Bone Density Scan

emsjane

Hi,

I had my annual review checkup at the Rheumatologists today. I say annual, but this was the first time ive ever been.

She said i needed a bone density scan and i was wondering have other people had this and are there any people on here who have found they have problems with bone density and what causes it?

I know she's not the rheumy, but i felt a bit frustrated at the end of the visit as i tried to explain to her that i have lived with pain for 12 years now and as it has gradually got worse over the years, i now no longer feel that i can judge what sort of pain im in, as someone else who doesn't live with pain everyday would probably say it was unbearable! She was asking me how i feel in myself and she wanted to put me at 5 out of 10, but i said its more than that because i now can't do any of the things i used to do, ie the job i used to do, rambling, DIY, crafting, gardening, etc and i now live with pain constantly, so i said about and 7-8!!

So, most of my questions will have to be saved for when i do see the Rheumy, which i think isn't until July! :?

woodbon

Hello Emma,
I've had a bone density scan and it measures the thickness of the bones, so if they show signs of not being so strong, because of arthritis, they can help you with medication and exercise if they find any weakness. We women stand more chance of that than men, naturally as we get older and our hormones change some get osteoporosis, so early signs are important for your later health.
The technician that carried out my scan, told me to lie on a bench and a thing, like a sort of 'ironing board' shape clicked and moved over me. It was open, not like an MRI and only took a few minutes. The technician looked at the reading and said that in her opinion I was OK, but the doctor would have to examin them and send the results to my GP. They didn't take any more than a week to write and tell me the results, which were normal for someone my age, 55 then.
Sorry, I've gone on a bit, but I was worried before I had it done, as I'd had an early hystorectomy at 30, which can cause bone thinning.
Good luck. You'll be fine! Love Sue

skezier

Hi Emma,

I hope they will get the scan through for you soon and it will help to know what is going on. Often they do a lot to rule out things so they get a good overview of it all.

I have not had one so can;t hep you with that but see that Sue has so at least you will have some idea what they will do. Hang in there Cris x

kellerman

Hi Emma,
I've had a bone density scan. Its very quick and easy. Mine was done to see how much damage I'd done to my bones due to chemo and taking thyroxine.
I do have osteoporosis which the dexa scan proved.Its really just another way for them to know what is or isn't going on.Its nothing to worry about when you think of what we do go through......May

hileena111

Hi Emma
I think Sue has said it all.
I've had 2 bone density scans....nothing to worry about {once you know about them....not knowing worries me more } On the couch and a large "thing" goes up and down your body {not touching} and thats it. Its to check the thickness of your bones. Some people have osteoporosis and the are more likely to have fractures.
Some have osteopinia {bones not as thick as they should be but not as bad as osteoporosis} Others are completely clear.
OP is treated with meds and osteopinia is treated with life style changes {usually :roll: }
Sorry...after saying Sue has said it all I ramble on.
Love
Hileena

emsjane

Thanks everyone I feel a lot happier now!

stickywicket

I think the others have dealt with the bone density scan.

As for the 'pain scale' - it's just personal. They want you to tell them how you are currently experiencing pain, not how anyone else might be. This is the one I worked out for myself.

1 - What pain?
2 - Hardly a twinge
3 - Not bad
4 - Average
5. – I can handle it
6 - Not good
7 - Bad
8 - S….ing awful
9 - F… Off
10 – Morphine! Now!

emsjane

Oh thats good Stickywicket!!

I said about a 7 - 8 so i was about right then

I was back up the hopital this morning for my monthly blood test for MTX and i waiting an hour and half today, it was so busy, and i had to fast cos they also wanted to do a cholesterol test and vit d test. So i wasn't impressed when it got to 11.45am and i was just going in for the bloods to be taken!

Ive also started going to the hospital on the bus now as the last time i went for bloods the car park cost me £6.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And without a job, i certainly can't afford it and don't want to pay that on principle even if i could afford it. Luckily i have a bus stop at the end of my road and it drops you outside the hospital!!

I do keep wondering, how am i going to hold down a job with all these hospital appointments!!!

bubbadog

I had a bone density scan and it helped to diagnose my Osteo-porosis. If I had never of had it I would still be undiagnosed and still be passed from pillar to post. So glad a had it. As has been said it's like an open M.R.I scanner and you lie on a table. Not horrid, easy and quick.