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Honored Contributor
Posts: 8,153
Registered: ‎07-26-2019

@goldensrbest 

 

    Don't depend on your Doctor knowing   abt  women's health . Some Doctors  who have been practicing for years don't keep up.   Many  preventative   screening standards of care   such as yearly  routine  labs  also should include  checks for HbA1c  , Vitamin D levels ,  mamograms with 3D imaging  ,  dexascans ect. Medicare has a list or your health insursance  should as to how often these are recomended & how often they will pay for them.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 9,312
Registered: ‎05-15-2014

I had to start bone density scans young due to being on Tamoxifen following breast cancer.  I'm only 63 and have had 4 and will have my 5th one next spring.  Every two years for me.

 

@monicakm They are fairly easy and quick.  My younger sister had anxiety about going for the first time.  She also survived breast cancer.  I laughed and told her it's so easy compared to what we've been through already, it's like having a cup of coffee!

 

@goldensrbest You should insist  to your physician on having one.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 14,661
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

 

Yes!  My last one was a year ago. 

 

 

 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 36,867
Registered: ‎05-17-2010

@goldensrbest   My PCP requests one every 3 yrs. I do take a Vit. D supplement which helps the body absorb calium for strong bones and so many other benefits. It has kept my bones strong (along with weight baring exercise) and testing shows this. Vit. D is especially important for me and others who don't go in the sun.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 8,604
Registered: ‎03-19-2014

I had a scan about a month ago and my doctor's office told me I had osteopenia which I suspected because I was diagnosed with that about 6 or 7 years ago.  They told me they'll request another scan in 2 years.  

Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, but Wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad.
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Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,859
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Bone density scan

[ Edited ]

@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. 
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Honored Contributor
Posts: 42,234
Registered: ‎05-22-2016

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

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,200
Registered: ‎03-02-2016

Re: Bone density scan

[ Edited ]

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

Honored Contributor
Posts: 17,832
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

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

When you lose some one you L~O~V~E, that Memory of them, becomes a TREASURE.
Honored Contributor
Posts: 15,250
Registered: ‎03-19-2010

@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?


@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.