Chasing Hawk

I went to see the Orthopedic Doctor today. I have had pain in my hips for what seems forever now. He suspects arthritis in my lower back. They took xrays and found several bone spurs, and one disc that is kinda thin.
So now he is scheduling a bone scan, I am waiting for the Radiology to call.

I am in pain but its bearable. I hate narcotic drugs and will avoid them like the plague. So we shall see where this adventure takes me.

earthwalker

Sorry you are in pain...I have had a pain in my left hip for years and sometimes it was so bad I had trouble walking. I thought it was sciatica or whatever (I also have Lupus...so that was also a "suspect"). Had a bone density test (full body scan) and my bones are ok, then had an MRI followed by series of x-rays. My Rheumatologist now tells me I have psoriatic arthritis of my left sacro-iliac joint, and basically they can't do much about it.

I too avoid painkillers and have just decided to work around it. I have worked out a few strategies to avoid too much pain, stuff like breaking tasks into smaller timeslots, not doing one thing too long, not over-doing it (that's a pest!), staying as active as possible and making sure I am reasonably trim (to avoid joint stress). I have also (grudgingly) accepted that some days I do need my walking stick (cane). That was a difficult thing to do...but I changed my thinking...now I look on it is an aid to me getting around and staying active...rather than the negative connotation of "I'm a cripple".

On the really bad days, I heat up a wheat bag, head to the sofa and "quilt my way through it".

Hope all goes well and you get some relief soon.

wolfkitty

Is it a bone scan or a DEXA scan (or bone density test)? They are different. The second one is completely non-invasive. It's rather like a long xray. I'm not as sure about an actual bone scan. I hope you feel better soon, also!

dreamboat

I have had a bone density test. They are not bad. Mine turned out ok.

Chasing Hawk

It's a bone scan, the one where the contrast dye is used.

earthwalker

Have you had contrast before? Sometimes, the contrast (generally and iodine based product) can make some people feel a little "odd", give you a slight flushed feeling or a metallic taste in the mouth. When you get there, ask them to explain everything properly and question them if you have any worries at all, be very accurate with listing medications, allergies, pre-existing conditions and stuff like that. There will most likely be a consent form they ask you to fill out, this is to make sure you are aware of and understand what is going on. Just try and be calm and relaxed, it is a time consuming test, but it really is not unpleasant.

mrspete

Do well, my friend. At my age I worry about 'holy bones'. But these orthopedic doctors are so wonderful, you will be amazed at their diagnosis. I just received 'the shot' in the shoulder and I wished I had not said no ten years ago. They know best. I'll be thinking about you.

Blessings,
Ruth

SueDor

Hope your feeling better!

Janetlmt

I have had a bone scan, 3 times. The technicial injects you with a radioactive dye. You have to wait for 2 hours and then they do the scan. It is easy.
I have had a bone biopsy also and that is no picnic!
I have stage 4 breast cancer that has matastisized on the spine.
I hope you feel better soon. Pain can be so overwhelming.
Peace and Blessings,

sewmuchmore

I have had a CT scan and PET scan. But I think it may be a M.R.I. scan that does the bone scan. But don't hold me to it.