Hi, I’ve got to go for a bone scan tomorrow following incidental bone islands being seen on my CT scan. I am really worried and wondered if anyone can tell me what to expect during the appointment. I found the CT ok but get quite claustrophobic, do I need to prepare for that tomorrow? I did ask my consultant what it entailed but she said she wasn’t sure!!
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I’ve not had one but I found this. I hope it helps Bone density scan (DEXA scan) - How it is performed - NHS
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I found it much easier than the MRI I had quite a few years ago for a neck problem . It’s really important not to wear anything with metal in it so no zips or metal buttons . If you want to wear your bra I stead of a crop top or similar be prepared to take it off if it has metal hooks but you don’t undress . It turned out that I had something metal in my trousers ( eyelets I think ) and had to pull them down below my knees just because of this but I remember I had plenty of room to move - and I’m quite big . It seemed to be over quite quickly xx
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I’ve had one and I’m also very claustrophobic .its like being in a giant sandwich toaster! You are never fully enclosed it’s open on both sides , it goes down the length of your body scanning one part of your body at a time . It scans your body pretty rapidly so the top part of the machine moves over your face very quickly and so even for a really claustrophobic person like myself it was manageable . Good luck
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Thank you @Jill1998 @bluetit11 @JoanneN that sounds manageable. I understand you have to have the injection first then leave and return later for the scan. Is it lots of waiting around.
I’m so worried it’s going to be more bad news so keeping everything crossed x
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It is doable even for someone like me with bad claustrophobia .
They do the injection then send you off for 3 hours for it to work - I didn’t have to stay in the department I went into town for a while . The scan itself doesn’t take long .
Most things they pick up bone related on scans don’t turn out to be anything sinister but it’s as well to know for sure rather than having worries hanging over you .
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@Jill1998 thank you 
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@bella80 I got mixed up - thought you meant the Dexa scan . I haven’t had the bone scan that you are having with contrast but I know others who have and said it was easier than other scans they have had xx
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@Jill1998 your description of the sandwich toaster was pretty spot on. Had my scan today and while it was scary (probably because I’m so anxious of it finding anything) it was doable. I just closed my eyes so I couldn’t see where the machine was.
Now i just have to somehow get through the next 7 days to results day and hope everything is ok 
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Glad you survived the giant sandwich toaster !!! The waiting for results is horrible .
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If it is a fully body scan it lasted for me over 30 minutes and I had a very sore back after. I too had bone islands.
Thanks @lolo66 I think it took that long for me yesterday too. I decided to close my eyes rather than watch and wait for it to be over. What did they say about your bone islands? I’ve had a bad back on and off since having my 2nd child 14 years ago and have been to chiropractors before but i’m so worried.
It’s funny you say you had a bad back i’m suffering too today.