Bone scan- what and why

My GP has requested a bone scan for me....what will this show and what does it involve?

Thanks in anticipation

[cathie]

Is this for osteoporosis? I had one, it was like being photocopied a little uncomfortable but didn't take long. They wanted to check this given my age and having RA. Nothing to worry about though they might encourage you to modify your diet - if that is what it is

[Miapalffy5 in reply to cathie]

Did you ask?

[Hidden]

It's a little like having a X Ray but takes a little longer. I had one done because I had been on long and high courses of steroid which can cause suffer osteoporosis in which you lose bone density making you more susceptible to fractures. Now, don't panic. Even if that were true you can be put on calcium supplements like I was.

[pip12]

Funnily enough I had one on Wednesday. You just lie on a bed and the scanner moves over your body. They measure your height and do your weight first and then you lie on the bed. They did four scans in total of different parts of my body but it must admit it was OK, nothing to uncomfortable at all. I have to go back to see the rhummy in about a week for the results. It certainly isn't anything to worry about.

[Hidden]

Thank you so much everyone for replying....really appreciate the help. Amazing what other experiences do to calm down an unknown quantity that has becomes a concern.

P

[earthwitch]

Not sure what type you are having but assume it is the DEXA scan which is specifically for osteoporosis and is just done on your spine and hip usually. I'd assume this is what you are having, as osteoporosis is very common in RA and its good to get at least a base line scan done to check how strong your bones are and have something to compare to a few years down the track.

There are also "nuclear bone scans" but in the UK these are mostly only used for checking for bone cancers,so not relevant to you (though they do get done sometimes for spondyloarthritis in the US). This type can be a whole body scan and uses injected dye that shows up on xrays. I don't think a GP would be ordering one of these either, so it must be the DEXA one.

[Miapalffy5 in reply to earthwitch]

Osteoporosis is very common in those who take cortical steroids.

[Hidden]

Hi I had a DEXA scan today due to RA and the recent level of steroids I'm having. As the others have said it was painless swift and mine focused on my hip and back. Hope all goes well xx

[Case]

I'm having one as a precaution my doctor said. Reason being with ra you are more susceptible to osteoporosis. Bone density will measure density and alert doctor as to whether u need tablets , supplements to increase bone density to protect against breakages and osteoporosis . Hope this helps.

[Hidden]

Thank you again for the new replies.. Really appreciate it ...in fact will get organised today

P

[Vivante]

Poppylady, no problems at all, just lie on your back and let the technician do it all. It will provide a scan of your hips and spine. I have osteopenia, There is a lot you can do to remain active. Log onto National osteoporosis foundation, look for safe movement. All of the osteoporosis sites provide lots of information that will help you. DONT bend over to pick up that fiver, let someone else do it for you. Not to worry about a thing there are many folk there to help. Take care.

[Hidden]

Thank you Vivante,

I spoke with my GP this afternoon so scan being organised. I have done my best to stay active, still work and still take the dog for her walks although since Monday have apparently been having a flare only in my hips which has made weight earring almost impossible, so been taking it easy and only today took the dogs for a a very short gentle stroll, could hardly call it a walk, however they ran about for ten minutes so will need to do for today. I will have a look on the website you have suggested and thank you.

Hope you are well

P

[Hidden]

Hi poppylady

I had a baseline DEXA scan done when I was first diagnosed because of a lot of steroids in childhood/ young adulthood. I had another one 5 years later and was put on Fosamax and Calcium + Vitamin D as I had lost some bone density. It is as described by several others above and you needn't feel alarmed either about the scan itself or the reasons for it being done - it sounds like your GP is being thorough and proactive. Take something to read in case you have to sit around waiting for a while:-}

Cece x