xray result help

[happysundaygirl]

I have just had xray results as a result of pain in hands, feet and shoulders-

My hand xray reported Periarticular ostepenia bones-

I tried to look this up online and all I could find was 'Periarticular osteopenia/osteoporosis bones is an early sign of RA'-

Is this correct? If so what happens next?

Thank you for your help in this matter

[AgedCrone]

I really have no idea…but I’d had RA for many years before I was diagnosed with osteoporosis, and I have many friends who have Osteoporosis, but don’t have RA. But I think it may mean years of inflammation from RA can tend to add to first Ostopaenia then Osteoporosis.

Dr Google is very confusing-Ask your doctor or rheumy team next time you see them.

[happysundaygirl in reply to AgedCrone]

Thank you- I should have said that I have appointment in about 11 days for consult with doctor - I was just wondering in the meantime - I don't usually look on internet for medical explanations as it is unreliable and varied -I was just a bit concerned when EVERY site without fail said Periarticular osteopenia bones is an early sign of RA-

I have already been diagnosed as having osteopenia and osteoporosis some years ago.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my question.

[AgedCrone in reply to happysundaygirl]

Tbh…if you have osteoporosis..you will know there are various treatments.

I was on Alendronic Acid quite happily….then a Series of symptoms lmeant I had to come off it..

Rheumy now deciding what rout to take…I’m not keen on Prolia…but it does seem thev’in’ thing..keping ell away from rheumy atm..hope he thinks of something else.

[happysundaygirl in reply to AgedCrone]

Hi AgedCrone-

I am so sorry- I dont think my initial question was clear enough-

I have for some years had ostepenia, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis- However I did not mean for my question to be about any of these conditions as I already know about them.

What happened was that I have been having increasing joint pain for some time and my gp sent me for xrays-one of the diagnosis came back stating that I had Periarticular osteopenic bones-

I knew what the osteopenia meant but I had no clue about the PERIARTICULAR ostopenic bones were-

So when I looked this up it said that an xray stating PERIARTICULAR osteopenic bones was a early sign of RA-

Sorry for the confusion-

[AgedCrone in reply to happysundaygirl]

Well as far a I know Periarticula just means around the joint in question ..so could mean you have signs of RA in the joints that you’re feeling the pain?!

But that is a pure guess..I gave up self diagnosis years ago. I am extremely fortunate to have a caring, kind and sensible Rheumatologist. I listen to him and just get on with what he advises. .except if he picks Prolia…we may have to have a talk!

[happysundaygirl in reply to AgedCrone]

Thank you Aged Crone-

I am glad to hear that you have a good Rheumatologist- I hope things go well for you.

[Amnesiac3637]

Def best to consult the medical professional who referred you for the x-ray.

Dr Google will diagnose you with cancer of your left sock in addition to all the other scary things the algorithms come up with. Wait till you’ve been properly diagnosed then go online for more info if you must!

[happysundaygirl in reply to Amnesiac3637]

Thank you- I should have said that I have appointment in about 11 days for consult with doctor - I was just wondering in the meantime - I don't usually look on internet for medical explanations as it is unreliable and varied -I was just a bit concerned when EVERY site without fail said Periarticular osteopenia bones is an early sign of RA-I have already been diagnosed as having osteopenia and osteoporosis some years ago.Thank you for taking the time to answer my question.

[Bails67]

My osteopenia was diagnosed from a dexa scan. My early RA was picked up on a X-ray from damage in my hands.( I have erosive RA) It did mention RA changes ( sorry can’t remember exactly it was years ago). It doesn’t mean you haven’t got RA it will be how it’s reported.like you have said you have an appointment. As for googling I have ILD which was picked up in a CT scan ( lung scaring from RA) mr goggle gave me 3-5 years! I am still here and it hasn’t progressed. Good luck with your appointment, hope you get some answers.

[Green230461]

I was told the RA was making the bone on my jaw thin by my dentist! Further investigation lead to an osteoporosis diagnosis and five years on alendronic acid tablets. He now says that has “done the trick” and I can have implants. Not sure if osteo can be reversed……🌈hope you get some answers.

[wilbertjellyfish]

Well the periarticular means around the joint the bones are a little less dense.This could be your pre existing osteoporosis issues.

Ra is generally diagnosed on bloods and symptoms together. I have RA but my X-rays are normal.

The key is looking at the whole picture, you, your bloods and X-rays. It's very easy to look at only on thing and get the whole picture wrong.

It's frustrating waiting but not long till you see the doctor.

[Nyreedw]

You need a dexa scan to diagnose osteopenia or osteoporosis. It's something many people get as we get older and can be caused by a few things. Parathyroid, early menopause or menopause in general or steroid use in RA. See GP and ask for a scan xx

[happysundaygirl]

Thanks everyone-

I had a dexa scan some years ago and was diagnosed with osteoporosis-