Bone density scan

mig
mig Member Posts: 7,154
edited 10. Oct 2013, 17:16 in Living with Arthritis archive
Some time ago gp ask would i like to have a bone density scan as I am the right age group ! He's very young and new to the practice so I said yes not really knowing what it's all about,so had a phone call asking could I make it Thursday morning ,so can anyone enlighten me as to what happens. Mig

Comments

  • nearlybionic
    nearlybionic Member Posts: 1,899
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi
    I have had one in the past. I had a CT scan first, then had a cannula sited, fluid injected and then I could go off for a few hours whilst it went around my system/body. Then I had a repeat CT scan and the fluid injected is supposed to highlight any problems eg bone loss etc..
    It was painless, if you don`t mind needles for the fluid.
    Good luck
    NB
  • louisarm
    louisarm Member Posts: 52
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi,

    My experience was different from the previous post. I had a DEXA scan.

    It is very straight forward. All you do is lie on your back for about 10 minutes. You can keep your clothes on.

    It is not like a MRI scan, you are not in a tunnel. Just lying on a bed and the x ray machine is suspended above you.

    The DEXA scan is usually the hips and spine.

    I hope this helps, good luck.

    Louisa
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I had one of these done earlier this year. Just like louisarm I lay on a bed, fully dressed and the scanner passed overhead from top to toe. I then had to put my knees on a high wedge so that my hips were bent at a 90 degree angle whilst the scanner moved over them. No noise, it's all in the open and very easy. I don't remember being injected but that may be because I am injected on such a frequent basis that they no longer stand out. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • purpleowl
    purpleowl Member Posts: 231
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Mig,
    I've had a bone density scan after an MRI scan picked up a fracture in my back. There is nothing to it, no injection, just lay on a bed while the scanner does it's thing, nothing like an MRI scan. I did have to change into a gown. Sounds like we've all had slightly different experiences.

    Trish x
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I had a DEXA at the end of last year. No problem with that at all - it takes only a few minutes.

    I was rather shocked with the DEXA report though. ;) Dx with Osteoporosis. Best to know though because if you have not actually had a fracture you will more than likely not have an inkling that you have it.

    Now on meds for it and doing appropriate exercise for OP and bought myself a pedometer and try to accomplish at least 10000+ steps per day.
    I have also joined two OP forums, one in the UK and one in the US, the latter being much more lively in every way.

    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • As5567
    As5567 Member Posts: 665
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I have one of these every year, they typically last around 10 mins. I find them to be uncomfortable because of the positions you need to be in for the scan to work, and the "slab" of a bed they make you lay on is not friendly to the spine!
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    My DEXA scan was just like Louisa's. Just lie back and think, briefly, of England. They couldn't do all my spine because of the THRs so I got an extra one of an arm instead.

    Don't wear anything metal. Luckily, the alert radiologist(?) spotted the minute eyelets in the centre of my tiny blouse buttons.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • bubbadog
    bubbadog Member Posts: 5,544
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    When I had my bone density scan it was similar to NB, I had a dye injected into me and I had to go away for an 1hr and a half while it did it's magic (we went to the canteen and had some lunch!) and then I had to lie on a bed and this machine travelled above me very slowly from foot to head. I had to have wait 10mins and have it done again and wait a further 10mins and have it done one last time. Hope it goes OK and you don't have to wait too long for the results.
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi
    I've had 2 DEXA scans......just the same as Louise
    Lie on a bed fully clothed and a "thingey" goes over you {not touching you} from top to toe....easy peasy.
    Like Elna I was shocked with the results......it wasn't osteoporosis but osteopina which is 1 one step before OP :?
    I wasn't put on ay meds....just told "Life Changes"

    Love
    Hileena
  • thistlegirl
    thistlegirl Member Posts: 229
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I have had a couple of these, easy peasy as described above as a DEXA scan. I was first referred after a prolonged high dose of Steroids.
    Amazingly my follow up this year actually showed higher density since the original. I have been on calcium tablets for years though. My family does have very strong bones though :D -I will take any good point at the moment!

    They are looking at increased rates of Osteoperosis due the Arthur drugs at my hospital, I took part in a survey last time I was there.
    Make sure you keep your Calcium intake up guys we need these bones to last!...at least long enought to fix the Bionic parts too

    Hope this helps and your scan is all good

    Thistle

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