deformity to rib and bone scan

[Purple1968]

I have for a few years had the feeling my lower left rib is digging into me and something is "pushing it up".GP has no given any clues .Just below this I have a sore lumpy spot in my abdomen .Twice seen GP about this lumpy spot but he gives no diagnosis for it.My rib also feels like it has a lump in it.

Got a phone call today to book an appt for a bone density scan.I don't know where this came from as my GP never said he would refer me for a bone scan.

Has anyone had a bone scan (DEXA)and what for?

I have Pagets Disease of the Bone,Acromegaly,Lupus,Fibromyalgia and Osteoarthritis in both hands.

[Haz58]

I had a DEXA scan 14 months ago. I had a T9 vertebrae compression fracture and no idea how I did it. They wanted to check my bone density hence the scan. Was also having hip pain. It's nothing to worry about doesn't hurt except of course the lying flat on my back from the fracture.

[cyberbarn]

Have you looked into slipping rib syndrome? It is similar to costochondritis only it is in the bottom ribs that don't hook up to the breast bone.

There are fairly strict criteria for having a DEXA scan so you must meet some of that criteria. Age is one (over 65 I believe) and the risk of future fractures based on past history of fractures, medications and some other lifestyle issues. I am surprised no one has taken you through this, or maybe there is enough in your medical notes from past history that something has triggered this.

[MyStar86 in reply to cyberbarn]

I just wanted to highlight that there is not an age limit to DEXA scans I had one at 18 years old and I have had them all the way every two years to now aged 37. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis aged 28 so younger people do also need DEXA scans as there are many reasons people have osteoporosis not just age.

[Purple1968 in reply to cyberbarn]

I have never heard of Slipping rib syndrome.When I have mentioned things to my GP that could be the cause for my symptoms he always has "an answer" not to investigate them.ie Iread onNHS website that the thymus gland can cause oesophegeal problems -he said "it does not".

I received a letter after the scan from the nurse specialist who i saw a few weeks ago which said because you are on Letrozole(breast cancer)you need a bone density scan.

[katieoxo60]

Hi Purple1968 dexa scans are nothing to worry about they check the bone density against normal , you have to undress and wear a gown and then lie on a bed , if you have thin bones this will show and can be treated these days with injections . Its quite common to have one if you break a bone but not necessary. I've had several but I have had a few broken bones too plus long term use of some drugs can cause osteoporosis (thining of the bones and spontanious fractures) Don't think there is an age factor on Dexa scans its more to do with fractures or other medical history or a family history of thin bone disease.

[Purple1968 in reply to katieoxo60]

it was because i had breast cancer and th e medication -Letrazole-that a bone scan is required.Was not told this when Ihad surgery.