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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 1/3/2010 Posts: 44 Location: Horsham, West Sussex
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Hi everyone
I've got a DEXA scan next Thursday. The reason I'm having it is that I had a total hysterectomy 4 years ago when I was 42 and given my recent rise in BP (leflunomide induced) I've been discussing coming off my HRT with my GP.
I know that the DEXA scan is to determine my bone density but does anyone happen to know whether it will reveal any joint damage at all? The reason I ask is that I had normal x-rays done at my time of diagnosis and haven't had any since. Just curious, really!
Kathryn
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,157 Location: Huddersfield
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Hi Kathryn,
No, the dexa scan won't reveal any joint damage, all it does is measure the bone density .
I've had two done now and it's a very quick procedure, you don't even have to get undressed.
Good luck with it.
Doreen xx
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 1/3/2010 Posts: 44 Location: Horsham, West Sussex
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Hi Doreen
Well I'm glad I don't have to get undressed, at least! It sounds pretty straightforward. Shame they can't do a normal x-ray too whilst they're at it as I'd like to know what damage has been done, if any.
Thanks for the info.
Kathryn
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 52 Location: northern ireland
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do you think could you request a xray to see if any damage has been done i see my consultant in august again how do you think he would react if i asked for one to see if any damage was done to my joints
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,157 Location: Huddersfield
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No harm in asking Posie, if you have had problems with any specific joints.
The best way to look at them all would be an MRI scan but for obvious reasons they can't do these as routine.
Doreen xx
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009
Posts: 2,127
Location: Thornton Cleveleys
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I have had no joy asking for routine X-Rays /MRI scans to assess joint damage in the whole of the time I've had RA and I have significant damage! Yes, specific problem areas will be done by orthopaedics if referred and considered necessary but otherwise not cost effective. I went to orthopaedics last year about my left knee which was subsequently operated on. Went for the follow up and whilst there mentioned my right knee which was also in need of investigation. Oh no, couldn't even be looked at without a further referral letter from rheumatology! So, as I nearly fell over on the way out he decided he'd better have a quick look. Quick it was, and yes it needed urgent investigation BUT I still need referral!! I go on the 28th! Routine X-Rays,  no chance at my hospital! Lyn x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/20/2010 Posts: 1,749 Location: Somerset
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Hello Posy
I have had a dexa scan and as far I am aware it is to find the bone density and nothing
else. Checks for osteoporis.
It does hurt and very straight forward
Rose
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 2/2/2011
Posts: 31
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I've just had one of these! Painless. Why don't you just ask your consultant to do some x-rays. I did when I was worried about my wrist.
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 1/3/2010 Posts: 44 Location: Horsham, West Sussex
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Thanks all, for your replies. My main worry is my big toe as it's turning sideways a bit and has gone fairly numb which is weird. I'll ask the consultant when I see him in May if an xray is out of the question!
Kathryn
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009
Posts: 2,127
Location: Thornton Cleveleys
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Hi Kathryn It certainly sounds as though an X-Ray would be appropriate and necessary in your circumstances. You really do need to look after your feet, they can become easily damaged by RA and ... you only get the one pair!! Lyn x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,689 Location: Durham
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I must be in good hands then - I`ve had 4 lots of routine X-rays done since I started at my current hospital, almost three years ago now. I`ve only had two MRI scans. Kathleen C x
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 1/3/2010 Posts: 44 Location: Horsham, West Sussex
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Hi Kathleen I'm getting xray envy now!  Kathryn x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 838 Location: Nottinghamshire
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I had hands, feet and chest x-rayed when I was first diagnosed. I had hands and feet done again a year later to see if there had been any damage done. I was then told that I would have x-rays done every two years. I did have them done again end of last year because I was getting problems with my hands and feet and getting worried that something was happening.
I did have my chest x-rayed again last May before I had MTX added. I did ask my nurse why they didn't x--ray other joints and she did say the they don't like giving us too many x-rays because it wasn't safe and minor damage would not be shown on x-rays for shoulders etc.
I've never had a MRI scan.
Paula x
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 52 Location: northern ireland
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i had my knees shoulders feet xrayed at start since then my wrists and fingers have been sore i didnt have a chest xray before i started on mext but had one later when i had chest pain it was caused by indegestion
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