Questions about MIL's Osteo Tests - Osteoporosis Message Board

Wizard · 09-10-2003, 05:09 PM

Hi:

My MIL was diagnosed with osteoporosis earlier this year. She fell several months ago and broke a bone in her back, didn't bother to seek medical attention and it has since become a crushed bone. The doctor has had her on painkillers for the last couple of months but her pain is not subsiding. It has now moved from the left side to the right. The doctor is concerned that she doesn't seem to be healing, the bones just aren't knitting. He has her on high doses of calcium and she's supposed to start an exercise program when the bones heal.

At today's appt, the doctor sent her for more xrays and blood tests. When my FIL heard about the blood tests, he ended up in tears. He's convinced that the blood tests mean they're checking her for cancer.

Does anyone here know what the blood tests would be looking for? Unfortunately, my MIL is older (73) and just accepts what the doctors say, no questions so we have no idea what they're checking for. I'm hoping to set my FIL's mind at ease since he's falling apart over this, convinced she's dying.

Thanks for any information you can supply.

Joanne

USAFMOM · 09-10-2003, 06:11 PM

Blood tests in her situation are not uncommon at all. I would be questioning the doctor if he DIDN'T order blood work. He could possibly be checking for arthritis, vit D levels, magnesium, calcium, and the list really goes on and on. If he were looking for cancer in particular, or highly suspicious for cancer, he would also, in addition to the blood work, be running more sophisticated diagnostic studies such as CAT scans. Now, he may indeed end up ordering a CAT scan, but perhaps for diagnostic purposes of the spine only, not necessarily looking for cancer. I know how hard it is to convince and reassure this age group, for a lot of the elderly fear cancer the most, understandably so. My heart really goes out to them. Keep us informed!

Wizard · 09-10-2003, 06:20 PM

Thanks USAFMOM for the info.

My FIL has been beside himself. My MIL did have cancer of the throat 33 yrs ago but has always tested negative since then. He's convinced that any kind of bloodtests mean cancer so it will help to tell him some of the things they test for. At the age of 76, he's a total health fanatic and could pass for 50. My MIL on the other hand has never looked out for her health and after a lifetime of poor eating habits and no exercise, well, the results are showing.

Joanne