DXA scan

I have an appointment next month for a DXA scan to check my bone density. I think I'm actually still below the age where it's generally recommended, but I recently learned that the meds I've been taking to manage migraines for almost 20 years can affect bone density, so I want to know where I stand.

Does anyone out there know what this test involves?

The instructions on the doctor's order say to avoid wearing clothing with metal snaps, buttons, etc. Does this mean it's similar to an MRI? I have a pierced belly button and I'm wondering if I'm going to have to take the ring out before the test. I've never actually taken it out before so I'm worried about being able to get it back in afterwards. Although, I've been thinking about changing from a ring to a banana bell for a while now, so this might be a good time to do that.

I get one of these every year since the age of 26 and it's really quick and painless. Basically, it is an x-ray. You lie on a table and the scanner goes over your body. I've never had an MRI, but if that's the thing where you lie in a tube, this is nothing like that. You are out in the open. The tech will ask you some basic questions first and then do the scan. Overall, it takes less than 15 minutes.

P.S. I don't know about the belly piercing, but I'd assume it would need to come out since the scan does go over this part of the body.

An MRI uses a big magnet, so it would pull any pierced jewelry out of your body. But if this is just an x-ray, hopefully I'll be able to leave things as-is.

Thanks.

your jewelry might be right above a bone they want to look at, They'll want you to take it out.

You will need to take the jewelry off.

when I did mine, they shot the hip. all clothing but the panties came off- you had the scan in a exam gown

For me, they scan the spine as well as the hips. I get to keep my clothes on if I don't wear clothing with metal zippers, clasps, etc. :p

Technically, it's not an x-ray. I should have said "similar to an x-ray." Here's more info:

http://www.osteopenia3.com/dexa-scans.html

I called them this morning and they said that it's best to remove the jewelry, but sometimes it's not possible in which case it's okay to leave it in.

I also discussed it with my trainer (my go-to guy for all things piercing and tatoo related) and he told me that, due to the design of the current ring, if I take it out I won't be able to put it back in myself.

So I will go shopping for a banana bell this weekend. Celebrating Valentine's Day by buying new jewelry for myself. :cool:

find a good friend to replace it for you( or go to piercing shop to get it changed.)
Luckily I havent had that yet, and I have a naughty piercing, so Im gonna have to find a GOOD friend to replace mine!