I wanted to share my experience with bone scans for new members1. You get to stay clothed through the procedure.2. Don't wear any metal or jewellery.3. The needle with the tracer (radioactive material) is very fine and only stings a little.4. You have very quick scan ( on a very narrow table ) then sent away for at least a couple of hours. In this time do what you would normally do.5. Upon your return you will once again lay on the narrow table and need to lay still for a couple of periods of 15 minutes or so while the machine does it's photographing around you.6. If you aren't comfortable let the technician know, they will accommodate you.TIPSStay hydrated and empty your bladder before the second part of the procedure.I found this procedure very unstressful and am happy for others to add their own experiences.Cheers Ange

Well I have had 10 bone scans at the last count as I have numerous bone mets. I seem to cope better with each one, as I guess I know what to expect. They do put my arms in a type of support sling so as to keep them still and comfortable. When they are checking the ribs , I have had to put my hands above my head and it is very uncomfortable especially if you have mets in the shoulder region. I dont get claustrophobic, I just shut my eyes and relax pretending I lying some where enjoyable, ( like at the beach ) lol. I find I dont get as anxious now. I think I would rather have a scan and know whats going on and if there are new mets. I can get on with treatment .

What great tips Ange and so helpful to eae anxiety for anyone who hasn't had a bone scan before.Rosie

Yes when I had a whole body scan they also did the bottom of my feet. It's more about the time needed than anything else

What I didn't anticipate and really caused me problems was that you have to have your arms above your head for quite a long time.I have problems with my shoulders and was in a great deal of pain for much of the scan.Had I known, I should have gone to the chiropractor , done lots of stretching exercises and taken pain killers before the scan.If you are claustrophobic, check if you can see the machine.I have had many CT scans in the last few months at many different venues and there is such a difference in the machines. Some are short donut type ones, with big openings, others are long and have small openings, some are in between.I can now handle the short donuts without sedatives, but cannot do the long ones without quite some preparation. If you have an issue, either see if you can look at the machine or dose up just in case.I have found various PRP very helpful in allowing me to look at machines before scans.Now that I know the questions to ask.So much learnt over the last year.

I got vertigo from my bone scans. Have read its worthwhile to take an anthistamine before them and MRI 's if the table moving causes vertigo.

Bone Scans - What they're like | BCNA Online Network

18 Replies

Fiona2
Member
8 years ago
I have had every sort of scan from bone scans, MRIs, CTs, ultrasounds and cardiac scans and have managed to keep my eyes firmly shut for every single one so never had to face or get freaked out by the big machines. It worked for me and I never had to experience myself as small, fleshy and vulnerable in these big metal monsters until, sadly, I went through the six weeks of radiotherapy when I was forced to view myself in the reflection every day, snorkle in mouth and everything. Anyway, it is almost all done and dusted for me (just two more herceptin infusions then port out-hurray!) so I hope to continue to quietly recover spared of memories of this particular part of the whole ordeal.
Best wishes all,
Fiona
socoda
Member
8 years ago
I had my bone scan before surgery, same time I had my dye injected for the sentinel node mapping. Arms were above my head, I wasn't uncomfortable because that's how I sleep of a night, in the images of the scan it looks like my skeleton is raising it's arms going woooohoooooo - made me laugh. Xx
Anonymous
8 years ago
I had I had a bone scan with my hands above my head. It was a bit uncomfortable, especially after having had surgery. I always keep my eyes closed during scans and imagine I’m on my favourite beach. This worked through radiotherapy too.
HIT
Member
8 years ago
I am such a chicken, I didn't think I could stay there with that slab just above my nose!! I got knocked out for the duration. My hands were by my side lightly strapped in.
wendy_h67
Member
8 years ago
Well I have had 10 bone scans at the last count as I have numerous bone mets. I seem to cope better with each one, as I guess I know what to expect. They do put my arms in a type of support sling so as to keep them still and comfortable. When they are checking the ribs , I have had to put my hands above my head and it is very uncomfortable especially if you have mets in the shoulder region. I dont get claustrophobic, I just shut my eyes and relax pretending I lying some where enjoyable, ( like at the beach ) lol. I find I dont get as anxious now. I think I would rather have a scan and know whats going on and if there are new mets. I can get on with treatment .
Aussiegirl19
Member
8 years ago
Those are great tips from @Kombigirl

With regards to avoiding metal on your clothes really check carefully over what you plan to wear as I didn’t realise the tiny metal studs (less than a five cent piece) on the sides of my jeans would be a problem so had to wear a gown instead. Was oK but just made things a little colder.

I also had to put my arms above my head like @Unicornkisses

That was during a PET scan and it was uncomfortable because that test was much longer than other things I had but I made it through like we all do.
Kombigirl
Member
8 years ago
My arms were also in a strap but I found it easier than trying to keep my hands clasped together. Also had to put my arms up but I had a pillow to rest them on. I had to keep my eyes closed so I didn't get claustrophobic. I just let my mind drift to other things.
nonkyboy
Member
8 years ago
I had a bone scan just after my diagnosis mammogram and ultrasound along with a brain ct scan, abdo and pelvic ct scans. Arms also were above my head. I have a meniscus tear in my shoulder so I organised to have a cortisone injection in that shoulder a few days prior to try and reduce the pain. This helped thank goodness.
Brenda5
Member
8 years ago
I had the sort lezanne75 had but the nurse didn't stay with me, she went up and down the hall outside the room chatting with her mates. My scan was 40 minutes and I was absolutely terrified with my arm and legs tied and the machine almost touching my nose. When it was over she expected me to stand up straight away and leave the room. Dream on, after being completely still for all that time I was as stiff as a board. She thought she'd help and pulled my arm to help me to stand up. That pulled a muscle in the back of my shoulder that pained for about 3 weeks after.
lezanne75
Member
8 years ago
My arms were also in a little strap thing to hold them by my sides to keep my arms still, they did put a towel between my feet and taped them together to keep them still. Was a little unnerving when the top plate dropped down close to my face but the nurse was incredibly reassuring. I just closed my eyes and relaxed for the 15 mins it lasted for, agree @Zoffiel that I don't usually get the opportunity for that!