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DEXA scan?

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Posted 3/14/2006 5:48 PM (GMT 0)
Has anyone had one of these?  I had to go to the ER early Sat. morning for severe abdominal pain (think labor pains).  They thought it was my gall bladder so I had a CT scan, then had to come back the following day for an abdominal u/s.  The u/s revealed polyps in my gall bladder (3 of them), and on Mon. my family doc said that they found lesions on my sacrialiac (sp?).  I now have to get a DEXA scan to check for more lesions and/or figure out what they are (I guess--I was in shock mode after having that bombshell dropped on me and my mind faltered for questions).  Can anyone tell me what to expect?  All the info I can find is for osteoperosis.  I have to wait 2 wks. for the scan as I was giving barium for the CT and was told to stop taking my calcium 48 hrs. prior to the scan.  She said to wear loose clothes w/no snaps or metal and that was about it, although she is sending me some more info.

The doc did say that the lesions did not appear aggressive at this time, however since they couldn't tell for sure they suggested the DEXA scan.  For once they don't want to play the "wait and see game" so that scares me even more.  I know this isn't BC related, but I don't know where else to go?

~Laura~

Posted 3/15/2006 5:04 PM (GMT 0)
Laura,
Sorry to hear about your trip to the ER! I've had a DEXA scan and it was just a quick thing. I just layed on the table in my own clothes for a short time and that was it. It was used for determining my bone density. I don't know if there are other uses. I'm not a doctor, but I'm guessing the lesions are related to either osteoporosis or osteopenia. Besides the problems that come with those bone conditions, I'm guessing it is nothing more serious.

Here is a quick blurb I found: DEXA SCAN: An imaging procedure used to evaluate bone mineral density and evaluate the status of bone integrity as regards a diagnosis of osteopenia or osteoporosis. The DEXA may understate the true extent of abnormality by attributing unrelated conditions such as arthritis and vascular calcifications to normal bone density.

I hope this helps.

Laure'
Posted 3/16/2006 7:05 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Laure! I called my doc's office today to ask her directly why we're doing the bone scan and what they're trying to find (or rule out). The CT report sounds scary to me and the fact that they're jumping on tests instead of doing the "wait 6 mos. and come back" approach doesn't help either.

I wish I hadn't have had the CT so that I could (hopefully) get answers quicker. But then the CT found it, so...

~Laura~
Posted 3/16/2006 8:09 PM (GMT 0)
Keep us posted, Laura. We'll be worried right along with you! I hope the doc gives you some answers. I know the word lesions does sound pretty scary. Hopefully, it's not cancer lesions, just osteopenia. I'm saying a prayer for you!!!!

Laure'
Posted 3/17/2006 4:18 PM (GMT 0)
My doctor's office said they are doing it to rule out arthritis. Said they are being overly cautious. Not sure what will happen if the test comes back negative for arthritis (other than us being pleased, of course). I am thinking that if they just leave it at that I might seek a second opinion from an actual ortho doc. I want to be sure about this. The radiologist called it "unusual geographic lytic lesions" so for me, it's worth it to have a more seasoned bone doctor take a look.

I'll update when I have more info. And thanks for the thoughts and prayers!

~Laura~
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