Bone density test scan

[digger1]

What age is the average bone density test given to folk with RA OA Spondylitis spondylosis etc. I'm past 60s and still haven't managed to get one. I'm in Scotland

[Blueskysunshine]

I had one a few years ago and I’m now 59

[Hidden]

Insist..

[medway-lady]

I had a Dexa scan after I fell and broke my elbow. Mind you I fell 5 feet down a slope and landed on my elbow. I think that was about 15 years ago then they invited me to one when I turned 60 in England.

[molly19]

I had one about 6months ago. I'm 57 scotland

[lifeboatann58]

I'm 65, just had one done. Think it all depends if you are prone to broken bones.

[Jewels94]

I’m 55 and having one today. Didn’t have to ask for it. Went for a blood test and whilst there my GP did my annual review and said he was referring me for one.

[Hidden]

I’ve been having them done every 4 years since late 1990’s , it was something that the RA nurse used to request , I had my last one about 2 years ago . I’m in England .

[Mall]

I had my first scan some 20 + years ago when first referred to a proper rheumatologist after being treated by a rural general physician who kept me on steroids for some 3 years. The only other one I’ve had was following a nasty shoulder fracture 6 yrs ago. I was in Scotland at the time. I thought they only referred if there was a cause for concern rather than routine, such as long term steroid use, fractures or low calcium levels shown in blood tests. I have lived in England for the last 3 years I am 67 and my GP nor Rhuemy team have mentioned dexa scans.

[Benbecula]

Hi, I am 79 and have had RA for over 30 years. Had my first dexa scan after breaking my hip about 5 years ago. Just a gentle fall onto the lounge carpet. Osteoporosis diagnosed. Had appointment for another scan March 2020. Re-scheduled twice then cancelled. The End.

[Sheila_G]

I don't think age is anything to vo by when you have RA. I had my firat one in my 50s and have had 2 more since.

[smilelines]

I first had one mid 50’s. It said that my risk for osteoporosis was slight so no need to repeat. Then with the RA diagnoses I was told to get another bone density and I have to get it every other year now.

[helenlw7]

I had my first one done about 10 years ago. I’m 65.

[Creakywrists]

I’m also in Scotland and was referred by my consultant not long after diagnosis in my 60s.

[Paula-C]

At one of my RA yearly reviews at my doctors I was asked various questions. From what I remember your answers were scored. My dad broke his hip years previously and the score from that just put me in the category to have one, I've had two now, I'm 64 and live in England.

[BoneyC]

I don't think it's to do with age, more to do with taking Prednisolone. In the 50 years I've had RA, I've only had 3 DEXA scans, the last in 2017 and I'm now 57. I have bilateral THR's so I'm not sure how useful these scans are.

I've noticed 'osteoporosis' is flagged up on my online medical notes but I've never been told I have it, just a precaution because I've taken lots of steroids over the years.

[Ferret18]

Hi digger1I had one aged 52, a year after being diagnosed with RA

[oldtimer]

recommendations are here: nhs.uk/conditions/dexa-scan... done if there is a reason, not routinely.

[Hidden in reply to oldtimer]

Broken link 😱

[trunchalobesity]

I am 52 and have had them every 3 years or so for the last 20 as I have been on steroids for all that time and have have osteoporosis. I’ve had two recent bone fractures.X

[Plumcrumble]

Hi I had my first one when I was in my 30's because I'm on prednisolone, so it might depend on the medication, hope this helps, best wishes Sarah

[digger1]

Thanks for all your replies. I thought it was age related .

[Fruitandnutcase]

I had one when I was in my forties, I told my GP we have a family history of it.unfortunately I didn’t follow it up - back then I tended to wait for the results to come through or if they didn’t I assumed everything was fine.

I broke my wrist when I was in Scotland when I was in my fifties, I was told by the A&E consultant that I could go home, it wasn’t broken then a couple of years later my GP called up my notes and it said broken wrist of whatever - I thought it was someone else’s notes but nope - they were mine and the date etc went back to when I ‘didn’t break’ my wrist in Scotland.

I’ve now got osteoporosis- it would have helped if I’d been given another DEXA back then. I could have worked on my bones, especially as I also developed autoimmune over active thyroid and then inflammatory arthritis.

Then two years ago when I was 70 I broke my wrist - freak accident but they said it was a fragility fracture - I asked for a DEXA scan and was told I would get one anyway because of my age and the fracture.

You could always tell your doctor you’d like one because you have a family history of osteoporosis.

[AgedCrone]

You should be offered a Dexa scan post menopausal…..but it usually turns out you are offered one if you have a fall…whether you sustain a fracture or not……especially if you are prescribed steroids regularly.

[Leics]

I had a dexa in my 40’s not long after diagnosis. I think though if you are worried you can get one privately and they’re not expensive in the grand scheme of things they used to be about £40 but that was a few years ago. Might be an idea to check with your GP or rheumy team and ask them to refer you for one if not go private because there won’t be a waiting list ?

[14penny]

Hi I think just ask your GP for one that's what I have always done and they should arrange it for you 😊

[Green230461]

Just had one done from my dentist to see if I can have an implant🤔