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why does everything have to be so hard???

Posted by bmblsad @bmblsad, 5 days ago

Warning, minor rant here. I was diagnosed recently with osteoporosis and have been gathering information on next steps. I want to explore HRT (among other things) but my NP didn't sound knowledgeable/confident about using it at my age (I'm 65 and never did HRT before). So, through posts here I zeroed in on finding a functional medicine person in my network. The first 4 I tried aren't seeing new patients. The 5th is, but soonest she can see me is december 2027 (not a typo). Next, I thought okay how about endocrinology. First, almost none of those coming up in my insurance's care directory are accepting new clients. One that is has terrible reviews. The other said I need to get a referral from my PCP. So, now I'm back to dealing with my NP again. Why is getting care so f'ing hard? It's been almost 3 weeks since my diagnosis and I'm still at square 1 for finding care. Paying Dr. Doug (or some other concierge doc) $14k is starting to sound like a good idea, that's how desperate I'm starting to feel (And no, I can't afford that...). Seriously you guys - how did you find people to take care of you?

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

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jozer | @jozer | 3 hours ago
In reply to @lylii "@njx58 Thank you for your well wishes - yes, my kidney stone issues are completely resolved..." + (show)
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@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!

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@lylii No, lylii you shouldn't have "realized" certain medical tests should be done...unless you have a medical degree with a specialty in osteoporosis! We tend to blame ourselves for "not knowing" about all aspects of osteo and treatment. It takes a while to even understand what questions one could (not should) be asking the doctors and why.

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willow5 | @willow5 | 2 hours ago
In reply to @njx58 "@bmblsad Think of all the over-70 men you see walking around, a little stooped. They all..." + (show)
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@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.

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@njx58 When I was maybe 50 or 55, I had osteopenia. My doc wanted me to take alondronate (foxomax) I was arrogant and indignant. Me, take medicine? I’m a runner, I work out some with weights. I eat well!
Then at 65, osteoporosis. Ego was outvoted and i took meds. Then evenity, one reclast. For two years i’ve done hard weight training twice a week. Spine is osteopenia, one hip still slightly osteoporotic.
I asked my endocrinologist, I was told running would keep my bones healthy. Would it be worse if I weren’t a runner? His answer was yes.
I’m not nuts about medications, but now at 73 take a handful for various reasons. Can’t fight my genetics even though my life style is a very healthy and active one, weights, running, biking, etc. we all do the best we can but the outcome is sometimes out of our hands.

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