Bone Densitometry DXA Scan

[Teanau22]

HI All, I have my first DXA scan next week, I've been diagnosed with Lupus for about 10 years but only had my first flare in Oct 2019 thats when I started on medication. - any thing I should be looking out for in this scan or any tips you guys may have?

[PMRpro]

Wear clothes that are easy to take off - sometimes they do it with you dressed if you have no metal bits, sometimes they want to see your hip bones, it depends on the department/technologist. It only takes a few mins, you just get put into the right position and that's it. Some staff will tell you the approximate result at the time but mostly you have to wait for the report to be sent to the doctor. When they tell you the result - ask for the t-scores, not just "osteopenia" or "osteoporosis" - osteopenia is a broad church from almost normal to almost osteopenia and it is a big difference! It hands the doctors a chance to use smoke and mirrors to get you to take drugs which may not be needed at this point.

[Teanau22 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you, that's good advice.

[Hidden]

I've had a few of these scans. The consultant will talk through the results which will be particular to you and advise if anything else is required.

[Teanau22 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you.