~~Any Info on Bone Scans?~~ - Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Message Board

AngeInBoston · 10-29-2003, 07:19 PM

Hi Everyone!

When Joey got his Clonidine Block yesterday, his Pain Dr was alarmed at the sight of his non-RSD foot which seems to be getting the RSD, red and swolen, and he ordered a Bone Scan which we go for tomorrow (Thursday). We have to go at 12:30 for either drinking or a shot of something, I missed what they said, and then come back 3 hrs later for the Bone Scan.

Who else has had a Bone Scan? Is it painful? Is it just like an X-ray? Is it necessary? What does it prove? Is it looking for Bone density loss, and does that lead to atrophy in the limb?

Any Information is appreciated! You're the BEST!

~Ange~

sharon1030 · 10-29-2003, 07:44 PM

Hi Ange,

I've had a couple bone scans and here's what I remember (keeping in mind that it was a long time ago)...you go, they give you a shot of I guess, dye in your arm and then you leave and have to drink a lot of whatever (preferably water, I assume). Then you come back an hour or two later for the scan. No, it doesn't hurt at all-the scan. From what I remember, they look for increased uptake which can be a sign that RSD is present. As you know, it's not definitive though. Just another tool that might point to RSD. Hope this helps and good luck with it.

Sharon

ladymystickwolf · 10-29-2003, 08:47 PM

You're right Sharon! They look for "bright spots" on the scan which would indicate RSD. I've read that it can be either increased uptake or decreased uptake depending on how long you've had it.
I had my bone scan in July and it's a piece of cake! I went in with my sweatpants on and comfy shirt. It's the best way to go. They gave me a shot with the "dye" in it, took a few initial scans. Total half hour. Then I left. They told me to drink lots of fluids, well as much as I could in the two hours I'd be gone to help move the "dye" through the bones better. You can eat or whatever. Had to go to the bathroom before doing the last scan 2 hours later when i came back. Then layed on that table for 1 hour and all done!
That's it. Yeah, like an x-ray, just a little more time consuming! LOL Hope this gives you all the info you need! Don't worry......
Karen

Aly B · 10-29-2003, 11:01 PM

Hi,

The 'dye' shot that they give you is a radioactive isotope. WHen I had mine done I remember joking to the kids that I would glow in the dark

It really is a breeze, as long as you can lay still for a period of time (I have probs with that because of my back injuries), but as Sharon said, it is not a definitive test to show RSD.

*hugz*

Aly

ejames4773 · 10-30-2003, 04:22 AM

Hi Ange...I can echo all that has been said before. David had his two months after his fracture. It showed spots which the radiographer said denoted uptake, and confirmed that david was not exaggerating his pain. It also showed that the fracture was clinically united.
It wasn't a bit painful, and the only drag was the time gap after the dye was injected.
Best of luck to Joey.

Hugs to you both,
Edna xx