Bone Scan?? - Knee & Hip Problems Message Board

AlienB · 09-08-2005, 02:17 PM

Hello,
I'm still having pain 18 months post-op and went for a second opinion. My x-rays looked just as they should and a blood test showed no inflamation. He then wanted to do a bone scan to see if the bone connected to the stem and cup. After reading about the scan I elected not go for it because of the radiation injection. I thought everything would be normal and either way it sounded like more surgery.
Has anyone had this done? If so, what was your experience and outcome?
I just can't stand the thought of more surgery. I just wish PT could help the condition. Thanks, if anyone can help..

Tobias · 09-08-2005, 06:21 PM

The risks seem minimal in view of how the results of this test may shed some light on why you are having pain so long after a THR. This kind of pain is not normal or typical (as you probably already realize) so it is puzzling that you would seek a second opinion, then reject the test that might answer the question "why?"

Allergic reactions to the radioactive tracer are rare. Most of the tracer will be eliminated from your body (through your urine or stool) within a day, The amount of radiation is so small that it is not a risk for people to come in contact with you following the test.

Occasionally, some soreness or swelling may develop at the injection site. These symptoms can usually be relieved by applying moist, warm compresses to your arm.

There is always a slight risk of damage to cells or tissue from being exposed to any radiation, including the low level of radiation released by the radioactive tracer used for this test.

AlienB · 09-12-2005, 02:25 PM

Tobias,
Thanks for the insight and you're right but here is the why?? I had a terrible experience with the post-op. I got Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) that caused depression, aniexty, stress.. I'm still fighting these symptoms making me gun shy of any medical procedure. Also, a nurse in his office told me folks are better, worse or about the same after a THR.
Even if he could find something wrong the only solution would be more surgery. Maybe I'm not thinking rash but what good would the test provide other than just knowing.
Have you had the scan or anyone else with experience chime in..thanks

Tobias · 09-13-2005, 04:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlienB

a nurse in his office told me folks are better, worse or about the same after a THR.

Yes, that about covers all the possibilities, doesn't it!

I've not had this test. Hope someone who has will offer up an opinion and hope you can get some relief from the pain that you're having. Xray is fine for diagnosing some problems, but it has limitations and the bone scan can give a much clearer indication of just what the problem is.

But you're right, if you flatly refuse to have any more treatment, why have this (or any) test at all?

Tinnitus can be aggravated by aspirin or NSAIDS. Do you take any of these drugs?

AlienB · 09-13-2005, 03:17 PM

Tobias2,
Boy.. does it ever, I'm just really confused about what to do. Could it be one side is not level because I'm starting to have back pain regularly?
I've about stopped taking anything in fear of the Tinnitus increasing except something to help sleep. Man, I feel like a 90 year old man at 44, I'm pretty depressed and this may mimic other symptoms. I have anxiety, stomach discomfort and feel fatigued alot of the time.
Maybe I should go somewhere for a complete evaluation?? Going through life like this is just no fun.

I thought the THR would be be my second lease on life, boy did I get fooled!

I hope someone else will chime in on the bone scan too. Give me some suggestions what to do with myself if possible..