We're planning a blog about having a DXA scan and with the wealth of experience and ideas our valued members have, we would love to feature some insights and quotes from our community. If you’ve had a DXA scan, it would be really helpful to hear from you!
We're especially keen to gather tips and experiences to help others feel more confident about what to expect with their first scan.
We would be really interested to hear about things such as:
💬 Where did you have your scan, and how long did it take?
🤔 How did you find the experience overall?
📝 Any tips for others—what to expect, what to wear, does it hurt?
📄 Were you given anything at the end of the scan? How did you receive your results?
⏳ How long did you wait for an explanation of your results?
❓ What information would have helped you better understand your results (e.g., T-scores, or something else)?
Your real experiences could really help others who are going for their first scan. Feel free to share in the comments below—thank you so much for your support with this! 😊
All the best,
Lulu
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Had a DXA scan in Austria a few weeks ago. Took around 10 minutes. Received results immediately, results included FRAX and TBS. Interpretation with my doctor and ChatGPT.
Have had 3 dexa scans in Ireland to date, first one 3 years ago. Few bits of knowledge I've learned on journey....
-An osteoporosis consultant told me further scans after your 1st scan should always be taken in original facility. Apparently this is to do with scanner, person reading results etc.
-Same consultant also told me osteoporosis medications should not be started on basis of Dexa scan alone. The result should be looked at in conjunction with other patient data.
In Ireland, referral must be sent from GP to scanning facility first to get scan. Then results back to GP who will forward results on.
Scan takes bout 10 minutes, wear loose comfortable clothes. Scan does not hurt.
I had mine 2yrs ago in Scotland, took 20mins, had my height & weight done as well plus prior to appt got a health questionnaire to complete from the comfort of my home. The questions were about my general health, any allergies, health conditions & family history of OP
I had a lovely specialist nurse from Rheumatology who let me know what was going to happen, it wasn't my 1st scan but always good to go over what is going to happen especially as there was going to be an extra movement for me to do.
Go in loose comfy clothing & shoes you can easily take off, you don't have to remove any clothes, I know I always make sure I don't wear jeans. It doesn't hurt, the nurse will know if you have any difficulties with mobilising & will accommodate that, the bed goes down low etc.
My first one I was given information about Osteoporosis though didn't at that time have a diagnosis. I heard my initial results in 8 weeks from my trusted GP then this was followed up by an appt with a Rheumatologist.
Once I had the GP explanation I felt ok knowing that I was now in the system, I wouldn't have been if I hadn't broken my wrist even with my family history of OP. The Rheumatologist was the one that went through treatment options.
A better photocopied sheet of the information about T Scores plus more information on diet plus in my case to look at alternatives for dairy, calcium rich foods, gluten etc.
One tip if you are able to use the same hospital or care setting you had your dexa scan in. As you can expect other scans after or during treatment.
I had my last dexa scan in August 2024 in Michigan (United States). It took approximately 10 minutes, was a painless procedure. I did not have to change into a gown because I did not have any metal on my clothes. I was able to look up my test results in my patient portal next day. My doctor also notified me about my results by patient portal stating that my results were normal/stable showing osteopenia/osteoporosis. I was able to compare my results from this scan to my last scan and saw an improvement in both my hips to osteopenia. My doctor did not further explain the results to me. I pretty much looked up and compared them to last scans. I think most doctors don't go into explanation of your results unless you see them face-to-face and ask questions. I'm sure if I had questions I coulf have made an appointment. Dexa scans are ordered here every 2 years for me. My next one will be in summer of 2026. Hoping it still shows improvement because I don't want to take medications.
