Full body bone scan

[Awwy]

Hi,

I am in a flare with my autoimmune MCDT. I was previously on hydroxychloroquine which I had an allergic reaction to. I had a gap of 4 months. I was then given steriods and started on a low dose of methotextrate. My inflammation has continued to rise. My methotextrate was then increased and I was given a second course of steriods. My inflammation has continued to rise. My Rhumatologist appointment was yesterday and she wanted to up my methotextrate to the maximum dose. The problem is that my liver is not coping well with it and my numbers are rising both for my liver and inflammation. She is now sending me for a full body bone scan. Has anyone had one? What are they looking for? Marked urgent 2 within 2 week?

[AimeeA]

Immune diseases are complicated and symptoms often mimic other things. the doctor may be looking at your various test results and checking to make sure they've got the right diagnosis and treatment.

Here's what full body bone scans to detect:

Fractures

Arthritis

Paget's disease of bone

Cancer originating in bone

Cancer that has metastasized to bone from a different site

Infection of the joints, joint replacements or bones

The doctor may be checking to make sure you don't have some kind of undiagnosed cancer, disease, or infection that needs a different type of treatment. They need a correct diagnosis to be able to treat you correctly.

Or sometimes before they increase a dosage of a drug, they may be checking to make sure you don't have a problem that means they shouldn't raise the dosage. It's like they send you for test of you lungs and heart before they do surgery, to make sure you can tolerate the anaesthesia used during surgery.

[Awwy in reply to AimeeA]

Thank you. That makes sense. My appointment is Monday going to be there for about 5 hours in total. I have complex medical issues. Already had CT scans, MRI scans under 7 different consultants at the moment. 🙄 think I should live out of hospital. 😬

[Awwy]

I know about waiting lists. Im in my 4th year waiting for endometriosis excision surgery and a hysterectomy. I am on an 'urgent list allegedly. Think my body just saying no cant cope and producing lots of antibodies and inflammation. 🤷🏽‍♀️