Sqad...

[Jackdaw33]

As you're around I would be grateful for your advice. I have been contacted today by my surgery following a letter from the hospital requiring further tests. One of them is a bone density scan. I have never heard of this, as far as I am aware I have no problems with my bones. What is this supposed to indicate and should I be unduly concerned?

[NoMercy]

A DEXA (bone density scan) measures your bone mineral density. It will tell you if your bone density is in the normal range, osteopaenic range or osteoporotic range.

Women are more prone to osteoporosis / osteopaenia than men, but risk factors for men are drinking, smoking, long-term steroids, low dietary calcium, hypovitaminosis D (low vitamin D), lack of exercise and coeliac disease and others.

What recent tests have you had done and do you know the results?

[maggiebee]

Sorry to butt in, but I thought a bone density scan was routine after a certain age (may be 60) if you have broken a bone.

[Jackdaw33]

Could be, Maggie, I broke my shoulder @ 64 and my ankle @ 66. So nothing sinister, then

[Baldric]

Well, I'm 66 and had lots of broken bones in the late 80's due to a major RTC, as far as I know I have never had a BDS.

[NoMercy]

JD - you mention 'further" tests. Are these tests further to recent tests you have had carried out or the hospital merely following you up with regard to your previous fractures?

[Milo2]

As Maggiebee suggested, my husband was offered one after he had a broken ankle.

[NoMercy]

Given my lifestyle over the last 2 years and the fact that I want to have all my reproductive organs removed asap, I'll probably be a candidate for low bone mineral density. Having said that, I do have a very good dietary intake of calcium.

[Sqad]

Jack...I can add little more to what Nomercy has said.
For what reasons are you being investigated at the hospital?
Let me into your history of those investigation and then i may give you a meaningful reply.

[Jackdaw33]

Cheers, Sqad

1. Acute onchronic pancreatitis, likely ethanol related.
2. Chronic smoker.
3. previous cholecysytectomy
4. ? chronic liver disease. (Their ?, not mine)

Am I ***ed?

[NoMercy]

JD, I note your past medical history and certainly you have risk factors for osteoporosis, but I am still not sure how you came to receive an invitation from the hospital to undergo a bone density scan.

We're you previously referred for further investigations? Has this been prompted by the results of preliminary investigations or is this something to do with your previous fractures?

[marval]

I have RA and was sent for a DEXA scan.

[Jackdaw33]

This is a result of numerous falls at home where I can't get off the floor and have to summon help. These falls did not happen when I was in my cups.

[Sqad]

Thanks Jack...I agree with NoM, but the one that stands out and hits you in the face is liver disease which is associated with osteoporosis.
If you liver function tests were cr.@p then the next thing will be for a bone scan.
To be honest Jack, it doesn't sound a big deal.

[NoMercy]

JD, if I may ask, are you okay in yourself?

[Jackdaw33]

I feel fine in myself. except when on my feet as I have poor balance and cannot walk far.

[chrissa1]

I had a bds after I had fractured my tib and fib back in 1998 and then falling and fracturing my wrist when I was out walking my dogs in 2009.

They diagnosed, osteoporosis and I’ve been on calcium tablets ever since.

I was, taking another drug which in can’t recall it’s name but, I was told I had ostenecrosis in my jaw when a bit of it snapped off and protruded out of my gum. I stopped taking that drug and now just have the calcium tablets.

It’s no big deal, jackdaw. Just be careful and don’t fall over.

Keep ha’ad, as we say up here. X