Dexa Scan test for bone density - Page 3

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

On 12/4/2014 Sweetbay magnolia said:
I had a perfectly ""normal"" scan and am still facing hip replacement due to joint degeneration. I guess you have to determine what you hope to glean from the test. Maybe my ""clean"" scan will help the surgeon determine my risk.

Arthritis and bone density (osteoporosis) have little to do with each other. Low calcium will result in the bones themselves getting very weak and porous - making them susceptible to fractures.That is why they test for bone density. Arthritis is a disease caused by the immune system and wear & tear over the years wearing away the cartilage that lines the joints until the bones in the joint are rubbing together with no padding between them. This is why you need joint replacements. they are 2 different diseases. People can have either one or both.

HappyDaze · ‎06-13-2012

On 12/4/2014 pistolino said:
If you don't intend to take the medications they push for bone loss, I wouldn't even bother with the test. It's a waste of your time and insurance money. Just because insurance covers it doesn't mean you have to have it, especially if you don't intend to follow the recommended treatment.

Good point. Why get something done just because? Seems silly and a waste of money (even if it isn't your money).

chrystaltree · ‎05-10-2010

...so why are you having a dexa scan if you don't like doctors, have no faith in medical imaging, won't taking any prescribed medication....why waste your time and your co-pay?

violann · ‎03-10-2010

On 12/5/2014 chrystaltree said:
...so why are you having a dexa scan if you don't like doctors, have no faith in medical imaging, won't taking any prescribed medication....why waste your time and your co-pay?

My choice is to address health problems very aggressively before they get worse. I'm adding a calcium supplement and brisk walks 5 or 6 days/week. I was once hyperthyroid, and issues of bone integrity CAN result from hyperthyroidism. I have had bone density tests about every 4 years, and to me, a statistical difference is a personal "heads up".

caf in va · ‎03-10-2010

I just had a cracked tooth pulled last week, and needed an implant post placed. The first thing the oral surgeon asked was do you take bisphoshonates or the infusion drugs. I had taken Bonvia for about eight months and ended up with Barrett's and stopped. The Dr. Handed me an update on all the bad effects of these medications on the jaw bone and said he would check mine by X-ray before trying to do an implant. I had to have a small bone graft and will have the pint in in April. The reason he would'nt do the implant if I Had lost bone was poor results and possible necrotic effects on the bone. You can go on the net and look it up on the AAOMS website. These drugs are bad all the way around,and I take calcium with D3. I do have osteopenia, but walk like crazy,and will start weight lifting in January as recommended. I small and the. So it is worse for us. just think about it.

Vivian · ‎03-11-2010

I'm fortunate that the bone density tests I've had over the years have all been good. I think that's because I've done impact exercises all my life (dance, figure skating, tennis, and aerobics). I was told that I should never take prescription drugs for bone density because I have a history of ulcers. Now that I see these awful side effects, I'm definitely going to keep up that exercise.

June Lands · ‎11-13-2014

On 12/5/2014 tends2dogs said:
Just because someone chooses not to take the recommended drugs for osteoporosis, doesn't mean they shouldn't have a bone scan. I had one this year at my yearly exam. I go to a preventive where they don't prescribe Fosamax, etc. I had the scan done to compare to the one I had 5 years ago. It was also done to see if the supplements they have prescribed for me are working. They are.

AnnaBella, go get your bone scan. It will tell you if you need to be more proactive. Do I recall that you had hip or knee replacement recently? This may be a test you shouldn't pass up.

Thnk-you. I have never had joint replacement thank God. I have arthritis in my back....especially my neck. Going to start some PT to see if that will help with my pain

wonderfulworld · ‎12-05-2012

Just an opinion....it is very hard to make an 'informed' decision these days when the information seems to be constantly changing. My doctor thinks the gel form of HRT is probably the best of many poor solutions. But even that can cause endometrial build up and who knows what else. That and exercise and vitD and a little natural sunlight are suggested.. .