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Index to non-Drug Treatments for RSD/CRPS

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Treatments

Treatments on RSD Alert

(Information - plus comments from correspondents)

Bone Scan
Description
 A Bone Scan is an imaging technique that uses radiation to identify areas of bone where the cells are unusually active. A radioactive chemical called an isotope is injected in to a vein. Once this isotope enters the bloodstream it travels to the bones, where it emits Gamma Rays, which are similar to x-rays. These Gamma Rays are detected by a Gamma Camera & analysed by computer to form an image of the bones. Potential problem areas emit more intense rays & appear as bright spots on the scan
Notes

 

 Loss of bone density is a problem for many RSD patients, though it is by no means certain that RSD is the direct cause. A bone will lose density if it is not used (as astronauts can testify) and RSD patients often stop using the affected limb.

Comments
When I had my Bone Scan I was also told to stay away from children and anyone who was pregnant etc. for 24 hours because I was radio active (although in tiny amounts). I had to wash my hands twice and flush the toilet twice. The procedure fills a long day and, whilst having the scan, I found it hurt as I had to keep my arm/shoulder in a certain position that was uncomfortable and it became painful after a long period of time without moving. It is certainly an experience! Sharon - Lincoln, UK
The advice Sharon was given may have been misleading. We have been advised that the degree of radioactivity in this treatment is extremely low; in fact, less than a CT scan, which is a very widely used diagnostic tool in modern medicine (Editor)

The scan is generally called a Radioisotope scan and they inject you with a small dose of radioactive isotope. Although the results are not conclusive they can help determine the presence of RSD (I believe the ARC booklet refers to this test, if I remember correctly). The colour variations in the results determine the uptake of isotope in the bones… A diminished uptake in areas usually necessitates an MRI scan, which is used to eliminate or diagnose causes. Although the scan is not conclusive it is a good indicator to the presence of RSD when it has been present over a period of time. I also can endorse that it is painless - although myself I was asked to remain in the hospital between the injection and the scan and the water was awful! I ended up drinking several cans of diet coke and now I can't stand the stuff! Pete - Sheffield, UK

A bone scan is nothing to worry about. I have had two and they are a real breeze. It does involve a small injection, but small is the word here. It is the smallest injection ever and it really doesn't hurt at all. Please believe me. They have to wait between injecting the 'dye' and doing the scans in order for the dye to be taken up. Each time I had mine done, I had a few pictures taken (bit like an x-ray) immediately, then had to return two hours later for some more pics to be taken. That's it, honest, it is real easy and pain free. Mickey - Isle of Sheppey, UK

Bone scans are nothing to worry about. I had one a while ago and it was painless! They injected me with the dye - through a lead (yes lead) box - that concerned me somewhat! Then they took some pictures and I went out for dinner then returned 2 hours later, took some more pictures and then went home. There is a small 'radioactive' factor in the procedure but nothing you need to worry about. Zoe - Nottingham, UK

We should not confuse the three quite different procedures - Bone Scans, Bone Densitometry & Thermography. To suggest that Thermography IS Bone Scan could not be further from the truth. They are 2 completely different tests. I have had all 3 of these tests done. The "radioactive" factor in Bone Scans is insignificant. The radioactive isotope is less than what you get from a CT. Bone Scans follow blood flow, not bone density. Pam - Brisbane, Australia (follow the hyperlinks to see separate notes on the other two procedures)

The process is painless and you are told what will happen before hand. The injection of the isotope doesn't hurt and is over very quickly. The scan lasts between 20 and 30 minutes and you just relax. The radiographer stays in the room and you can listen to the radio to pass the time. The bone scan is fine and nothing to worry about. I have had one and the radioactive factor is nothing to worry about as it's less then an x-ray and such a small amount. All the best. Gemma - UK
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