Community Chat

[Starpolisher]

@monicakm 

What to expect:

On the day of your scan, you can eat and drink normally, but you should avoid wearing clothing with metal zippers, buttons, or belts. You'll lie on your back on the X-ray table for about 20 minutes while the scan is performed. The scan is quick and painless, and you can eat and drink immediately after. 

🤗

[SilleeMee]

My last Dexascan took about 5 minutes to do the actual scan. 

[Rockycoast]

Yes, got one 2 years ago. Found out I was Pre-Osteoporosis. Started taking calcium supplements, weight bearing exercises, etc. Good procedure to do.

[goldensrbest]

I just called to see about getting one, they said i had one in 2021,i do not remember,wonder if medicare will pay?

[Icegoddess]

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@monicakm wrote:

@Icegoddess 

Thank you so much for the heads up. Due to my lower back / upper butt pain, this is going to require an "I don't care" pill and a pillow.  About how long does it take?

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@monicakm It doesn't take long.  I'm not good at measuring time, but not much longer than a mammogram.  You don't have to remove clothing, but it's best to keep it simple with no zippers if possible although they can work around that. You will remove your shoes though, so slip-ons makes it easier. 

[Magicrat]

I'm 74 and never had one.  "If you don't stir it, it won't stink."  Quote from our family doctor many decades ago.

[ahoymate]

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@Magicrat wrote:

I'm 74 and never had one.  "If you don't stir it, it won't stink."  Quote from our family doctor many decades ago.

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Many decades ago? Makes ZERO sense.

[Still Raining]

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@monicakm wrote:

Thank you so much for the heads up. Due to my lower back / upper butt pain, this is going to require an "I don't care" pill and a pillow.  About how long does it take?

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Please call the facility and explain your situation.  But do show up and try.  They have seen it all and will understand.  And you also have the right to halt the scan at any time if needed.  

One of my shoulders stopped moving a couple of years ago and I had to try and fail a mammogram before being referred to other modes.

Good luck!

[goldensrbest]

I don't know why i forgot about having it,seemed to me i had never had one with this primary doctor,any how will see if medicare will pay for one.

[Carmie]

Medicare will cover a Dexa bone scan as a preventative service every 24 month.

If you have a medical condition you may have the scans more frequently. The most common medical conditions that may require a scan more often are rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, hormone imbalances, osteoporosis and organ transplant.

I had a scan about two years ago....my first one.  I have no bone issues.

The scans are easy and painless, just like a regular x ray.  I didn't even have to get undressed.  I was advised not to wear pants with a zipper and fly...the metal in the zipper is a problem...avoid metal buttons too.

The technician tested the bones in my arm and hips.  If one of them looked like a problem, she would have tested another area.  So easy and more comfortable than a mammogram.