How Many of You Have Had a DEXA Scan ?

I don't think many health practitioners are aware of this, but I could be wrong. If you have fibro, CFIDS/ME or an autoimmune condition, I highly recommend getting a DEXA scan to rule out osteopenia and/or osteoporosis. And this includes the male members here as well... I've seen a few men on the research protocol I'm on who have been diagnosed with either one of these two conditions.

[mary56]

I had a dexa scan back in 6/2006 and they found osteopenia.  I could not get another one until this June with my prior insurance.  I now have a PPO and can do another scan.
What does it mean when you have osteopenia, other than it is a precursor to Osteoporosois?  I have so many aches and pains and still waiting for my tests results on autoimmune diseases.  If I have hashimoto's disease will that show up on the ANA test?

[PlateletGal]

I'm not surprised to hear that you have osteopenia. I also have osteopenia as well and I'm in my 30's. If you have osteopenia, you are at greater risk for getting osteoporosis. The normal treatment is vitamin D supplementation, but there is now some controversy surrounding that. There are people now, including myself, who believe that a low vitamin D level does not cause the disease, but it is rather a symptom of the disease... and that vitamin D supplements will make it worse. Many, many people with illnesses such as sarcoidosis, fibromyalgia, CFS and autoimmune diseases have vitamin D dysregulation.

I treat my osteopenia by lifting weights (what I can lift... LOL!) and taking supplements. (not vitamin D, but strontium and boron)

I would think that you would have a positive ANA with Hashimoto's disease, because the disease is an autoimmune disease. But Dr. Choi may have to comment on that one.

[mary56]

You have the best information. Thank you for spending so much time. I will keep you posted.
Mary