1. < Osteoporosis & Bone Health

List of questions for the MD - what do you wish you had asked?

Posted by babs10 @babs10, Apr 28 5:39pm

I have an appt with an endocrinologist (my 3rd) on Wednesday. The first two docs were not very interested and the visits were perfunctory. The one I am seeing this week was actually recommended through this group (thanks @mayblin). I am compiling a list of questions so I am as prepared as I can be and I'd love any suggestions.

A little bit of background info: Lumbar spine density is in the osteopenic range, but my L hip is -3.5. I have taken 3 falls in the last year while prepping for hiking and cycling adventures and also fainted in March (virus) and fell on a tile floor - staples in my head, but no fractures.

My mom had OP, but she had lupus/lymphoma and was on prednisone for years and also endured chemotherapy. She didn't ever exercise. The docs put her on Fosamax (20 years ago maybe) and she had a spontaneous fracture of her femur (related to the meds? I don't know.)

My DXA scan was on my left side only and included L1-4, the femur neck and hip. I have asked for the images, but they have not been forthcoming. I'll go in tomorrow and see if I can get a copy.

My insurance has approved Tymlos and Teriparatide ($$$$$, but I'll get it if that's what is recommended).

If you had an appt with a new doctor, what are the things you wish you had asked and didn't?

Thanks so much.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

trixiegirl | @trixiegirl | Jun 3 11:21am
In reply to @trixiegirl "Thank you for this post! I too appreciate seeing somebody else’s list of questions." + (show)
@trixiegirl

Thank you for this post! I too appreciate seeing somebody else’s list of questions.

Jump to this post

I live in Tampa Bay Area of Florida. I’m also looking for a great doctor/practitioner. Many have osteoporosis on their lists of competencies but looking at patient reviews I don’t think there’s anyone very comprehensive with an integrative/functional medicine approach. Anybody out there in Tampa Bay Area?

REPLY
babs10 | @babs10 | Jun 5 10:53am
In reply to @artscaping "Congratulations to all of you for participating in this investigative effort. It is so helpful to..." + (show)
@artscaping

Congratulations to all of you for participating in this investigative effort. It is so helpful to be able to increase our personal understanding of the potential impact of an aging medical transformation by sharing personal experiences with others facing the same life transition. Like so many of you, my endocrinologist from Mayo was just the perfect medical professional for me. I had been disappointed by the inadequate care that I had received from other medical professionals.

In addition to explaining his choice of a medication that supported my bone density, he also checked out my stability and made sure that I would have appropriate physical therapy and learn how to protect my body from falls. Actually, one week included instruction not only in preventing falls but also in learning how to get up if you do have a fall.

As our session ended, I turned to him and asked him to let me know of questions I should have asked but didn't.
That was very helpful. I am getting ready for another round of DEXA scans this month. It has been two years since I finished my two-year run on Tymlos and started alendronate. I will appreciate knowing how stable my scores have been and learning about protecting myself for the rest of my 80's,

May you all be safe, protected, and free from inner and outer harm.
Chris

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@artscaping, I'm wondering if you had your repeat DEXA. Hope you saw some good returns!

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Jun 5 4:57pm
In reply to @babs10 "@artscaping, I'm wondering if you had your repeat DEXA. Hope you saw some good returns!" + (show)
@babs10

@artscaping, I'm wondering if you had your repeat DEXA. Hope you saw some good returns!

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DEXA is scheduled for June 27. Then a discussion with the endocrinologist on July 19. I will share whatever might be helpful for my Connect colleagues and patients. Be safe and comfortable.
Chris

REPLY
trixiegirl | @trixiegirl | Jun 6 10:53am
In reply to @glojo "Please let us know how your appointment goes. I hope 3rd time is a charm!" + (show)
@glojo

Please let us know how your appointment goes. I hope 3rd time is a charm!

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Thank you Gloria. These questions are very helpful . I hope things are going well for you.

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