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Recently diagnosed with severe osteoporosis of lumbar spine -3.4 T sco
Osteoporosis & Bone Health | Last Active: Apr 1 6:51pm | Replies (68)Comment receiving replies
Thank you for your response. I get all my calcium from my diet (dairy, nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruits). I take 3,000 ius of vitamin d. The pharmacist at CVS Specialty said you should have both blood and urine test for calcium prior to using Teriparatide. My endocrinologist never tested my urine for 24 hour test. She tested my blood for calcium and calcium ionized both of which are in normal range. I'll see what my aprn has to say about this. I was also thinking of lowering my dietary calcium a bit to maybe 1,000 mg for now. Will have to wait and see. I shouldn't have to see more than one provider about my osteoporosis, but sadly, this is the case.
Replies to "Thank you for your response. I get all my calcium from my diet (dairy, nuts, seeds,..."
I’m starting teriparatide in a week or so, and I’m worried I’m not going to be properly monitored either. My endocrinologist set up the prescription and said come see me in two years, your family doctor can look after you in the meantime! My family doctor’s mouth dropped open as she has no experience with this drug.
When I asked my endocrinologist about a baseline DEXA, she said the one from 8 months ago was good enough and I didn’t need another one until after I finished in two years. When I asked about blood tests, including bone markers, at various stages through the treatment, she didn’t even answer me! I just send her an email asking if there are any tests she recommends to make sure I’m responding appropriately to treatment, as I don’t want to continue taking the drug if I’m one of the people it doesn’t work for, nor do I want to stay on it for 2 years if 18 months is enough. I won’t be surprised if I don’t hear back from her. She is a world renowned researcher in osteoporosis and parathyroid issues. I’m sorry I went to her, as she is more interested in her research than taking take care of her patients. Any advice?
I’m trying to get an appointment with Dr. McCormick but he is busy and getting ready for the Boston marathon.
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And I do make sure my calcium through diet is not more than 500 mg at each meal. Sometimes it's just 200, 300, 400 but never over 500 mg at each meal or snack. I don't have any kidney issues either. Thank you again for your thoughts!