I see. Thank you for that. I will check with the doctor I have in mind.

You are all so full of great information and help for each other. Impressive. I love this Connect site. Has helped me in so many ways over the past several years.

I developed severe osteoporosis at age 35. I'm now 76. At that time, a century ago, there were no docs to treat this, and certainly not for someone so young. After dealing with multiple docs, PCP, and neurologists at that time, told I would be in a full body brace in 5 years and a wheelchair in 7-10... I said NO, fired that doctor, and walked out of the hospital after tests determined to find solutions, someone to help me live my life as a mother with an active young son.

I found a young, new-in-town neurologist who helped as he could in those years. I was treated with oyster shell calcium daily and water therapy. Both helped, but now, after 41 years, I am seeing an endocrinologist at Mayo Jacksonville. Took some time but I'm actually getting treatment for my bone issues. Real treatment.

After a nuclear bone ct scan and a series of bloodwork, she has ordered annual Reclast IV infusions for 3 years. Hopefully, the bones will develop less build-up and be less brittle with less chance of my demise from hip/back breaks in a fall. I have fallen several times, with some serious injuries, but no hip break yet. I did have a vertebrae crack and had a very successful procedure inserting a 'cement' to stabilize the bone and disc. It was wonderful. Check out my story in the August issue of the Mayo Clinic Newsletter if you get a chance. It's so much fun! The reporter found me from Connect and wrote about my adventure with the spine procedure and its success. Such an honor and really fun...

After 15 years, it's just now beginning to ache if I move the wrong way or lift something I shouldn't. I've been blessed, but finally am getting progressive care for my bones. I'm hopeful Reclast side effects will miss me and I will see less full-body pain, which is indeed difficult. I'm also beginning another round of hopefully forever therapy pool, 95-degree temp water, 2x weekly forever. That water therapy is miraculous. I highly recommend this as ongoing therapy for bone/muscle/stress pain relief.

I am truly blessed to live in Jacksonville and able to enjoy the Mayo Clinic. My son actually changed insurance in order to have coverage at Mayo for his health needs. It's been a wonderful gift for both of us. My overall health care previously was poor for most years and fairly good in some years with local hospital health care. Mayo has surely made a huge improvement in my life and I believe has lengthened my life greatly. Connect has given me the support and encouragement of 'friends' who understand and are experiencing much the same health issues, physical and mental. I'm so grateful!

Fight to get in touch with a large hospital, preferably teaching, like Northwestern. Video is wonderful in many areas when the physician has no need to touch or examine your body in person. Or, after an initial visit, video is very simple and successful for both docs and patients.
No issues with Medicare paying for the Zoom visits ever. So, push ahead and see what your determination and strength find for you.
Blessings as you go through this strange, challenging health journey. elizabeth