All,

After about 15 years and three rheumatologists, I asked for an appointment with the only doc left in my area who accepts OP patients - and to get an appointment, I was put through a questionnaire about previous treatments and exactly why I wanted to see this doc. From what I learned, he does not want to see patients for pain management and his staff will inform you of that in the interview. I felt grateful to have an appointment and waited approximately three months to see the Grand Poobah (if you don't know who that is, Dr. Google does, lol).

This doc is very straightforward - he'll tell you what your current situation is and what can (or can't) be done about it, what meds you should (or shouldn't) take, what vitamins/minerals you need and how to get them from foods rather than supplements; the blood work checked all the boxes.

After all this time, I'm happy to say that part of my riddle ("why") may have been solved: I have hypercalciuria (too much calcium is excreted by the kidneys which keeps it from being sent to my bones). A simple little pill daily MAY tell my kidneys to send the much needed calcium back to my frail little bones instead of waving bye bye altogether.

This doc also thought it might be a good time to jump on the Prolia bandwagon. I resisted, yet again, and he set me up to have another Reclast infusion . . . I'm still not regretting the Reclast!

This might be the happy ending we are all looking for: A doc that knows what's going on and one who will listen and allow us to have a say in our treatment. To do nothing is ludicrous. If you had any other lifelong illness, would you not try to see what might help your quality of life all the while extending your life? I do not want to end up in a wheelchair or assisted living because I didn't do everything that I could.

You've seen the drug ads that say. . . side effects . . . may cause "x" . . . and stop taking if . . . That's pretty much what we have come to expect as a society - what cures one malady may cause another.

Meds are not for everybody and if that's what you choose, that's fine, no one should chastise you for your choice. But making a decision on one's own carries so much power.

Do not go gentle into that good night! I'm so sorry for the ramblings, it's been a long, busy week for a landlord in a college town!

The best to you all! Wishing you sunny days!! Cheers!