Should I Get A Bone Scan Done?

[mythreesuns]

Ever since I told my mother I had arthritis in my foot she's been pushing me to get a bone scan.

I'm only 33, and even my dr remarked that it was odd that I should have osteoarthritis at this age without a previous injury.

What do you think?

[elonwy]

I got a bone scan done. I'm only 28 and have no recognizable symptoms, but my mom developed osteoperosis at a very early age, and considering all that, I got it done just to be sure. It doesn't hurt and its unobstrusive, probably the easiest test of all this junk. If your ins. covers it, I say go for it.

Elonwy

[Michi8]

Ever since I told my mother I had arthritis in my foot she's been pushing me to get a bone scan.

I'm only 33, and even my dr remarked that it was odd that I should have osteoarthritis at this age without a previous injury.

What do you think?

If you have celiac and related malabsorption issues, then your bone health can be affected. The test itself is very quick and easy.

Michelle

[jenvan]

Bone scans are typically considered one of the tests to run post-diagnosis. Osteopenia/osteoporosis are often found in celiacs, more so women of course. I had one at 25 when I was diagnosed. However, it isn't considered essential by some. The good thing about having it done is that if your bone density needs attention you will know it and have time to improve it. (I not talking about osteoarthritis here though,which is what your mother mentioned...)

[mythreesuns]

(I not talking about osteoarthritis here though,which is what your mother mentioned...)

My mother seemed to think there was a link between osteoperosis and osteoarthritis, which I guess I failed to mention. Given, my mother is not a medical expert by any means! LOL

Anyway, is it true that there is a link between osteoperosis and arthrits?

[beaglemania]

I'm 14 and I have osteoporsosis, so I say you should do it. My aunt (doesn't have celiac) had bad osteoporosis since 35 years old, though my case and her case aren't related.

I used to have arthritis in my foot. I used to only be able to walk a short while befoe my feet really started aching. Their much better now though with the diet and an infusion drug I take 1 a month.

[evie]

Ever since I told my mother I had arthritis in my foot she's been pushing me to get a bone scan.

I'm only 33, and even my dr remarked that it was odd that I should have osteoarthritis at this age without a previous injury.

What do you think?

I say do it, you may not have it but it makes us feel better to KNOW!! What the problem is, then we do not speculate so much which can be worse than a known problem. It could be your foot pain is from Celiac joint problems, for many months (earlier this year) I had pain in L. ankle and both wrists...celiac related pain. My ankle is ok and only r. wrist bothers me now. If you do have it yoe can take more calcium & meds or ?? to better the case and be more comfy.

I just found I have it in my spine so am taking a stronger med & more calcium. All 3 of our dd in their 50's have it, 1 is worse than myself. she has started a new calcuim just out by infusion (IV), we sure pray it helps, she has such small bones. Good Luck to you/ prayers too from me. evie

[Rusla]

Arthritis is often hereditary. My son has had it since he was 18 and I have had it since my 20'a. Yes, you should have a bone density test done. If it shows nothing now then by all means make sure you have one done when you are older. I never had one done till a few months ago and there it is in my back and badly. Which means I who used ot be 5'4" is now 5'2.5", this is not good in another 20 years I will be 3 feet tall (hopefully not). Just for the record all my siblings also have arthritis and have since early ages. I knew when I was 30 that it was also in my back.

Rusla

[mythreesuns]

Interesting points...thanks for the replies!

What makes this all the more odd is that there is NO early osteoperosis in my family. My grandmother had it, but she was well into her 80s and a chain smoker for years before she got it.

Well, my fibro friend just told me last night that the rheumy I'm going to on Monday (also her rheumy) can order a bone scan, so I'll ask him about it then.

Thanks, all!

[evie]

Interesting points...thanks for the replies!

What makes this all the more odd is that there is NO early osteoperosis in my family. My grandmother had it, but she was well into her 80s and a chain smoker for years before she got it.

Well, my fibro friend just told me last night that the rheumy I'm going to on Monday (also her rheumy) can order a bone scan, so I'll ask him about it then.

Thanks, all!

But YOU may be the first because of celiac not allowing your calcium to be taken into your body! I think that is my case but our dd could have inherited osteo from their paternal grmother. she had such tiny bones and so many breaks. Just wanted to bring that out. company coming...must get busy!! Morning all! evie

[mythreesuns]

But YOU may be the first because of celiac not allowing your calcium to be taken into your body!

Yeah, that was my thinking. It's odd enough to have problems at this age, odder still when there's no family history. That's why I think its worth getting the bone scan.

Thanks!

[Mayflowers]

I think you should get your vitamin D levels checked first. Low vitamin D levels mean low bone density. I tested at 26 and normal levels are over 50 . With that I had a bone density test and I have osteoporosis. I'm 54. I already shrunk an inch from it.

I was 5'7 now I'm 5'6.

[Emilushka]

If your insurance will cover it, get it done! I agree with everyone above who said it's better to know. This is your body and your health. If you're wondering, go for it. Get the answers you want.

I personally chose to NOT get the bone scan, but I also chose to put myself on calcium supplements and weight-bearing exercise instead and just assume I'm not at my peak bone density. It's really a personal choice at this point.

So if you find yourself wondering, make sure it's covered and then get it done. Better to have answers and sleep well at night.