Bone Density Scan Cost

[Sadtosaythis]

My Sister, Mum and Maternal Grandmother all have or had osteoporosis. I’m approaching 47 and for the last 18 months I’ve having a lot of bone pain. I would like to get a bone density scan but it’s unlikely I’d qualify for an NHS one due to my age. Has anyone had one privately and how much did it cost?

@Netcam - yes, I too thought my diet was/is rich in calcium. Adcal gives me 1000 mg a day - on top of the calcium in my diet.

I had adcal, but my gp switched me to a vitamin D tablet (stexetol) as that’s what the local rheumatologist apparently recommends . The vitamin d helps the absorption of calcium.

Did you have any symptoms or did you have a Dexa scan because of family history?

@Netcam - I went to the dr because my bad back/aches and pains were getting so much worse. I actually thought I might have rheumatoid or osteo arthristis - both of which run in my family. I wasn't aware of any osteoporosis at that stage but both my mum and sister were later diagnosed with it.

My understanding is that osteopenia/osteoarthritis don't in themselves cause pain (the pain comes later from broken bones) so I think my dr was probably just covering all bases in sending me for a dexa scan in my early 50s. I do now have osteoarthritis in my hip which causes me a fair amount of pain but I'm not aware of any pain from my osteoporosis.

Thanks, that's helpful to know. I will discuss with GP.

I had my first scan 10 years after undergoing early menopause at age 40. It showed osteopenia and I was put on calcium tablets. Two subsequent scans at two yearly intervals showed no improvement. Then I finally managed to get HRT and my next scan two years later showed a return to normal bone density levels, though on the low side.

Two years later I enquired with GP about arranging another scan and he told me in no uncertain terms that I would not be allowed any further scans for the rest of my life because my last scan showed normal range results. He said it "wouldn't be safe" for me to have any more scans. I was pretty shocked to be honest. Surely there should be some follow up checking as I get older especially with my history? Has anyone else come across this?

They are x-rays, which have their own risks.

I have had scans due to the fact I was on the depo injections for years and arthritis runs in my family.

@Sadtosaythis bone pain can also be caused by low vitamin D so when you speak to the GP do see if they will do a blood test (many areas don’t these days!) vitamin D levels need to be above 75 for bone protection.
Do also opt for HRT if you are able, as this can help prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

@TacticalEvasion Thank you for the advice, much appreciated. I have been on HRT for just over a year now. The vitamin D idea is interesting.

Everyone, family history or not, should take actions to protect their bone density, bank it, and prevent bone loss.
That involves exercises with weights , not just walking around, supplements and these are Calcium, Vitamin K2 and Vitamin D, stop smoking, stop drinking, and in your diet, limit sugar, salt, and saturated fat (the fat from meat) .

A scan can tell you the baseline you are at, medications carry issues, so the onus is on you to make a change.

I think GPs are too quick to recommend calcium supplements in doses that the body can't absorb, and which can be bad for the heart, whereas organisations like the Royal Osteoporosis society recommend getting it ftom diet and only supplementing if you can't get enough.

I requested a GP referral for a private scan but was referred for one on the NHS due to.family history. I found I had osteopenia at 47 - but they now won't scan me again until I have been off HRT for 5 years (and I am planning to keep taking it for many years!) so I would like to get a follow-up scan to check on progress. £125 seems about the going rate.

Yes, good plan.

I eat sauerkraut and kefir daily, which are good K2 sources and have also cut down on saturated fat and given up sugar and alcohol.

This is on top of the calcium I get in high amounts daily from nuts/seeds, milk/kefir, tahini, green vegetables and tinned sardines with bones, which form a large part of my diet.

I would prefer to get my sources on nutrients from diet rather than supplements if possible, although I do supplement with vitamin D due to the limited sunshine in this country for much of the year.

I also started doing small weights daily as part of my 30 mins before work exercise every morning and have lost weight and maintained that through exercise and eating differently.

I don't know what my bone density is like, but this has reduced both my blood pressure and chloresterol to healthy levels after tests found them to be high normal/borderline high.

I feel I am doing what I can.

@UnaOfStormhold What were your symptoms?

I haven't had any symptoms, which I think is normal for osteoporosis until you start getting actual breaks. I requested the DEXA refereal because my mum has osteoporosis, though I think it was actually approved because my dad had a hip fracture.

This calculator is interesting: CALCIUM - Calcium Calculator www.osteoporosis.foundation/educational-hub/topic/calcium-calculator

Only an estimate, but these were my results based on what I usually eat.

Trying to post results again, says 1205 mg calcium a day.

For K2, you should eat natto. You can find it in Asian shops in the freezer section. Sauerkraut and kefir don't have enough for your bones.