Has anyone had a bone scan to aid diagnosis?

sugarbuttie

Hi everyone

I haven't posted for a while but I always pop in & read the posts to see how everyone is getting on.

I saw my rheumatologist on Monday & got the results of a recent MRI scan on my hips & pelvis. It showed no inflammation whatsoever plus all my blood tests were normal (as they always are). For this reason he has ordered a whole body bone scan, which I will be having on 22 Feb.

Because there are no signs of inflammation, he would not let me have another steroid jab, which I was hoping for. He told me to continue with the hydroxy & celebrex plus usual painkillers (Have stopped sulpha as caused white blood count to go too low & had terrible reaction to meth).

Just wondering if any of you have had a bone scan to reach a diagnosis?

I got the impression that if this shows no inflammation then I definitely do not have arthritis & I would be discharged. If this is the case, why on earth have I been taking all these DMARDS?? Wouldn't it make more sense to have a bone scan first before 18 months worth of pill taking (possibly for nothing)? I suppose cost is the main issue.

He mentioned the possibility of fibromyalgia. Did any of you get diagnosed with this after a bone scan?

I just can't understand why nothing has shown up so far as my symtoms have been classic - always symmetrical, started in hands & feet, now moved onto larger joints such as shoulders & hips, constant flu like feeling & always tired.

I am just worried about what will happen if the bone scan shows nothing. That appears to be the end of the road. Will I just be left to get on with it? That is a very scary prospect as I have been affected mentally with it all so far. I had a meltdown last week and have been off work since. I am due to return on Tuesday so the 'brave face' needs to be put on once more.

Sorry for rambling. I am just a bit all over the place at the moment.
Thank you in advance of any help/advice.

pinkbritishstars

I'm having a full bone scan in a few weeks time to aid diagnosis. Like you I am worried that nothing will aid diagnosis.

xxx

dreamdaisy

Could it be that you don't have any visible inflammation due to the hydroxy and celebrex? They could actually be doing the job they should be. I'm not a doc, sugarbuttie, but I think he is being thorough and acknowledging that something is not as it should be, hence the scan. Should it be some form of an inflammatory arthritis then believe you me, the last 18 months of DMARDs have not been wasted. I had a good few years of not knowing what was going on but luckily the ESR and CRP figures were always high so that kept me in the rheumatology loop. Let's cross the diagnosis bridge when we reach it, yes? Let us know what the outcome is and then plans and strategies can be made, until then be kind to yourself, keep up with the meds, and try to stay as calm as you can. I wish you well. DD

suzygirl

Hi Sugarbuttie, I had a bone scan after a steroid jab. It showed nothing, 3 years later I am still under the rheumy and being treated. I am on among other meds, azathiaprione, plaquenil and pred 10mg.

I have had obvious inflammation and synovitis, and at times normal bloods. However at other times, my bloods have shown inflammation. Sometimes it takes time for the bloods to catch up.

A good rheumy will take symptoms into account as well as bloods. You were put on DMARDS for a reason. Review your rheumy letters and see why, then you will be armed for your next appt. DD made a good point, saying that the meds may be doing the job.

I wish you well.

traluvie

I had a bone scan as like you my bloods were normal , but i was experiencing swelling and pain.
Luckily for me the bone scan showed increase uptake in various joint s which were consistent of inflammatory arthritis, also showed OA too
So for me it helped, i still do not know what type of inflammatory arthrits i have but am being treated accordingly.
Hope you get something from it..
Let us know how u get on

barbara12

Hi Sugarbuttie,
Sorry I cant help, but I am glad they are doing the scan for you, these sought of scans are not offered to everyone, not sure if it is down to cost.
So I really wish you well with everything, and please let us know how you get on.

Starburst

Hi sugarbuttie,

My rheumy sent me for an isotope (radioactive) bone scan after my bloods showed inflammation but a negative Rheumatoid Factor. I remember asking if I could start celebrex straight away and he said not until after the scan because he wanted a true unmedicated picture. I remember this very clearly, so if I were you, I wouldn't be suprised if the scan didn't show inflammation. It might simply be that your medication is doing the trick and reducing the inflammation.

Inflammatory arthritis is such a tricky thing to diagnose, I really for you.

All the best of luck & keep us updated.

bubbadog

I had a bone density scan to aid diagnosis and it showed I had Osteoporosis. My Fibromyalgia was diagnosised earlier and Fibro is more of a muscle disease than a bone one. Hope you get on ok and please let us know how you get on.