I exercise daily making sure I do some weight bearing exercises. I start my day with yoga/stretching using some resistant bands, then I either do some cardio or weight lifting. I usually do a full body weight workout twice a week. I like to walk/hike, often use an 8 pound weighted vest and sometimes treking poles, snowshoeing in the winter. I also like to bike outside when the weather is nice though that is not really weight bearing, it's something I really enjoy. I have a nice setup in my basement which is my workout room that includes a treadmill, elliptical, my bike on a stand for riding inside, mini rebounder trampoline, weights, and a vibration plate. I use the vibration plate about 4 times a week. A vibration plate can help with bone health by transmitting mechanical vibrations through the body, which stimulates bone cells and encourages bone formation. This type of exercise increases bone density, improves muscle strength, and enhances balance, which can reduce the risk of falls and fractures. For supplements I take Citracal maximum Plus, vitamin K2 100 micrograms daily. I eat a healthy diet, vegetarian, gluten-free, no processed foods, and low sugar. I believe that it takes a while to improve your bone health. I think it is important to do a variety of exercises and stay active. For me, I would not consider taking any medication unless my bones were really bad. As long as they are stable and there is some improvement, I'm happy and will continue what I'm doing.
I have had 2 Dexa scans in 2020 & 2023. 1st T-score was -3.6; 2nd -3.4. In between 2020 & 2024 I had 4 Zoledronic Acid infusions and was due to have a 5th soon. (It took much pressure and long delays to get my results from Rheumatology.)
4 weeks ago I was knocked down by a car and had a CT scan- NO injuries were found!!! It seems that T scores are NOT a good indicator of fracture risk. So what is the purpose of a DEXA scan? Patients need to have much more information.
Hi.I have only joined this forum recently and I have seen a few posts about a rheumatology referral.This has never been offered to me.May I ask what happens when you see a rheumatologist ? I will ask my GP about it
I had my Dexa scan last October. I didn't realise that I had fractures initially until they became more painful after continuing to exercise. Once I realised, I asked for a scan but was told there was at least a two month wait, probably more. I paid to go privately but it still took a week of chasing around to get a GP referral. My results came through on my NHS app with just one word, "osteopenia." After waiting for a further 3 weeks to discuss results with my gp, she had to chase the admin dept at the surgery for the numbers. The osteopenia is only in my spine (-1.5) hips are normal, perhaps because I'm a runner and hike alot? Medication recommended as I had fractures which, after three months of deliberating & researching, I've decided to take. Two doses in, no side effects and everything is fine.The NHS will offer another scan in 5 years, but I've decided I'll go private again after 3 and decide then whether to take a drug break... I must add that becoming a member of the ROS has been wonderful and I've been able to make informed decisions with the clear information offered.
I have one every 3 years (UK based). I have to chase my GP up to organise it. Last time I got a copy of the report, previously my GP just told me my risk level. On my last scan I suspect the GP knew less than me as to what the results meant
Just as Kaarina kindly suggested, we would appreciate your comments on this thread here, thank you! We hope the blog will help people understand what to expect and feel more confident having a DXA scan
Huge thank you to everyone who's already shared their experiences
First, it should be automatic that if a chance accident reveals old Unknown compression fractures a Dxa is offered,
I had to chase for one. The hospital weren't interested and the GPs are under pressure - A1 could sort this.
I suspect many can't decode their hospital discharge notes and won't badger the GP because they don't know Dxa exists and they assume systems are joined up.
We all need baseline readings, even if we are not going straight onto medication. Humans change behaviour with information.
I was lucky and got a Dxa weeks after asking (N London). There should not be postcode waits for this.
Second point: there needs to be much more simplified info on what the Dxa results mean, what a Frax score means.
A couple of links sent to yr phone by the radiographer after the Dxa would work. Or links sent when the Dxa appt is made - even better.
It is v clear from this forum that people have huge problems decoding the Dxa results and the Frax score.
I was baffled by mine, and I have relatively high education and work research skills. They took ages to decode.
A simple explanation, with further links to more detailed ones would probably save GP time.
The explanations need to include flaws in both Dxa and Frax. Risk of fracture is not the same as risk of compression fractures, for instance.
Femoral neck does not mean neck.
And much more context.
A1 could translate the current Dxa score results which are aimed at drs not patients, so that the print out from the gp is v hard to decode.
