dexa scan information please - do you need to take any meds to enhance scan is it an x ray ? radiation, enclosed? and how long does it take

[terri]

[Spudsuzzy]

Hi, I have had a dexa scan. Its only a normal xray on a different xray machine. The radiation is the same as a normal xray. Its not enclosed like a ct scan or a mri scan. You dont have to do anything other than turn up. They put you in a certain position on the table to be able to get a picture of your hip and lower spine because these are the places that seem to be affected by thinning bones. Rest assured there is nothing to it and you'll be in and out in 5 mins or less. The position you have to put your leg in is a bit uncomfortable but its for seconds so dont stress over it all. I specifically asked my consultant for my levels and she told me them. You can then look them up on the web and get a better understanding of them rather it being just Osteopenia or Osteoarthiritis. Mine were borderline but still in the Osteopenia range thankfully. Hope this helps. Suzanne

[SpinningCat in reply to Spudsuzzy]

As well as not wearing trousers/skirts with zips you might need to wear an bra which does not have wires and can be easily undone at the back.

My dexa scan involved positioning my feet, then scanning my pelvis and then scanning the chest area. The hooks on the bra would have interfered with this, so they told me to undo the bra and then I was told to just tuck the loose ends out of the way. I had managed to pick a non-wired sports bra which had a racer back as well as hooks, so it was a bit of wrestling to tuck the ends away, but we go there in the end!

The scan itself was just lying on a couch with the scanner moving above you - a bit like a mini sunbed I guess!

[terri]

thank you Suzanne - so the x ray doesnt check neck area?

[NorthernSoul in reply to terri]

No, checking the pelvis is the most accurate way of measuring overall bone density. And I second Spudsuzzy here- it's completely painless! All you do is have a little lie down for 5 min or so. Just make sure you don't wear any bottoms with metal on or you'll have to take them off.

[Mia1057]

Hi there

I had a full body scan last time but I have confirmed osteoporosis with a history of fractures. I can't remember what I got at the beginning but it sounds like Suzanne's description.

Maria

[terri]

Thanks everyone for your helpful answers

[Morningstar]

Thanks very much for this info, I have to have my first scan this year too.

[traceynatasha]

do you recommend asking for a dexa scan

[FionaGFG Administrator]

It is best practice at diagnosis to have a DEXA bone scan to assess any damage to the bones from coeliac disease. So if you haven't been offered one it's worth discussing it with your doctor. Then you maybe offered it again in 10 yrs time or after your 50yrs old.