topic Re: Bone Density Test in Wellness

Bone Density Test

fortune — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 22:57:14 GMT

Has anyone had this test? What's involved? I have to have one soon.

Re: Bone Density Test

Winkk — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 23:04:37 GMT

It's one of the easiest tests to have. You just lay on a table, fully dressed, and the machine goes over your hip area. It takes maybe 10 to 15 minutes. That's it.

Re: Bone Density Test

kaydee50 — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 23:06:00 GMT

I've had a couple, the last one a few years ago. Nothing to it. No prep. As I recall, I was laying on a table fully clothed and the machine scanned my hip area. The procedure may have changed but that is what I recall.

Re: Bone Density Test

MarleneK — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 23:07:19 GMT

I've had a bone density test done twice. I laid, fully clothed, on a table and the technician starts a scanner that passes over your body twice. They are testing the pelvis and sternum bones for density. I didn't even have to remove my shoes. The test took less than 5 minutes.

Re: Bone Density Test

blrc — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 23:35:18 GMT

I had to put a gown on because I had some metal grommets on the top I was wearing.Apparently the metal will effect the test.

Re: Bone Density Test

SilleeMee — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 23:40:43 GMT

Do not take any calcium supplements the day of testing. Wear metal-free clothing...no bras with hooks.

Re: Bone Density Test

NickNack — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 01:01:01 GMT

I started having them when I was 50 years old. I was told I had osteopenia a couple of times, and last year it was mild osteoporosis. I'm getting Prolia injections every six months now for it.

Re: Bone Density Test

SandPiper — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 01:02:35 GMT

@fortuneI just had one. It's a very easy test. You are lying on your back and they take pictures of your hips and spine. I had to lay in different positions as well. Don't take your calcium supplements the day of the test and wear comfortable clothes without any metal, zippers. So jogging pants or leggings and a tee and you'll be fine.

Re: Bone Density Test

twinny70 — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 09:24:15 GMT

I get one every 2 years. It is the most painless test that I have ever had. The EMG is another story!

Re: Bone Density Test

software — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 10:28:00 GMT

@fortune wrote:
Has anyone had this test? What's involved? I have to have one soon.

Why do you need the test?

I need one also, I have a diagnosis that makes my bones & teeth weak

Re: Bone Density Test

SilleeMee — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 14:01:11 GMT

@software wrote:
@fortune wrote:
Has anyone had this test? What's involved? I have to have one soon.

Why do you need the test?
I need one also, I have a diagnosis that makes my bones & teeth weak

It's a scan used to determine your risk for bone fracture. Post-meno women are mostly at a higher risk than others. It's easier to treat thinning bones rather than to repair broken ones that may never completely heal in older people. @software

Re: Bone Density Test

wagirl — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 14:05:58 GMT

This test ---on a scale of 1 to 10---10 being excruciating pain, comes in at a minus 10. Easy peasy. Had HORRENDOUS tests and scans done when I was dx with breast cancer--nothing to this one at all.

Re: Bone Density Test

SilleeMee — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 14:10:51 GMT

It is important to note that although bone density testing may be a widely used and reliable means to determine fracture risk, it is not solely the best indicator of possible risk for fracture. There have been reports saying that over half of women who fracture do not have low bone density. Bone density scans are simply the most accepted method to screen for low bone mass.

Re: Bone Density Test

SeaMaiden — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 14:19:52 GMT

@fortune wrote:
Has anyone had this test? What's involved? I have to have one soon.

@fortune I had one done a couple of years ago at age 58. I had early menopause starting at age 47 and I was anorexic when a teenager... both which could contribute to bone loss.... so my Doctor at the time thought it would be a good idea. It is called a Dexi scan. They use a pin point a light on to your hip bone and I believe your wrist as well. A computer analyzes the information and determines if and how much bone loss you may have over all. It is painless and very little radiation is used at all.

I had had one hip replaced at the time I had mine done so they used the other hip.. Now that I have had both hips done at this time I am not sure what they will use next time... they can not use a hip with a replacement for determining bone density. I guess after age 65 it is not longer required to have them done at all... I am 62 now so may or may not bother having one done again. I will have to decide. I was found to be in the early stages of bone loss called:

Osteopenia

Osteopenia refers to early signs of bone loss that can develop intoosteoporosis. With osteopenia, bone mineral density is lower than normal. However, it is not yet low Not everyone who has osteopenia will develop osteoporosis.

enough to be considered osteoporosis.

here is a good explaination of bone loss and the break down of such

http://www.webmd.boots.com/osteoporosis/guide/osteopenia-early-signs-of-bone-loss

Re: Bone Density Test

chrystaltree — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 14:37:01 GMT

Wear a bra that has no metal in it, wear clothes that have no metal buttons or zippers or embellishment and you won't have to get undressed. It's easy as easy can be, you just lie down and let the technician do his or her thing.

Re: Bone Density Test

Shelbelle — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 14:52:46 GMT

I have had many DEXA scans and never been told what to wear, I think any clothing is acceptable, metal or otherwise. Only prep is NO calcium or Vit D supp for 24 hours prior.

Re: Bone Density Test

SeaMaiden — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 20:32:39 GMT

@Shelbelle wrote:
I have had many DEXA scans and never been told what to wear, I think any clothing is acceptable, metal or otherwise. Only prep is NO calcium or Vit D supp for 24 hours prior.

@Shelbelle I was never told about any prep.....I am sure I had both calcium and vit D prior to my test ....maybe test is new information since 4 years ago?

Re: Bone Density Test

ALRATIBA — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 20:41:15 GMT

I only had one - in 2003 when I broke my arm. It was a bad break and doctor thought I might have osteoporosis. (Turns out I didn't ... just a really bad fall.)

It was just a bunch of x-rays ... just took a couple of minutes.

Re: Bone Density Test

NickNack — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 21:09:56 GMT

@SeaMaiden wrote:
@Shelbelle wrote:
I have had many DEXA scans and never been told what to wear, I think any clothing is acceptable, metal or otherwise. Only prep is NO calcium or Vit D supp for 24 hours prior.
@Shelbelle I was never told about any prep.....I am sure I had both calcium and vit D prior to my test ....maybe test is new information since 4 years ago?

@SeaMaiden I've been having bone density scans every other year for ten years. I've always been told not to take calcium before the test. It seems like they ask me again when I get there to make sure I didn't take it.

Re: Bone Density Test

SeaMaiden — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 21:20:56 GMT

@Nicknack wrote:
@SeaMaiden wrote:
@Shelbelle wrote:
I have had many DEXA scans and never been told what to wear, I think any clothing is acceptable, metal or otherwise. Only prep is NO calcium or Vit D supp for 24 hours prior.
@Shelbelle I was never told about any prep.....I am sure I had both calcium and vit D prior to my test ....maybe test is new information since 4 years ago?
@SeaMaiden I've been having bone density scans every other year for ten years. I've always been told not to take calcium before the test. It seems like they ask me again when I get there to make sure I didn't take it.

@Shelbell that is interesting....if I ever have one again and I am not asked about that I will bring it up....or just omit taking the two prior. Thanks for the heads up!👍