"A degraded micro architecture compared to reference population" needs putting into simple English.
"The BMD T score adjusted for TBS is -3.5" - sorry, what? Painful time spent on the phone decoding with a neck ache.
Great that we get print outs now, but more needs to be done.
The Dxa scan is not divine truth. It can be skewed by the answers to patient questions. In the UK it may not account for ethnicity. The Frax result is not always right, these results are broad brush. It is helpful but not certain. We need to know these things. We are not children.
Can I ask how I would know regards the risk of fracture compared to compression please. I think (I will try and find out) I have a compression fracture which actually took a lot of doing strength wise. I have fallen heavily since and not as far as I’m aware broken anything but my vertebrae folded down when I was trying to pull a bush up which I was using some serious force and standing very precariously. I would like to try and understand my risk factors while trying to decide if I do take AA and risk pretty awful side effects on my digestive system which I think is actually worse than my osteoporosis that said my score on my spine is -3.6 thank you
I'm afraid I don't know how you'd calculate your compression fracture risk. If you have one, you are at a higher risk of more, and the more compression fractures you have the more likely you are to have more - which is obvious, I realise.
You and I both need Not To Take Risks. No more rose bushes for you and for me, no more carrying logs. !!
First of all I wil give some informations about myself for those who are new at this community:
- Female, 68 years old, 66 kg and 1,63 m height
- Had a total hysterectomy 39 years ago, and I did not make a HRT ( at that time bacause there were some concern about breast cancer)
- Never smoke nor drink ( just a glass of wine in special ocasions)
- Italian descendent living in Brasil;
- No other healthy problems, except my Osteoporosis diagnose of Last August 2024, through DEXA scan that perhaps have presented a false result .
Answering the questions of LULU ( ROSModerator
- I usualy have my scan in Brasil, at private labs and takes from 10 - 15 minutes in total(including the positioning at he machine etc) ;
- It is the only method it is used in Brasil to verify our bone density. I dont think it accurate;
- Doesn´t hurt at all
- Normally the result comes to my email and then I take to the doctor that look just the final results. The result includs only the Tscore and BMD. Does not includes TBS or Frax. To help Doctors to understand my hystorical data ( since it is not always the same doctor, so they doesnt know you deeply) I did a spread sheet with the last 10 years results;
When I did this register of results, I noticed that my scan of 2021 was showing -2,4 at SPINE and the last result of 2024 , gave -3,2 in SPINE. For FEMUR results are -1,8 or -1,9 since 2013 . Any doctor have comment it. It seems weird for me this discrepancy.
- I started to understand a little bit more my results watching YTube videos and Google it at Universities technical papers.
My advise to people younger than me or older is to "start now" eating correctly and exercising corretly also, in order to prevent your bone loss. Take time to study about osteoporosis since it seems to me that not every doctors are very experienced in it from South America to Japan, seems to be the same.
I had my DEXA scan at Westmoreland General Hospital, on 20/10/23, the scan took approximately 20mins. The radiographer took a full medical history prior to the scan, and was caring and professional throughout. I would recommend wearing loose clothing. Following the scan the radiographer gave me my results and explained that I had a T-score of -2.5 and went through how this result was arrived at, a report would also be sent directly to my GP, who would then discuss the Scan results further, and advise on appropriate medical intervention if appropriate. I had an appointment with my very supportive GP two weeks post scan, and we both discussed, diet, weight bearing exercises, running regularly ( as I always have), parathyroid, calcium, vitamin D levels to be checked, he supported my decision not to commence Alendronic Acid until my next DEXA scan in 3 years time. He recommended joining the R.O.S and a local support group.
GoodWalkerme, I took had a score of -2.5 on an already fractured L1, my doctor immediately put me on Adcal and alendronic acid, see me again in 5 years! I'm not happy taking both tablets and would be interested in hearing why your doctor considered you didn't need meds at this point in time?
