Dexa Scan

Hello Everyone,

I am currently on the waiting list to see another endocrinologist as I have hypocalemia and PTH insufficiency (hypoPARAthyroidism non surgical).. My urine calcium is also low. I keep getting intermittent joint paint mostly in my wrists and wondered if I need a dexa scan and if GPs can send me for one without waiting to see the consultant please? Many thanks.

[Fruitandnutcase]

I can’t answer your questions about hyperparathyroidism etc but I’m pretty sure that if you are in the U.K. your doctor can’t / won’t send you for one, I have a feeling all that sort of stuff goes through a consultant although my physiotherapist referred me to a clinic for a private MRI when I fractured my sacrum a few years ago and my GP refused to send me for an X-ray. Do you mean a DEXA or an MRI or other scan of your wrists?

[Hidden in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Thank you - Dexa scan is what i believe I need as suppose to have a bone scan and kidney scan (on urology waiting list). Will be at increase risk of osteoporosis.

I then wondered about my joint/wrist pain but after further research it mentions osteoporosis does not initially cause pain. So the joint pain could be ie hypocalemia symptom or something else maybe. I brushed up the courage and message GP through anima (as don’t like to keep asking for things) and they have replied that they have an action plan and booked me in for an appointment so will see what they come up with 😊

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to Hidden]

Oh I’m glad you’ve done that. You will feel much better when you know what their action plan for you is. I didn’t realise you hadn’t had a DEXA so you didn’t know for sure what was going on.

I gather that on the whole osteoporosis tends to be pain free. I had absolutely no idea I had osteoporosis until I broke my wrist and had a DEXA. As you say the joint pain could be any number of things.

Jot down any questions - just a quick bullet point - you have so that when you get to your appointment you can ask them all. You could always go onto the ROS website and read the masses of information on there, that might throw up things you want to know too. theros.org.uk

Good luck, let us know how you get on.

[Hidden in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

oh i will take a look at that informed, thank you! I will keep you informed!

[Teriparatide2024]

hi Ow184. I asked my GP to send me for a DEXA scan, and he did.

[celia72452 in reply to Teriparatide2024]

I have had no problem with getting a Dexa scan via my GP. Perhaps it depends on the GP and where you live? I live in the West Country (UK).

[Hidden]

Just an update: i am just under 40 so dexa can’t be requested by GP - so GP said to go through the endo consultant as they may be able to still request it as a specialist.