Bone Density Test - Page 2

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

@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

wagirl · ‎03-09-2010

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.

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

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.

SeaMaiden · ‎03-10-2010

@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

chrystaltree · ‎05-10-2010

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.

Shelbelle · ‎03-09-2010

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.

SeaMaiden · ‎03-10-2010

@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?

ALRATIBA · ‎07-15-2016

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.

NickNack · ‎03-10-2010

@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.

The Bluebird Carries The Sky On His Back"
-Henry David Thoreau

SeaMaiden · ‎03-10-2010

@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!👍