I didn’t want to start on Alendronic acid, as I’d researched the side effects, and after discussing this with my GP, he fully backed my decision. I do weight training x3 weekly, running x2 weekly, take vitD, K2 with Natto. I have enough calcium naturally from my diet ( vegetarian for 25 years). I wish you well.
GoodWalkerme I use to have plant base died for about 16 years but last year my Dexa have fall down fron - 2.4 in 2021 to -3.2 in 2024. A doctor told me to eat animal protein. I' m eating chicken and fish for about 8 months now. I dont know yet if this help or not since my next Dexa will be in 2026. I reforced my exercises also and took Risedronate that I plan to stop when complete 1year.
Can you tell me your age, your T scores and how is your diet, pleas🙏
I’m 67 years old, height 1.72 metres, weight 64 kilograms. DEXA results as follows;
AP spine L2-L4 T-score -2.5 z-score -0.9
Dual femur neck Left T-score -1.0 z-score 0.5
Dual femur neck right T-score -0.7 z-score 0.8
Dual femur total left T-score -0.4 z-score 0.7
Dual femur total right T-score -0.3 z-score 0.9.
Assessment:
This patient is considered osteoporotic. I have excluded L1 from the analysis due to degenerative changes and this has led to the osteoporosis diagnosis.
I follow a vegetarian diet, which I have for 25 years, mainly tofu, lentils, all home-grown fruit and veg, I use the co-planting method, so I don’t use pesticides.
I had a score of -2.6 on my lower spine which already had a fracture on my L1…. I was told that due to the fracture my osteoporosis was classed as severe and advised to take a biphosphate… I’d not had chance to start the medication when I had a second fracture on my L5 ( a compression fracture) …. I then started the medication (a weekly tablet) which I’ve been taking now for 2.5years.
Hi, I have lost count as to how many DEXA scans I have had in last 7 years mostly done at NHS Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath. Mostly looking at my spine. Wear normal clothes, it does not hurt and takes about 10 mins max. I find it uncomfortable as my spine is crumbling and have lots of metal trying to hold up my spine.Both my Neurosurgeon and my Osteoporosis Consultant tell me that DEXA scans on spines rarely "tell the true picture".
I have metal from L5 right up to T10. However on my last extension of metalwork when I was opened up the DEXA scan had not recorded my spine was crumbling. I now have one of the screws protruding out from my back even although they fixed it in with bone cement!
I was due to have the metalwork redone this May from L5 up to my neck then 6 months in a body brace.
However, 2 Neurosurgeons have said it cant be done as the rest of my soun is crumbling. DEXA scan still doesn't show how bad soune is but after special xrays, MRI, CT scans my op is a no go.
Although in excruciating pain 24 hours a day I have to think positive, change ny way of life etc. I am coming up 81 years old but had a great luxury cruise on a ship with just 600 guests from Cape Town to Dubai visiting islands if the Pacific for 4 weeks December.
I sustained a hip injury following a very bad fall in September 2019. I had an urgent left total hip replacement that month. In January 2020 I had a Dexa scan which gave me osteopenia of the right hip - 2.3 and -4 of the spine. However, my height measurement was totally wrong 170, when infact I am 178 for certain. I have been on Aledronic Acid for roughly 4 years and expect to have another scan at 5 years, when I hope to stop my medication.
I'm new here. I had my DXA scan last week and got the results from my GP Tuesday this week, so took approximately 6 days.
This was my second scan, last one in 2006 which showed Osteopenia. This one now shows Osteoporosis, had wrist fracture with surgery in Oct 2024. Second wrist fracture in 3 years, latest one much worse than first one. I have never been on any medication.
For me having the scan was easy and absolutely nothing to worry about. Just lie on a bed and the scanner gently passes over the top of you, no noise and no enclosure, all open. It took about 20 minutes. Wear something loose and casual with no metal bits.
I got a copy of the report and was a bit puzzled in trying to understand it at first but did work out what it meant. It did give a summary in the report. The GP did tell me my T Score.
