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Bone scan?

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Posted 10/21/2014 9:53 PM (GMT 0)
I told my doctor immediately after the gave me my bio results that my back had started hurting / aching a couple years ago; and my primary doctor x-rayed it and said I had moderate arthritis and prescribed Mobic, but my orthopedic doctor x-rayed it just about six months ago and said it looked really perfect.

The urologist said he'd order me a bone scan, and they called today and said they have one set up for Friday.

Would you go ahead to the appt.?  I've read that's a very rare chance.  I assume my insurance will pay for it and I have pretty good savings/income anyway if it doesn't.  It wouldn't hurt otherwise, right?

Sorry for all the questions.  I've only told my wife, two sons, boss, and two of my three sisters about this so not many to talk to.  My parents are alive but my dad has been through six major cancer surgeries and I don't want him feeling any guilt or remorse for me.

Thanks.

Posted 10/21/2014 10:02 PM (GMT 0)
Don't assume anything when it comes to major procedures. Be sure the scan is pre-authorized by the insurance company. Call the number on your card and ask, then check that the facility that does it has an authorization, and is hopefully in-network. Otherwise you might be paying retail.

Mine, at diagnosis, didn't tell us much, but turned out to be very important to isolating some bone mets later down the line.
Posted 10/22/2014 11:43 AM (GMT 0)
It probably won't show anything, but it becomes a baseline for future changes as 142 says. It is also a bit defensive from the doc's perspective.

It shouldn't be ordered and certainly won't be performed unless the treatment center has already received insurance authorization. Call the center or your insurance for confirmation of the authorization.
Posted 10/22/2014 11:52 AM (GMT 0)
Dewayne, with your stats the bone scan is very likely a waste of time and many urologists would not bother to request one. However, I'm guessing that your uro is taking the safe approach.

Speaking of stats, it would be really helpful if you posted your stats in a signature line. Getting answers to your questions is often related to your particular case so it's helpful to your fellow members to see/understand your stats.

Thanks,

Jim
Posted 10/22/2014 3:01 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with the others, get the test. Mine was covered by my insurance. They did have to get approval from the insurance company first. It does help set a base line.

I have a CD copy of mine in my book of test results for my records. Mine only showed arthritis spots.

Bill from Florida cool
Posted 10/22/2014 3:33 PM (GMT 0)

Tudpock18 said...
Dewayne, with your stats the bone scan is very likely a waste of time and many urologists would not bother to request one. However, I'm guessing that your uro is taking the safe approach.

Speaking of stats, it would be really helpful if you posted your stats in a signature line. Getting answers to your questions is often related to your particular case so it's helpful to your fellow members to see/understand your stats.

Thanks,

Jim

I'm not sure why my stats don't show in this thread. I thought I put them all in.

Post Edited (Dewayne) : 10/22/2014 9:37:32 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/22/2014 3:44 PM (GMT 0)
Dewayne, you have to make sure the box "include signature" is checked.

Jim
Posted 10/22/2014 3:55 PM (GMT 0)
I see now.
Posted 10/22/2014 4:47 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with Tudpock. It's a useless procedure in a guy with your stats. With your GS 3+4, it won't show any cancer until your PSA reaches at least 10 and probably not before 20. It will show every little bone contusion you've had since birth, and arthritis, spinal sclerosis, etc. Those spots will probably alarm you and your doctor, cause needless biopsies or worse interventions. Talk to Lupron Jim about the enormous harm it did him - for years he was treated as if he had bone mets because of a bone scan, when in reality, he had none. Even if it were free, it's a seriously bad idea, imho.

If you've had back pains for a couple of years, find a good orthopedist who may decide that an MRI is worthwhile.

- Allen
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