Another drive to Salford hospital today. For another bone density DEXA scan. I had one a year ago giving a diagnosis of pre-osteoporosis (or osteopenia). Since then I've supplemented daily with calcium, magnesium and vitamin D3, so it will be interesting to compare results a year on. This scan is quick and doesnt involved any claustrophobic feelings of being inside a machine.
Because the Tenofovir treatment poses a long term risk of osteoporosis, this scan will give an up-to-date baseline of my bone health.
Bit of a panic before setting off. Read the letter again and it said, in bold, If you have had a Dexa scan within the past two years please ring the department.
So I did, because I have.
Don't come in' they said.
'Why?'
'The radiographer will refuse to scan you as there wont have been any significant changes in a year'.
'This isnt to look for changes', I said, 'It's to give a baseline because of the medication I've started'. 'Will it be harmful for me to have 2 scans within 13 months?' - No
'Is it a budget thing?' - No.
Hmm, well perhaps best to double check?
They did. And rang back to say 'radiographer definitely wants you in'.
Just giving me enough time, well no not enough time, I was 10 minutes late due to waiting at home to find out if this scan was 'on' or 'off'.
After the scan I found a lovely quiet WRVS cafe in a previously undiscovered part of the hospital away from the busy outpatients area cafe. Thank goodness for the WRVS ladies (and lads too now) and their cups of tea and snacks.
This could be a good thing, Fiona, if it works out that you only have to remember to do all future yearly follow up scans during the month of April.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I hope that they do see some positive changes for you. Proof that everything you have been doing is working.
Carla