Xrays ?

stephibabe2

Heya,

Just wanted to ask, does anyone have regular Xrays to see the damage of them or do they only Xray when you are having trouble with a joint?

Im only asking as I havent had Xrays of any of my joints for many, many years so was wondering how they know the extent of damage to a joint.

Take care everyone
Steph x x

valval

not had any done by doc or rhummy do wonder how they know what going on with joints lol

elnafinn

Hi Steph

I have not heard of peeps having regular xrays as a matter of course, because, for starters it is not good to have too many, too often. If you feel that your joint(s) have deteriorated due to less mobility or pain or both and you mention this, then more xrays would probably be taken if the medic wanted to see if there was further damage.

Luv
Elna x

marion1952

Hi

I had x-rays of hands and feet when I was first diagnosed 2 years ago and have just had them x-rayed again. My Rheumy believes in having x-rays done every 18 months or so to see if/how much the joints have deteriorated.

Best wishes

Marion

trisher

Hi Steph

The doctors may order more x rays to be done if your condition has worsend or you are in more pain than you were.

Also they can tell if they examine the joints.

Trish xx

woodbon

Hello,
Most doctors will only ask for x-rays and CT scans when you either have a new symptom or they want to check out a diagnosis as too many x-rays are not good for you. I've just had some x-rays and now I have to have ultrasound imaging which is used more these days, as it doesn't use radiation, and gives the doctor a better picture, but they have thier limitations and arn't good for all conditions.

Its all very confusing, I know as I've been trying to work it all out!!! Have you talked to a nurse or doctor? They will explain better. :oops:
Love Sue

Starburst

I've never had x-rays. To diagnose me, I had a radioactive scan of my whole body. The radiologist recommended x-rays of my hands and feet and an MRI of my ankle because it's very bad but my rheumy didn't seem fussed. I had an ultrasound scan of my worst ankle though, which apparently is quite useful for showing inflammation. My rheumy said he is not a fan of regular x-rays and scans, especially in younger patients (I'm 21).

tkachev

Hi,
I have x-rays when I have a problem but sometimes to use as a comparison to see how bad my R.A has become overall and overtime.
Recently I had an x-ray on my foot and the nurse commented that they dont like to do X-rays unless they have to.So she didnt want to investigate another joint for me at that point in time.
Elizabeth