Difficulty in getting bone scan results

[Lottieandlola]

Hi there

I had a bone scan in October last year and after months of chasing finally got a call from my GP surgery on 7 June to inform me they had my results, that I have osteoporosis and need to go on alendronic acid. I have been checking my NHS app for the actual results but they've not been added so yesterday I called in the surgery and asked for the results. The receptionist said she would get the doctor to contact me and this morning I received a text from the GP saying 'the results are as we discussed last time ...'

I phoned the surgery again this morning and stated that I specifically want the T and Z scores of my bone scan, the receptionist is going to ask again but in the experience of this forum is there advice/anything else I could to get these results?

I've been on AA for 4 weeks but feeling inclined not to continue until I get specific results, I've never seen this particular GP she is new to the surgery and I'm also waiting for an appointment with a rheumatologist.

Was diagnosed with PMR almost 3 years ago, been on Pred since, currently on 2mg, aged 60.

Thanks in advance for any advice 😊

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

If not forthcoming from GP then contact hospital department that did scan and/or PALS to say you need information.. and cannot get it from GP.

[Lottieandlola in reply to DorsetLady]

Hi thanks for the quick response. I've just rang the hospital and they said they can't give them to me and that I need/should get them from my GP!

I'll try PALS.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Lottieandlola]

Thought they might say that - not sure about PALS -they may say same - but worth a try..

As for surgery -not good enough. Is there a practice manager you could request copy of report from? All details should be on your records.

[SnazzyD]

I don’t think the GP can withhold the results. Does your hospital have a patient portal rather than the NHS app?

[piglette]

By law you are now entitled to the results. Mind you they seem in such chaos at the moment. I would not start AA until I could have written evidence I needed it. My GP tried very hard to get me to take it.

[Lottieandlola]

update

Thanks to the receptionist I now have a printed copy of my results. My T scores range from -3.5 to -2.7 and my Z scores range from -2.3 to -1.8 with an interpretation that I have Osteoporosis so it looks like I have to take AA 😕

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Lottieandlola]

Those t-scores are definitely osteoporosis range. The z-scores don't mean a lot, they are just comparing you with others of your age. Comparing rubbish with rubbish is still rubbish!!!!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Lottieandlola]

Yes unfortunately-but at least you now know for sure… what a palaver getting them though..

[Lottieandlola in reply to DorsetLady]

And the fact I that I had a 7 month wait from the hospital! Hopefully the scores aren't any worst now. Will check out the ROS site for further advice on how to strengthen my bones but thanks as always for your help 😊

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Lottieandlola]

Yes please do -they are a very good site with lots of videos.

There’s a lot in FAQs as well -under Bone Health.

[Pusph]

I had a DXA Scan in November last year and still haven't been told the results, just probably need another one in a couple of years!!!

[Lottieandlola in reply to Pusph]

Terrible isn't it! Yet my sister in law had one in January at another hospital in Nottingham and got her results in 3 weeks!