Bone scan experiences

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone

I discussed with pain management docs last week that they would like me to have

a full body nuclear bone scan. I understood from the conversation that they

would send the recommendation to my Rheum and we would organise it at some point

in the future. Imagine my surprise when yesterday I got a letter from the

hospital (where the pain management unit (PMU) is located) to say that I am

booked for the full body bone scan on Friday!

Is there anything I should know about having this scan done?

I am happy to have it done although slightly apprehensive as the PMU are

questioning my diagnosis -suggesting my Rheum and I are basically imagining my

arthritis despite my obvious visible joint inflammation. My bloods have been

inconclusive and I think they are looking for classic RA presentation and don't

really understand that it's not always that neat and tidy.

Is it possible that this scan will show no " hot spots " even though I am in the

middle of a flare?

I had a pretty large intramuscular injection of steroid today to hopefully bring

the flare under control as oral pred for the last 2.5 weeks hasn't worked. This

was done by my GP at Rheum's request so my Rheum doesn't know that the bone scan

is about to happen. Can this affect bone scan results/uptake?

I know that none of you are doctors but I thought I might be able to get some

helpful info. Just nervous about further bad treatment by PMU doctors if they

don't get conclusive results. They have some power in the part of Australia

where I live to influence my future treatment/access to pain medication (which

is government regulated) if/when I need it.

Hate having to play " games " with doctors but I want to protect myself as much as

possible.

Thanks

Ali