1. < Osteoporosis & Bone Health

Just got back from seeing NP for osteoporosis/want a second opinion.

Posted by timely @timely, Jun 28, 2023

I am so angry and upset......

Her choices were Prolia or Prolia and Reclast after or Zometa infusions.

She seems to think that no bone strengthening exercises or yoga will help at all.

Spine -1.7
Hips -2.7 and -2.9

I feel that the pharmaceutical companies have an influence here.

Want to get a 2nd opinion....
Feedback please.

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cpd54 | @cpd54 | Jun 29, 2023
In reply to @timely "Got McCormick’s 700 pg. book, “Great Bones” 2 days before the NP osteoporosis appointment. So, I..." + (show)
@timely

Got McCormick’s 700 pg.
book, “Great Bones” 2 days before the NP osteoporosis appointment. So, I tried to read the area on meds. before the appointment and referred back to those pages again after the appointment.

Super book.

I refused all the meds the NP offered.
She is running some tests and said that I could think about it and would never prescribe meds without a parathyroid blood test and some others.

But, she expects me to choose one one the 3 if these tests are negative.

No thanks....

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I like your way of thinking. My plan is try to better my scores without meds, but with exercise, correct nutrition and well planned supplementation. If I don’t have improved T scores on my next DEXA I’ll then consider drugs.

REPLY
pedsnurse61 | @pedsnurse61 | Jun 29, 2023
In reply to @timely "Got McCormick’s 700 pg. book, “Great Bones” 2 days before the NP osteoporosis appointment. So, I..." + (show)
@timely

Got McCormick’s 700 pg.
book, “Great Bones” 2 days before the NP osteoporosis appointment. So, I tried to read the area on meds. before the appointment and referred back to those pages again after the appointment.

Super book.

I refused all the meds the NP offered.
She is running some tests and said that I could think about it and would never prescribe meds without a parathyroid blood test and some others.

But, she expects me to choose one one the 3 if these tests are negative.

No thanks....

Jump to this post

I completely understand your resistance to taking any medications at this time. You need to take your time, read the " Great Bones" book and educate yourself. I would encourage you also to get a second opinion before starting any medication. The lab tests are extremely important to review with an MD or Dr McCormick. I have been mis-managed for several years and wish that I would have had the knowledge and understanding of Osteoporosis before I started my journey with medication. I am struggling now to find an Endocrinologist in my area that takes my Insurance and has an appointment ( sooner than 6 months from now). My Rheumatologist who I have only been seeing for 5 months is not listening to my concerns about this condition. I hope you get the answers you are seeking. You have found a great site and we all support each other as best we can.

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candy209 | @candy209 | Jun 29, 2023
In reply to @windyshores "I had breast cancer that was fed by hormones so that is a caution. One out..." + (show)
@windyshores

I had breast cancer that was fed by hormones so that is a caution. One out of 8 women gets breast cancer and the majority are fed by hormones. Just wanted to include that in the discussion.

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Yes. That’s for sure. Family history and discussions with docs before considering. My mom was on them until 71 and did fine. But that doesn’t mean it would have been for me. I was considering the low dose patch when I was younger. Menostar. But my docs said no.

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sarahstuart Sarah Stuart McIlvain | @sarahstuart | Jun 29, 2023
In reply to @mrossi "I think you've gotten great advice from windyshores. My bones are much worse than yours, and..." + (show)
@mrossi

I think you've gotten great advice from windyshores. My bones are much worse than yours, and I am a fervent believer in any exercise that strengthens my body and above all improves my balance - a fall is your worst enemy. But don't count too heavily on an endocrinologist - the one I went to wanted to put me on Reclast and I refused, but I have refused all meds since a switch from Actonel to Fosomax caused a gerd reflex. Don't forget too that bone density is not everything - bone quality is important too.

And I totally agree with your feeling that doctors are being influenced by pharmaceutical companies.

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My sister, a now retired clinical dietician, claims that the digestive system is for food and other nourishment. That means injections or creams or whatever. I'm on Tymlos and inject daily with no side effects. I'm from the generation where medical needles were used many times over, so my anxiety level was high. First thing I had to do was find my reading glasses. The needle is so small I couldn't see it. Three months into the process with no evidence that I'm on a needle!

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rjd | @rjd | Jun 30, 2023
In reply to @cpd54 "I totally agree with doctors pushing drugs. Like others have told you, your scores are not..." + (show)
@cpd54

I totally agree with doctors pushing drugs. Like others have told you, your scores are not that bad. I feel osteoporosis is a serious condition that is letting you know things are out of whack wirh your body. That’s why I choose to see a functional medicine doctor who is helping me. My rheumatologist told me to take Tums if I didn’t go the medicine route.🤦….I would suggest reading R Keith McCormick, DCs books. I wish I had done that prior to meeting with the rheumatologist so I could ask intelligent questions. There are other test for measuring bone health besides a DEXA scan that, IMHO, need to be done before prescribing osteoporosis meds. Good luck in your journey.

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Could you please specify what 'other test' beside a DEXA scan will measure bone health. Thanx.

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2 replies
cpd54 | @cpd54 | Jun 30, 2023
In reply to @rjd "Could you please specify what 'other test' beside a DEXA scan will measure bone health. Thanx." + (show)
@rjd

Could you please specify what 'other test' beside a DEXA scan will measure bone health. Thanx.

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Dr McCormick calls them bone turnover markers. They measure bone quality indirectly. It’s to much to type here. I would suggest going to Dr McCormicks website to read about them, or getting one of his books.

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windyshores | @windyshores | Jun 30, 2023
In reply to @rjd "Could you please specify what 'other test' beside a DEXA scan will measure bone health. Thanx." + (show)
@rjd

Could you please specify what 'other test' beside a DEXA scan will measure bone health. Thanx.

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P1NP and collagen CTX along with calcium, Vitamin D etc.

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