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← Return to 68 yr. man with -4.9 in L4!
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Million thanks--this is very helpful.
My PCP gave me an Rx for Fosamax and told me we'd scan in 3 years. I thought it crazy with -4.9 lumbar. She is used to treating PM-OP and saw no reason to treat a man differently. There was nothing remarkable in my blood, she didn't think I needed any more tests or scans. Brilliant to refer for the scan, less so in response. I seem to have convinced her that I need to find out why I had this, before a treatment regime. She has agreed to refer me to an endo. A month on, I am still struggling to even get consultation!
Replies to "Million thanks--this is very helpful. My PCP gave me an Rx for Fosamax and told me..."
Rheumatologists also treat osteoporosis. I hope you end up with a great doctor but be prepared to be underwhelmed. My endocrinologist is a lot to be desired and I’ve been trying to find another doctor for over a year but so far nothing has worked out.
I have you had a full thyroid panel? Untreated hyperthyroidism will cause low bone density.
I also found this article that you may find interesting https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/features/male-men
It states:
"If you look at men who lack an enzyme to make even small amounts of estrogen because they were genetically born that way," says Mystkowski, "they get osteoporosis. If you give them estrogen, their osteoporosis improves. So even though estrogen doesn't circulate in very high concentrations in men, it's a critical factor for bone health."
That may be something you should have checked.
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I hope you do not start the Fosamax and can get on Forteo, Tymlos or Evenity asap. If you call an endo, tell the person on the phone what your score is and that it is urgent. Fosamax will not work well or fast enough and may even interfere with the effectiveness of the bone builders. I can't believe your PCP said a scan in 3 years!
You can get on a cancellation list and call at 10 am every few days. Is there an endo clinic you can go to?