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Posted 2/29/2008 3:23 AM (GMT 0)
I just saw one of my GI doctors yesterday who prescribed a bone scan.  I'm going to see a rheumatologist tomorrow.  I was wondering if any of you knew if a rheumatologist can do a bone scan, or if I should just call and make an appointment with my family doctor like the GI suggested.  I'm just trying to avoid making yet another appointment if I don't need to.
Posted 2/29/2008 3:29 AM (GMT 0)
My GI wrote the order up and I had it done at the local hospital. Hope it turns out good!
Posted 2/29/2008 10:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hi I had mine done at my internest doctors office. You can have it done at your hospital.
Posted 2/29/2008 11:26 AM (GMT 0)
I had mine done at the hospital, my PCP wrote the script due to steroid use. It's quick and painless, usually done in or around the mammogram area.
Posted 2/29/2008 1:58 PM (GMT 0)
Some rheumatologists have DEXA bone scan equipment in their office. Just be sure they scan the hip and back area. Some scan just the wrist and forearm or heel and those are really just "screenings", NOT a true DEXA scan for osteoporosis or osteomalacia. There is evidence that the best results are obtained when each DEXA scan is done on the same machine, or at least same brand equipment, AND when possible by the same tech and read by the same radiologist. I am assuming that in your case this is to be a baseline DEXA scan. If you have the option to choose where it is done, look for the most likely facility likely to be able to provide the continuity mentioned above.
Posted 2/29/2008 5:00 PM (GMT 0)
When should you get a bone scan?  Is it based on how much/how long you used prednisone, or based on symptoms, or some other secret criteria?  I was concerned that I am getting bone problems from the prednisone but all the severe pain in my bones mostly goes away when I am off it.  I feel weird bothering the doctor about a bone scan when I may not need one, but I have no idea what the criteria is for needing a bone scan.

Posted 2/29/2008 7:23 PM (GMT 0)
my naturapath sent me for one to see if I need more vitamin D and just because I am a middle-aged, tiny boned woman with osteoporosis in my family.
Posted 2/29/2008 7:52 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all the replies. You guys are always super helpful!
Posted 2/29/2008 8:43 PM (GMT 0)
Generally, once you've been on pred (or Entocort) 3 months or longer, it is wise to get a baseline DEXA bone scan if for no other purposed than to have something to guage any future bone loss against.
Posted 2/29/2008 10:28 PM (GMT 0)
Would it be a good idea to get a bone scan if I was on prednisone for 2 months, off it for 6 weeks, and then have been back on it for 3 weeks?  It kind of bothers me that my ankles feel like they are going to break into a thousand pieces and sometimes my hip hurts so bad I can't walk right, but that stuff goes away when I get rid of the prednisone.

Posted 3/1/2008 2:49 AM (GMT 0)
Hi map lady,
I was on and off Prednisone for about a 4 month period. My doc ordered a Dexa bone scan for a baseline, like CrohnieToo said, but also, I'm 49, and I guess it is recommeded for women over 50...I guess with my Crohn's and Prednisone, I'm close enough. I also read that Crohn's disease itself, even without steroids can affect bone loss. I haven't gotten the results yet.
Posted 3/1/2008 5:40 PM (GMT 0)
Ah ok, I'm always putting off and avoiding going to the doctor for stuff until it's bad and can't be ignored.  I figured it would be bad to do that with potential bone damage, but if I'm only 26 and they usually do bone scans for women over 50, guess I'm ok.  Kind of nice to have one less test to worry about ;)

Posted 3/1/2008 9:11 PM (GMT 0)
I'm 23 and I had the DEXA bone scan because I was on Entocort for 9 months total. Although I did get the scan after only 5 months I think. I would do it. It showed that I had some osteopenia in my hip, and I hadn't even been feeling any pain. It's a painless procedure. I would just go and do it so your doctor has an idea of what your bone density is. It can't hurt, but it can help you know something is going on.. like it did for me.
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