CT and Bone Scan

Bone Scan
My mother n law had one done and it took 1 hr just being on the table. Prior to that we waited as tech had problems with machine and after her scan, he had to get approval from doc. Doc couldn't see some things on scan, so back up on table for another hour scan redo.

Just time consuming, but feel no pain. You might be comfortable just taking a nap as you have to be very steady and quiet. Don't drink or each much before.

Why bone scan? In her case she had pain in hips and wanted to see if she had broken one. Nothing broken just found her artificial hip was dislodged...yikes!

Good luck!!
Jan

Bone Scan
Hi, Marge!

If you are wanting to know about a typical dexa scan, I have had several over the past 10 or so years. I have a condition called osteopenia and am doing exercises and taking calcium supplements, etc. to try to hold osteoporosis at bay. Both of my parents had osteoporosis. The scan itself just takes a few minutes. The doctor usually scans 2 different spots. I usually have to wait 15 or 20 minutes ahead of time - about the same length of time I have to wait when I go in for a mammogram. Then I have to wait a few minutes afterward while the doctor makes sure the scan results are crisp and clear - again, like waiting after the mammogram to be sure the pics are nice and clear. Just relax and try not to move so it doesn't have to be repeated. Absolutely no pain. It's like having an x-ray. Let me know if you have any more questions. But perhaps there is some other kind of bone scan that you are having???

The CT is the one that takes so long. First labs, then drinking the yucky stuff, then a very long wait. Then the IV port is inserted. Then another wait. Then finally the scan. That scan takes longer than the dexa scan, and it's hard to hold one's breath and keep very still for such a long time. Of course it is done both without and then with the contrast, so that doubles the scan time since there are multiple scans.

Hugs from Sally