Osteoporosis: What tests confirm diagnosis and treatment options?

I live in Colorado just south of Denver. I went to the University of Colorado Medical Hospital. I had two tests that showed the problem. First a 24 hour urine test to determine the level of calcium lost. Second I had an ultrasound of my neck to show the over-active parathyroid gland. Good luck with your choices and options available where you are.

Thank you for sharing. Would you say the surgery “cures” osteoporosis?

I live in Denver and am wondering who manages your OP treatment. I'm having a hard time finding a specialist. I did locate an MD at UCHealth, but she is booked through August and has no appointments on her calendar beyond that yet. Thanks.

I see Dr. Virginia Sarapura. She was challenging to see because she also taught in the college. I had been seeing a PA who left prior to that. I took the appointment they gave me and put myself on a wait list. I think I waited til my original appointment. I don't know of any other systems in the area. I'm thinking your primary could help you until you see the specialist. Good luck.

I did the exact same thing. I have a May appointment with an MD who doesn't treat OP, but it was the only way I could get on the waiting list for the one who does. What a system. My primary is out due to a cycling accident but I have an appt with her in mid March. This has not been a seamless process since my diagnosis in October.

Thank you, maggieb892. 🙂

Lee,

My osteoporosis was diagnosed because I had spontaneous fractures of my spine.

There were seven vertebrae fractures when I was told that I had to go on for Forteo, Timlos , or Evenity.

The endocrinologist told me if I did not do that I would end up in a wheelchair.

Get a copy of the book called “Good Bones”. It explains a lot and helped me make my decision to go on Forteo.

Good luck.

Blessings,
CC

Lee,

My osteoporosis was diagnosed because I had spontaneous fractures of my spine.

There were seven vertebrae fractures when I was told that I had to go on for Forteo, Timlos , or Evenity.

The endocrinologist told me if I did not do that I would end up in a wheelchair.

Get a copy of the book called “Good Bones”. It explains a lot and helped me make my decision to go on Forteo.

Good luck.

Blessings,
CC

I'm sorry to hear about your fractures! I am 58 yrs old, thin and one year into Letrozole for breast cancer which has already put me deep into osteoporois. My endocrinologist suggested Fosamax or Reclast given high risk of spine fractures but I am petrified of the side effects given I already have terrible jaw pain due to a dislocated disc and who knows if I will need a crown soon since old fillings need to be replaced. I may punt but wonder how much damage the Letrozole I need to stay on for 10 yrs will do to my density. Were your numbers really low and did you have pain with spine fractures? May I ask your age? xo

Hi,

I’m 78.

My vertebrae fractures were very painful!

Nobody cared what my DEXA numbers were.

As I recall, they just showed osteopenia.

CC