Bone density scan.... anyone ?

[Dave7]

Out of the blue i have revived an appointment to have a bone density scan.
No warning, no explanation, just an appointment in September.
Google tells me its normal procedure for older people but even so some sort of explanation would be nice**
**with my recent hospital episode one cant help but have the initial "what have they found" thoughts.
NB
My daughter has apparently been having them for 15+years due to family history of osteoarthritisoporosis (on the female side).

 

[numbnuts]

Never had that, all the best Dave

 

[Drago]

I've had one, but that was prompted by hip problems so had an identifiable cause.

Could you whoever sent you the appointment whh they've chosen you?

 

[DCLane]

I had two in quick succession about 15 years ago to test Leeds General Infirmary's scanner against my university new more advanced on in order to provide a comparison for both.

It was a worthwhile activity in my case as I wanted to know the impact on my bones of the deliberate weight loss I'd done over the previous 18 months.

 

[mickle]

I have them regularly because steroids.

 

[nogoodnamesleft]

Out of the blue i have revived an appointment to have a bone density scan.
No warning, no explanation, just an appointment in September.
Google tells me its normal procedure for older people but even so some sort of explanation would be nice**
**with my recent hospital episode one cant help but have the initial "what have they found" thoughts.
NB
My daughter has apparently been having them for 15+years due to family history of osteoarthritisoporosis (on the female side).

If your daughter has a "family history of osteoarthritisoporosis" could that be the reason you've been invited for a scan.

I'm surprised they've just given you an appointment. My routine thing (Old Age check, flu vaccinations, etc.) I get a message to contact my GP practice to make an appointment, not just given the appointment date/time.

 

[Dave7]

If your daughter has a "family history of osteoarthritisoporosis" could that be the reason you've been invited for a scan.

I'm surprised they've just given you an appointment. My routine thing (Old Age check, flu vaccinations, etc.) I get a message to contact my GP practice to make an appointment, not just given the appointment date/time.

Google tells me its 'standard' for older people. That offends me as I am only 79

 

[nogoodnamesleft]

Google tells me its 'standard' for older people. That offends me as I am only 79

From NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/dexa-scan/

Who needs to have a bone density scan​

You may need to have a bone density scan if you're:

• over 50 with a risk of developing osteoporosis
• under 50 with other risk factors, such as smoking or a previous broken bone

 

[DCLane]

@nogoodnamesleft - given most cyclists have broken at least one bone* then we're all getting invited at some point.

* I did lots in one go to make up for the ones I hadn't. Then added another just to make sure.

 

[Dave7]

@nogoodnamesleft - given most cyclists have broken at least one bone* then we're all getting invited at some point.

* I did lots in one go to make up for the ones I hadn't. Then added another just to make sure.

The only bone I have broken was my thumb. That was slipping on a rock while hiking in the Lake District.

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

I had one due to Coeliac Disease so I wasn;t absorbing "stuff" properly

also - had broken both arms in the last year - separately - both slow speed bike/ground type problems

but it revealed osteopenia - i.e. bones not as strong as they should be

that was 2 years ago - haven't had one since

 

[Dogtrousers]

As I've got older I've been offered various screening tests - prostate, bowel spring to mind plus ongoing asthma stuff, cholesterol tests ... I've always followed my wife's advice - if they're offering then take it!

I don't know if the NHS is actually getting more proactive in their screening activities or whether it's just a consequence of getting older.

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

I reckon that sometimes you get a slight problem as you get older and the GP just looks at your record and thinks they may as well test for everything now
and then try to keep it a low level thing
rather than sort the problem out when it gets worse later

 

[Tenkaykev]

Several months after breaking my arm I was invited to go in for a " DEXA " Scan. Osteopenia diagnosed. Surprised me a bit as many decades of long distance running usually result in denser bones.
Interestingly the Scanner is located on the top floor of what was Beales Department Store in the heart of Poole's Dolphin Centre. The store still has a few departments, Bedding, kitchen equipment etc, and several franchises. The escalator to the Scanning Suite has a couple of stands with a red rope between, much like Cinema lobbies in the days of yore. Check in at the desk beside the escalator, the rope is lifted and up you go😁

 

[fossyant]

I had one last year due to smashing up my pelvis. Couldn't get readings off my broken areas (spine and pelvis) as the bone gets stronger from a break. Happy to report bone density was excellent and above average for my age.

Worth getting done as we age. Friend's wife didn't realise she had osteoporosis until she fell in the garden and broke her hip. Hasn't healed well at all