University of Chicago for Osteoporosis care?

I, too, would be interested in any feedback regarding osteoporosis/bone health care at the University of Chicago. did you make an appointment with a specific physician or with a clinic in general?

My husband used U of C for a consultation in a different specialty and we were both impressed by the physician. I also know at least 2 other people who travel to U of C for medical treatments and are pleased with their care. They are willing to make the drive there. I live in the far western suburbs of Chicago so it is about 1-2 hour trip depending on traffic for us and about a 3 hour trip for one of the other people I know.

This doesn't really answer your question specifically but wanted to let you know there is positive feedback on the U of Chicago medical care.

I too would be interested; as I am from Chicago; daughter and husband (plus other relatives) still live in the area so I could get some free lodging!

@prarysky I thank you for your reply! It was definitely helpful.

After incredibly disappointing, stressful, and frightening visits with three different doctors with regard to my osteoporosis, I was not getting the full support and treatment all women deserve. And I live in South Florida, for heaven’s sake, where OP is rather prevalent.

I googled “best osteoporosis center in U.S.” and UChicago popped up first. I called my insurance company; I’m covered there. So I did some more research, and made an appointment with one of their endocrinologists for June.

They incorporate nutrition, proper exercise techniques, and medication there (at their Hyde Park campus only). According to their website, UChicago has had a hand in developing several OP drugs in use today.

None of my docs here have provided this comprehensive info, and my rheumatologist now is with UMiami, which is incredibly disappointing, given they have a renowned cancer center here.

Now, I have two tarlov cysts in my lumbar spine, and I am scheduled for a second MRI next week. Depending on what is discovered then, I may have to cancel Chicago. We’ll see.

But the woman who made my appointment at UChicago told me of HER experience with the center, and she assured me I would be in the best hands. She shared her entire story with me and was so supportive.

Logistically, I don’t know how it will go. I may need another endo here in FL for bloodwork and things like that. After my MRI, I’ll get more info on that.

Bottom line: women should not have to use google for information and care. I’ve asked UMiami if they have osteoporosis workshops, information on their website re: nutrition/exercise, and they have nothing. It’s incredibly disappointing.

Thanks so much for responding!

@jozer Here is their website:
https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/conditions-services/endocrinology-metabolic-disorders/osteoporosis
I meant to tell @prarysky and I’ll tell you too that they have a concierge department for those who come from out of state, to assist with hotel and transportation info.

But if you have free lodging, I say go for it!

Honestly, I’m so intrigued by all of it. To be in a place where they take care of every slice of the osteoporosis pie would feel like nirvana. My experience has been that doctors scare you without providing concrete INFORMATION. Or, they tell you to “look it up.” They say, “you could fracture and take years off your life,” but don’t give you a single balance exercise to help with that.

This has been my experience, and the stress it’s caused me has had profound effects.

Do take a look at their program. I wish you well, and I wish you wonderful bone health too!

@jozer Also, talk me into moving to Chicago. 😂

@beachesanddreams A lot of logistics to juggle that's for sure. It's encouraging that the person who made the appointment shared her own story and didn't treat your call as just scheduling a routine appointment.

I wanted to also let you know that I, too, was diagnosed with a tarlov cyst many years ago. When I got home and did some research, I became worried, but for whatever reason, that cyst has not caused any special side effects that I'm aware of. Maybe I was lucky in where exactly it was located.

I'll hold good thoughts for you on both the U of C consult and the tarlov cyst. Even if you have to cancel the U of C appointment you just made to take care of other health issues, you now have one resource you can keep ready for when you are ready!

@beachesanddreams (love your "handle") thanks for the website info. I live in Chicago and may want to check this out. I have an appointment with a new rheumatologist next month at the Rush Osteoporosis Clinic for which I have high hopes. I was not impressed with my previous rheumatologist. Hoping for better at Rush. But nice to know about UofC if not.

@beachesanddreams Thank you much...depending on conversation and answers I get from my April appointment with my current endo I may look into seeing what U of C has to say. I've wondered since I started this journey 2 years ago why we don't get a complete package of how to treat this so-called life long chronic condition. All I got was fear stress and anxiety; hold railings! don't bend over! no snow shoveling! don't lift! don't twist! do resistance exercise! but no concrete plan on how to do that in a safe manner. Just doing all those things I was told not to because I always have and as of yet have not crumbled into dust, I have always been active, always done aerobics with weights/bands... and it is called living your life! And of course, meds. And yes, the fracture fear chat of winding up wheelchair bound for the rest of your life. No info...not a safe exercise discussion, not a PT referral, I did get a one-page printout of calcium rich foods, and a 4-page printout about Reclast after the infusion was done! Not trying to say my doc isn't decent or isn't doing the right thing but it seems like none of them have the time or perhaps the knowledge to really do a deep dive into how to treat osteo. My two cents anyway!

@beachesanddreams Just saw this...we may be looking at St. Charles (suburb) cuz daughter lives in Logan Square...which they LOVE...we love chicago!

@jozer I swear, everyone who lives there loves it. Everyone who lives where I do wants to flee, including me. 😂

I’ll have to look into the St. Charles area, though Logan most assuredly has its advantages too!

Thank you!!