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Struggling with making an osteoporosis treatment decision
I am just struggling to make a decision about my treatment. I had my first bone density test and found I have osteoporosis. I have a couple of -3.2 vertebrae. My hip bones less problematic. I'm 60, active and fit. I've seen an endocrinologist and a rheumatologist who were both highly recommended. Both said "Evenity" before I barely sat down. But there is so little known about Evenity, and nothing known about its long term effectiveness or risk. I've read heart breaking posts from women who were advised to take Prolia with the same assurance and then had multiple debilitating fractures because so little was known/admitted about rebound risk. I am tearful and anxious and sleepless. I've been so healthy my body has carried me through so much life and adventure. I just don't know what to do , whether I'm putting me/my body at risk. Both doctors are paid consultants for Amgen. I feel hopeless and distressed. One of the doctors, although I said I wanted to consider my options, went ahead and got pre authorization for Evenity from my insurance "to show me how easy it would be". I feel cornered. My general doctor also has concerns about me being put on a relatively unknown drug when I haven't tried something like Forteo with a long track record.
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@kathleenintexas did McCormick say to disregard those results entirely? I wonder if, even if there was some incorrect placement, if that rather large increase on the report would still indicate substantial gain, even if unknown exactly.
I had a 20% gain in spine and 9% gain in hip and have been told the technician measured a different "area of interest" than the previous scan. Nevertheless I was happy to see the trend.
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1 ReactionI am in orlando and looking for osteoporosis specialist, who are you seeing? Have you found a closer place for REMS scan? How about a Functional Medicine Dr.
Most osteostrong locations have echo light scanning ability. I think it travels from location to location but I know there is an Osteostrong in Orlando. My doctor, after my latest dexa, just called the pharmacy and ordered fosomax for me even though I said I would take no medication. Good luck to you!
Do you have an endocrinologist or other health professional with solid training in Osteoporosis treatment? Someone who is up to date on the range of approaches, medications and meds sequencing. Might be a solid first step. I think of osteoporosis treatment as the long game. There is lots to learn and it can be confusing. Fosomax is often prescribed first but current thinking on treatment with medication says bone builder first...like tymlos, forteo or evenity. Of course I am not a doctor and dont know your medical history. There is lots of wisdom here.