DEXA Scans

[glutenator Profile]

I've been told I need to do DEXA scans, I know what they are but are they strictly necessary if I've never even broken a bone in my life?

[ppstokes Profile]

Yes they are necessary, as untreated coeliacs have a high risk of osteoporosis and bone fracture. The latter is a significant thing in older people, as hip fractures etc can be fatal. Collapsed bones in the back are not unusual, and you may notice older people who appear a lot shorter than they were a couple of years previously.

Well worth the investigation.

Memo to self: Book Dexa Scan.

[Usjes Profile]

Yes, I have never broken a bone either, yet the results of my DEXA scan were poor and I was prescribed Calcium + Vitamin D tablets to be taken indefinitely. Scan wasn't covered by my VHI though so worth checking what the cost is beforehand and whether it is covered by your insurance.

[Olddog Profile]

Yes, I have never broken a bone either, yet the results of my DEXA scan were poor ......

Ditto.

.....I was prescribed Calcium + Vitamin D tablets to be taken indefinitely. ......

Calcichew was suggested to me. This gives me D ( due to sorbitol ? ) anyone else find this? Any alternatives suggested ?

...... Scan wasn't covered by my VHI though so worth checking what the cost is beforehand and whether it is covered by your insurance.

Agree, DEXA scan not covered by VHI. My GP arranged for it to be done in the public system ( around 10 weeks wait at the time )

...................and you may notice older people who appear a lot shorter than they were a couple of years previously..

Thats me !

[js25292 Profile]

Just on the vitamin D thing. The best supplement for this is Vitamin D3 (which is its most soluble form), and the cheapest place to order it is on http://www.myprotein.com/ie/products/vitamin-d3 , recent study suggested high doses of vitamin d3 supplementation greatly helped crohns disease and other inflamotory bowel diseases

[countrylass Profile]

As other post had mine done in Cavan Hospital - had to wait 9 months for appointment but there was no charge as a public patient. Was told by doc it would be about 6 months so knew I would have a wiat - but it was not urgent so no problem. Very important to get done - like others never broke a bone and thankfully scan was perfect - so must be doing something right!

[TaraMarie Profile]

Ugh I have to schedule another one of these. Had my first one last year, having been diagnosed with CD for over 4.5 years. Turns out I have moderate osteopenia in my lumbar region Due to go back for another one in May so that another 90euro out of my pocket!!

Also wondering if I should go about trying to organise another endoscopy seeing as I never had a follow up one after my initial camera.

[Yvey Profile]

I have my Dexa scan in 2 weeks- really not looking forward to it. I suffer with my back a lot and know I already have problems there so I'm assuming I have more to look forward to.
I have a follow up scope the same day, 4 months after my initial one, to see if my villi are beginning to heal. Fingers crossed there is some improvement. I feel so much better on the diet that even if my villi aren't improving I know I'm doing something right.

[glutenator Profile]

Thanks all, that was very informative. I'll go ahead with it then but need to check the insurance first.

[Vicky R Profile]

I have to go for one next month. Is it just like an x-ray?

[jess Profile]

It's very easy. Just lie down on table and a small bar emitting the xrays passes over you. It makes a little noise but nothing else. Reminds of a miniature car wash!! All done very quickly.

[Vicky R Profile]

That's great, thanks Jess.