Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: Jeepers on October 16, 2019, 05:35:12 PM

Title: DEXA scan
Post by: Jeepers on October 16, 2019, 05:35:12 PM

Hi,

quick question.  I know a dexa scan is to look for signs of osteoporosis, but would it pick up other conditions such as Arthritis or degenerative disc disease? Anyone had one of these?

Thanks

Jeepers xx

Title: Re: DEXA scan
Post by: CLKD on October 16, 2019, 06:41:14 PM

DEXA looks for bone density. 

The best place to be scanned is pelvis and hips as this is the widest area of the body.  I had my feet/ankles scanned at work but an over-all body scan as part of treatment showed that my bone density is fine.

Title: Re: DEXA scan
Post by: marge on October 16, 2019, 07:46:32 PM

I've had one,  Jeepers, and as far as l know, they're just to measure bone density.

Title: Re: DEXA scan
Post by: CLKD on October 17, 2019, 06:43:43 AM

A DEXA scan usually assesses or measures bone density.

It may also have uses in determining body composition, such as the percentage of lean muscle and fat.

The dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan uses two low-energy X-ray beams, which doctors direct toward the bones.26 Feb 2019
DEXA scan: Purpose, procedure, and results


https://www.medicalnewstoday.com › articles

Title: Re: DEXA scan
Post by: CLKD on October 18, 2019, 08:40:26 AM

Maybe have a look-see at your local Hospital web-page and see if there is an appropriate dept., then ring and see what the procedure is.

Title: Re: DEXA scan
Post by: Tc on October 27, 2019, 09:13:11 PM

My mums arthritis was diagnosed with an MRI scan.
Have you got a dexa booked jeeps?
I'm getting one soon..
Xx

Title: Re: DEXA scan
Post by: CLKD on October 28, 2019, 10:25:23 AM

Arthritis is different to bone density ........... hey, that's technical  ::)

Title: Re: DEXA scan
Post by: Tc on October 28, 2019, 11:31:51 AM

Yes. Arthritis and  bone density are  different issues.  the dexa is about risk of osteoporosis and fracture risk,  what I meant was if you want to scan for arthritis it would be an MRI. Rather than dexa scan. Xxxx

Title: Re: DEXA scan
Post by: CLKD on October 28, 2019, 01:08:37 PM

Aaaahhhh  :thankyou:

In my day it was X-rays - nowt else available  ::).  I've briskly walked round the supermarket pushing a trolley, does that count  ;D

Title: Re: DEXA scan
Post by: Tc on October 28, 2019, 04:46:32 PM

Thinking about it, my mum recently had ordinary xrays too for broken leg and they could see arthritis on the normal xray.too.  So probably shows up on different types other than just an MRI. 

Did you do the shopping trolley dash CLKD? :)

Title: Re: DEXA scan
Post by: CLKD on October 28, 2019, 04:57:13 PM

 ;D oh you saw me  :rofl: hope I didn't bang your calves .......

X-rays show bone deformity, fractures and osteo- arthritis.  As well as nil of note ;-).  Had your Mum broken her leg, you may have said  :-\.  Sometimes fractures don't show immediately, until signs of bone healing begins. 

Title: Re: DEXA scan
Post by: Jeepers on October 28, 2019, 06:19:53 PM

Hi All

Thanks for your replies, I really appreciate it.  No, I havent got anything booked.  I'm thinking of getting a Dexa scan though, privately, as I don't thinkmy GP would let me have one.  I'm scared to get an ordinary X-ray , so was hoping the Dexa could be multi purpose

Oh well

Thanks again

Jeepers xx

Title: Re: DEXA scan
Post by: CLKD on October 28, 2019, 06:58:45 PM

Why not ask the GP or Practice Nurse  :-\

Teresa - one can't walk too much!  We are hunter gatherers after all.  It's best not to jog on hard surfaces but brisk walking is how we are designed  ::)

Title: Re: DEXA scan
Post by: CLKD on October 28, 2019, 07:49:45 PM

Probably  ::)

Title: Re: DEXA scan
Post by: Tc on October 29, 2019, 02:38:02 PM

Jeepers. At my appt with meno clinic the doc did an online "fracture risk assessment". From which she made the decision to dexa  scan.

I'm sure it's something you could discuss with your GP

Here is some info

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/osteoporosis-fracture-risk-assessment-tool-frax/

Title: Re: DEXA scan
Post by: Jeepers on October 29, 2019, 06:19:27 PM

Hi tc

Thanks for the link. I did the questionnaire and I came out in the yellow area. I don't think my go would agree to a dead scan. and I'm not sure that my meno clinic have that either. I'll check.

So, I will probably just have to find somewhere myself off the internet,

Love

Jeepers xx

Title: Re: DEXA scan
Post by: CLKD on October 29, 2019, 06:29:14 PM

Have you asked your GP for a DEXA scan - don't think negatively!

You should not have pay for a scan.

Title: Re: DEXA scan
Post by: Tc on October 29, 2019, 07:03:20 PM

Jeeps. Of course it is entirely your choice and you may get it quicker privately but I do think its,worth exploring with your GP and/ or meno clinic first. . If they both refuse you will be no worse off, but one or the other might agree to do it and then you wont have to fork out. Xxx