The hardest bit for me will be deciding what treatment I should have as I have other conditions to take into account.
I am glad I had the scan so I know the state of my bone health and can plan a course of action to improve it.
Dancer57 Exactly, the difficult it the decision of take or not any drug, since all of then have side effects. Doctors first action is prescribe it🤷🏼♀️
My GP first reaction was you need medication, Alendronic Acid tablets!! Unfortunately I have never been good at swallowing tablets from very young age, gagging and being sick so swallowing anything like this is a no no for me. It does come in liquid form but I have other health conditions, Thyroid, stomach and heart so looking through the list of medications there are big question marks next to all of them for me which is concerning.
I have to wait to speak with my Endocrinologist and also get results of blood tests before taking the matter further.
I fractured my wrist in October and it splintered badly, with a small fracture on the other side. Had to have surgery and a metal plate with screws. I now have CRPS and am still under the Orthopaedic Clinic and Hand Therapy. Still in pain and hand very stiff plus shoulder impingement. I broke other wrist 3 years ago but nowhere near as bad. From T score results the bottom of my spine appears quite fragile which was a shock, so will have to see.
Perhaps one day a medication with not so many potential side effects will come on the market. Live in hope. 🙂
Dexa scans are no use to me as I have scoliosis and so a true reading of the spine cannot be provided. I have refused medication so far and as a result I was discharged from any future appointments in the endocrinology department after the lovely doctor I used to see, retired. He understood and appreciated my decision not to take medication and was interested enough in my well being, to see me annually. The younger doctor appointed in his stead was unfortunately not of the same mind.
I had a Dexa scan at Manchester Royal Hospital, after a few initial questions (which I wasn't expecting)...do you smoke, how much do you drink, any family history etc, the scan took place in what seemed like an old store room! The scan only took about 10 minutes, I'd worn joggers and a sweatshirt so I didn't have to undress. I got my results via the NHS website and managed to get an appointment with my doctor for a couple of weeks later to discuss findings and meds. The results only showed my bone level scores for spine and hips, it didn't have any frax scores.
My experience was not the best unfortunately but it has made me more aware (as I hope this blog will which is an excellent idea) of the need to be prepared with questions etc when attending appointments
My whole experience of finding I had a fracture to diagnosis has been challenging and to be honest frightening.
I had excellent care from my nurse practitioner who without I would still think I had pulled a muscle and not fractured my back and have a diagnosis of Osteoporosis.
My nurse practitioner ordered a DXA scan from the nearest hospital 25 miles away. I waited six weeks and started to wonder if they had received it so rang my GP who confirmed the request had been sent. I was given the contact number for the X-ray department where the request had been sent and on calling them was told there was a six week wait from the request. I informed them I had been waiting six weeks to which they replied I would be at the top of the list and would check exactly where. I was then told there requested had been returned to my GP as they do not accept them from the nurse it had to be a GP.
On speaking again to my GP they told me this was a new practice they were unaware of and my GP would confirm the request to the hospital.
I then had another six week wait after which I called again to the X-ray department to be told again there was a six week wait which again I explained I had now waited twelve weeks.
At this point I was starting to feel quite anxious due to the timescales from August when I originally fractured my vertebrae (unbeknown to me as I was given the diagnosis of a pulled muscle when I attended a and e on the day with no scan) to October when my nurse practitioner sent me from an MRI which showed the fracture.
This is why I am giving the background to the run up to my scan as the anxiety I was feeling definitely meant I did not ask the questions I would now.
I spoke to my GP again when I had been told after waiting twelve weeks there would be another six week at least wait if not longer.
The same day I received a call from the X-ray department to say they had a cancellation for that afternoon and could I get there. It would have been difficult as I do not drive but I asked if I could take it and try and find someone to take me bearing in mind I thought it would be my only chance for the next six plus weeks.
I was then offered three times for the following day which I was able to attend and booked feeling very relieved but unsure how suddenly these appointments were available after the information I had been given.
