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Dexa scan.....

(8 Posts)
Marydoll Wed 15-Nov-17 22:22:21

I have. Dexa scan yearly. I had one in August and a fortnight later, I got a note from my GP saying that my hip had deteriorated and I had to resume my medication after having a " holiday" from it. It was however, another two months before I had my follow up hospital appointment. Reading here, I realise I am very fortunate to have heard so promptly.

SueDonim Wed 15-Nov-17 21:58:55

Dexa scans aren't urgent because any treatment is on a long time scale of several years. Your condition won't deteriorate within a month or two.

It is annoying to know they have the results, though! However, they need to be looked at by someone qualified to make that judgment, and give an accurate diagnosis. Not all people who perform scans can also diagnose.

Luckygirl Wed 15-Nov-17 18:55:27

I suppose the really annoying thing is that the result is there! - it was there as I got off the table! - but I cannot know it!

Welshwife Wed 15-Nov-17 18:25:34

Yes it does Lucky - you could expect a bit of a delay because they would need to compare the new scan with the previous one.

Luckygirl Wed 15-Nov-17 18:20:13

I know that I have osteoporosis and the scan was to see if it is getting worse and decide on future treatment - so 3 months seems a bit excessive to me!

hildajenniJ Wed 15-Nov-17 17:03:55

I had a DEXA scan after a broken wrist a few years ago. In this area it's done if you are over 55, and have broken a bone from standing.
I too was told the result straight away. The radiographer told me that my bone density was borderline, and that they would call me back for another in three years time, if it was though necessary.
Three years came and went, so I imagine that, after reviewing my results, they concluded that I don't have osteoporosis.

Welshwife Wed 15-Nov-17 14:58:32

When I had one the young woman doing the scan - hip and spine - had the scans come up on her computer immediately and she was able to tell me I had no osteoporosis.
I had it done via the surgery for possible trial of a drug to help the condition - all females above a certain age were invited to go. You did not then have to agree to take the drug if you did have the condition but of course I was immediately dismissed as being no good to them!

Luckygirl Wed 15-Nov-17 14:23:33

.......had it last Friday and GP has just told me that the department have a 3 month backlog, so I won't know the result till possibly mid-February! Hmmm.