scan, and the results showed that I have osteopenia. This was a screening I had to push for. It wasn’t something that was automatically suggested to me. If I hadn’t advocated for myself, I wouldn’t have known about this issue or had the chance to address it early.Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition that affects much more than just digestion, and bone health is a big part of that. Many people with coeliac disease are at risk of low bone density due to years of malabsorption before diagnosis, yet routine follow-up care isn’t always offered. That’s why it’s so important to be proactive about your health.In this episode, I talk about:My experience getting a bone density scan – what led me to push for it and how I felt about the results.The link between coeliac disease and osteopenia/osteoporosis – why coeliac disease can put people at risk for weakened bones.The importance of follow-up care for coeliac disease – what health checks should be part of ongoing management.Why you need to be your own best advocate – because if you don’t speak up for your health, things can be missed.Follow-Up Care for Coeliac DiseaseCoeliac Australia provides clear guidelines on what follow-up care should look like for people with coeliac disease. This includes:Regular blood tests to check for nutrient deficiencies and coeliac antibodiesA repeat gastroscopy (if needed) to check for intestinal healingBone density scans for those at risk of osteoporosis or osteopeniaMonitoring for other autoimmune conditions linked to coeliac diseaseResources & LinksCoeliac Australia’s follow-up care recommendations: https://coeliac.org.au/learn/ongoing-management/More information on coeliac disease and bone health: https://coeliac.org.au/article/osteoporosis/Join the ConversationHave you had a bone density scan? Were you offered one, or did you have to request it? I’d love to hear about your experience. Also, do you know a bone specialist who I could speak to on the podcast? Send me a message on Instagram @a.gffamily, join the conversation in our Facebook group, or shoot me an email: [email protected] 🎧 Subscribe & Leave a Review!If you enjoy this episode, please leave a review and share it with someone who might find it helpful. Together, we can raise awareness and improve the lives of those living gluten-free! Sign up for A Gluten Free Newsletter to get updates on new episodes, gluten-free news, and exclusive content.DisclaimerThe content on this podcast is not a substitution for professional medical advice. It is the opinion and experience of the show host or guests. Please seek professional medical advice from a medically qualified professional before making any decisions about your health or diet.Support the show