why does everything have to be so hard???

@gravity3
Oh my gosh - thanks for that link! I took a quick peruse through some of the pages and found a tool for structuring a conversation with my HC provider (https://www.patientrevolution.org/tools). I've been stressing over the last couple of days as I've tried to gather up all my thoughts, questions, etc., about testing to establish my baselines for bone turnover, HRT, etc., the types of referrals I want her to make (like a PT with experience treating OP) and why I don't want to just jump on the fosamax wagon.

So thank you - very timely!

@njx58
I was just talking with my husband about this last night. He has diabetes, which can increase risk of developing op. He's meeting with his doc for routine check up this week so I wanted him to bring it up. I tried to find some specific information for him to read but, wow. Unless you're difficient in testosterone there isn't much out there. No dexascan recommended for men until they hit age 70, and I think that's a new recommendation this year (?).

@bmblsad Think of all the over-70 men you see walking around, a little stooped. They all have osteoporosis, and I bet hardly any of their doctors has ever mentioned it. If they had had a DEXA at 60, they could have taken action.

Other things to watch out for..

Lack of calcium: many men left their milk-drinking days behind them once they became adults. Vitamin D3 deficiency. Celiac disease.

By the way, I still have no idea how I got osteoporosis. The doctor couldn't explain it. My vitamin D was low, but I don't know if that's enough. And, it wasn't for lack of exercise: I've been a runner for 45 years, and I go to the gym. Luckily, Tymlos got me down to osteopenia range.

...and if we (women) had a DEXA at a few years past menopause (55?) think of what we could have been doing for a decade before the recommended DEXA at 65? Only reason I have osteoporosis is aging and lack of estrogen. Why not run a DEXA on men at 65 also? A compression fracture in a man should surely be reason to dig deeper with a simple bone scan; men do get osteoporosis! Plus think of all the drugs that could be sold! (sorry, had to throw that in!) At the "magical" age of 65 we have to remember the 3 words and draw a clock (somewhat worthless cognitive tests in my opinion) at our "wellness" visits, why can't we get tested for the important stuff? Mammograms every year; dental every 6 months, colonoscopies every 5-10 (depending on history), blood work yearly, urinalysis, routine EKGs, etc. Why the heck not the so called "cheap" DEXA?

Ageism? I don’t know, but I felt that with my Dad when he died at age 76. It felt to me that the medical world thought he was old and not worthy of the same treatment or care. I was much younger then, but it was definitely something I sensed. Also the huge lack of communication. Much change is needed, but there are many in the medical profession who are caring and would go the extra mile to help. I’m trying to do my best to decide what I want and need and hopefully find the best medical help as I need it. Best to all!

I haven't found any good physicians to take care of me - not sure there are any. Especially any that know anything about osteoporosis. I watched this you tube video last night that I thought was insightful. It was a discussion between a Doctor of Pharmacy and an orthopedic surgeon from Duke University regarding the role of calcium from food vs from supplements for osteoporosis. If you are interested, it might give you some helpful info.
I have serious trust issues with the accuracy and reliability of dexa scans, and refuse to take any of the osteoporosis meds after getting a major kidney stone from Tymlos. So much more research has to be done on this subject. These are just my own opinions.

@lylii
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@lylii All medications have possible side effects. Just because you had an issue doesn't mean the medication is bad. The overwhelming majority of Tymlos users do not have kidney stones. You were one of the unlucky ones, unfortunately. Did your doctor monitor your urine calcium during treatment? If he/she did, then you could have been alerted before a painful event.

P.S. I hope you are feeling better!

I have excellent care from a rheumatologist who also teaches at our local medical school. He keeps close tabs on me and administers Reclast every 6 months. It has been very successful in my case. I had polio in 1953 that left me in 2 leg braces and on crutches from age 1 to 72 years, with increasing dependence on manual, then power wheelchairs as my condition deteriorated. My severe scoliosis in my back required surgery at 13 to help straighten a 48-degree curve to the left, threatening my lifespan. The lack of mobility after all of this meant osteoporosis became inevitable. Trust that there are people out there who can help you!

@njx58
Thank you for your well wishes - yes, my kidney stone issues are completely resolved and I am very thankful for that. The nurse practitioner running the Bone Density Clinic I was sent to by my orthopedist never monitored me for anything - I never had any blood draws or urine tests. I should have realized that it should be done..... lesson learned there! Best to you!