By this time I was feeling quite anxious. I was attending a hospital I had not been to previously for a scan I wasn’t really sure what was going to happen.
On arriving at the X-ray department I was asked to sit in a corridor which seemed to be no where near the X-ray department. I am explaining this as it made me feel uncomfortable and unsure what was going to happen.
I was then taken to a room which had what looked to me like an open MRI scanner. I can remember thinking I wonder if it is an MRI and overriding feeling of worry as to what was going to happen.
I am going to be very honest and say the radiologist made me feel I was an inconvenience. I actually felt she was annoyed I was there.
The radiologist said “I guess you haven’t been sent a questionnaire due to the appointment only being made yesterday? Again I felt I should apologise that I did not have a completed questionnaire. I really don’t remember what I answered, I know I ended up not really thinking about what I was been asked and subsequently on my report it states I am on HRT which I am not and never have been.
This worries me as it affects my score but as of yet I have not had a conversation with anyone around the results other than the results.
I was then asked to lay on the scanner. By this point I did not feel I could ask about the process and was really feeling anxious about what was going to happen.
In fact the process was very simple and took very little time but I was also still anxious due to movement and the possibility of causing more fractures through movement. I was asked to lift both my legs onto a raised cushion while laid on the scanner again this worried me but at this point I just wanted the scan to be over even though I knew i needed it.
The radiologist then walked away and said you can get up now. I asked if she could see if I had osteoporosis (on previous scans for other illness I have been given the results on the day by the radiologist and subsequently an appointment) I was aware this may not be the case on this occasion but felt I wanted to ask.
The radiologist said yes she did know the results but I would have to wait for my GP. This was to a problem but again the way it was delivered again made me feel uncomfortable for asking.
I just felt so anxious and deflated and to be honest I felt a fraud fully expecting to hear I did not have osteoporosis and that made me feel I had taken the place maybe of someone who was now still waiting who did have osteoporosis.
Two days later my nurse practitioner rang to tell me I have osteoporosis but due to my scores there was a worry it maybe caused by another illness and I needed some blood tests to rule these out. Thankfully the blood tests all came back negative and a formal diagnosis of severe osteoporosis was confirmed.
So the reason I have written this is in the hope that it helps anyone who is waiting or having a DXA does not end up in the situation I did.
The process made the diagnosis so difficult to accept and understand. I felt very frightened and went down a rabbit hole of I would never be able to live the life I hoped to. I have always been very active even in the face of a life altering brain injury which I have managed to find ways to keep my mobility and social stability.
Please ask questions.
Please do not feel you are not able to ask for time to process what is happening
Please do not feel you should just put up with your symptoms and feel you are a nuisance by speaking to the radiologist.
Please say if you do not understand what is going to happen or how this may affect you.
I hope my experience is a one off and unfortunate but if it can help anyone prepare for their scan armed with information to help then it turns my ex into a positive.
We just wanted to drop in and say a heartfelt thank you to everyone for your thoughtful comments on the thread We’re looking forward to sharing more about this community’s experiences in future blogs—so stay tuned!
For anyone coming across this thread looking for more information about scans and results, please see our website: theros.org.uk/information-a...
My experience at Birmingham QE hospital was all very good. I had the scan at the end of May which was all really easy. I have scoliosis so the results for the spine were not accurate however my hips and wrists showed severe osteoporosis. I had previously refused Allendronic acid because I have gastric problems. The hospital recommended monthly Evenity injections which I started in September. I inject myself after training at the hospital and it is very easy. Apart from some soreness at the injection site I have had no side effects. I am well supported by the hospital and the drug company.
The hardest part for me was getting referred to the hospital the first place. I only knew I had fractured a vertebra because I had paid for a private MRI scan due to back pain.
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DXA vs REMS
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New member, recently started on Alendronic Acid 70mg
Newly Diagnosed and wondering about Treatments
New diagnosis,osteoporosis of spine...
