Bone Scan

[lawless2009]

Today I had a full body "Bone Scan", as I stated in another post I suffer from piriformis syndrome, degenerative disc disease, spinal arthritis, scoliosis, sacroiliac joint dysfunction and carpal tunnel syndrome. Most recently I've developed severe pain and stiffness in my elbows and knees along with my wrists (Carpal Tunnel) and swelling in my ankles. I've already had open hand release surgery on the right hand. Anyway my doctors now suspect I may have RA so they have ordered the appropiate blood tests to be done on the 26th, bone scan today and another EMG on Thursday. My question is....... what exactly are they looking for by doing the scan? I had two techs who preformed the scan and could see (and hear them) as they looked at the results. One tech told the other to get a doctor to look at the screen then one came in and asked if I had any dental pain or procedures recently. I stated that I have not had any work done in over 10 years and was in no pain (dental wise) as I have had several botched root canals performed that failed and as a result had to have quite a few removed so NO I was not having any pain in that area. The tech left and relayed my answer and I heard the other tech say to the doctor "yes, that's her laying on the table". After that the tech came back in and helped me up and said I could go. I asked how long it takes to get the results and he said to call my doctor in a couple of days and he should have them by then. I know it's standard procedure that a tech can not give you the results but do you believe they saw "something" on the scan? Has any one had this experience? Any ideas as to why they would even ask about dental issues when I don't think they even scanned my head? I know I'll know in a day or two but as we all know, waiting and NOT worring is hard!

Thanks in advance!

[Tuckamore]

You're very welcome. I'm glad that you found us also.

I will wait to hear your results. Hang in there till than.

[lawless2009]

Thanks! I do feel better and I will be seeing the doctor that ordered the test on Thursday so I think I can wait it out. I'll let you know the results when I have them. Thanks to all ... I'm glad to have found this forum!

[Tuckamore]

The only thing I can think of is they may have been wondering is you had an osteomyelitis. It is an inflammation or infection of a bone and bone marrow  that is usually caused by a bacterial infection. Those infections may come from a dental procedure or an infected tooth that required treatment. That bacteria can travel to other areas of your body and effect the bone(s). Of course their are other causes of osteomyelitis. When these tests are done they must rule out all possibilities. I would not take their comments to mean that something is positively wrong. It can be scary to hear the tech's chatter. Remember they are considering all facts and looking for all conditions. Additional information helps in reaching a diagnoses.  

In my area once the tests (any test) is read the results are placed on a connecting medical computer system. It can takes days get obtain a written copy of the results but the information is available on the medical computer program almost immediately. My PCP can view results normally within 24 hours or less. Because we have such a good relationship my PCP is always willing to look at the information and provide me with the results of any testing that may be of concern. Your physician may be willing to do the same of they have a similar informational system.  

Try to keep busy and put this scan out of your mind for now. I know how difficult it can be to wait for a test results and worry....and we always think the worst. I hope you will share with us the results of your bone scan. I'll look forward to your updates.