What is best for us: An endocrinologist or a rheumatologist?

Posted by whyme123 @whyme123, Sep 19, 2023

I’ve been staying at endocrinologist, but I’m thinking about going to a rheumatologist and I’m wondering what would be more appropriate for osteoporosis? I’m not on any medicine and trying to decide if I’m going to start taking any.

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@susanfalcon52

I see both an endocrinologist and a rheumatologist. They both said the same thing - Evenity.
So, i get my 5th injections today.
The endocrinologist has his own lab in his office and orders blood work every three months.
So far, so good.
I think Evenity is scary, but I am trusting doctors. That’s scary, too.

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Susan I am with you 2 injections in. What blood work other than CTX do you have done ?

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@connectalant

I have been on Prolia for a number of years and recently experienced a very significant drop in BMD between DexaScan's. The are a limited number of causes of dramatic changes, including Parathyroid adenomas and the possible rebound effect if Prolia has been discontinued. Other possible concerns are the accuracy of the test itself and the need to confirm that the drug remains effective in your system. These are issues that should be discussed with your provider.

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That’s not good to hear your BMD went down. My Endocrinologist is only keeping me on it for 2 yrs . How long have you been on it ? Are you using the same Dexa Scan machine ? I was told you have to use the same one . How about Calcium and Vit D ? Are you taking that ? Your Bone Density should not be going backwards . Hope they figure out the issue

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First I’d see an Endocrinologist because they can first rule out underlying conditions prior too going on any medications for Osteoporosis. If he gives you the okay, I would then get a second opinion from a Rheumatologist. Then you & your doctor could decide what Osteoporosis medication is best for you. Hope this helps. Best of luck too you!

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I went to an endocrinologist with a specialties in Osteoporosis and bone disorders, after ruling out every possibility that came to mind. I was most concerned that I was experiencing a Prolia rebound effect, even though I had only postponed my treatment to allow for dental work, not discontinued its use. The answer was that my DexaScan was in error. I have a twenty year history of DexaScans, using the same machine whenever possible. During that time, I questioned the accuracy of the exams on two occasions. Unfortunately, diagnoses and treatments are dependent upon the results. I would opt for an endocrinologist. Having two specialists does not seem like a good idea.

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I have untreated primary hyperthyroidism. Went thru tests with an endocrinologist 2 years ago. She did nothing @ that time. Also osteoporosis untreated due to fear of side effects of drugs. My internist wants me to go thru another dexa scan. Don't know who to trust. So tired of Docs and drugs. How is it normally treated? More drugs? Anyone relate to all this? Maria.

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@lab54

First I’d see an Endocrinologist because they can first rule out underlying conditions prior too going on any medications for Osteoporosis. If he gives you the okay, I would then get a second opinion from a Rheumatologist. Then you & your doctor could decide what Osteoporosis medication is best for you. Hope this helps. Best of luck too you!

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That is great advice. My rheumatologist actually sent me to an endocrinologist for a second opinion on my osteoporosis journey. The Endo ran a ton of tests to rule out any underlying conditions then agreed with my rheumy’s treatment plan. It was comforting to know they agreed. I am currently on Evenity and really hoping for improvement.

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@gammyb

That is great advice. My rheumatologist actually sent me to an endocrinologist for a second opinion on my osteoporosis journey. The Endo ran a ton of tests to rule out any underlying conditions then agreed with my rheumy’s treatment plan. It was comforting to know they agreed. I am currently on Evenity and really hoping for improvement.

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I have an appointment with an Endocrinologist in November. I should have been refered by my Rheumatologist but no such luck. Just hope I don’t experience anymore bothersome side effects. Thanks for steering me in the right direction. Greatly appreciate you!

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I have seen rheumatologists for decades because I have psoriatic arthritis. When my Op got to a certain point , she referred my to the endocrinologist. I still see both. I go to a place, UCSF, that they have so many “specialists”. Now because I had trouble with my jaw when I took fosanex , she wanted me to see a doctor that specialize in dental /OP .
I don’t know if that it would help. What is he going to say, yes when you took those drugs, your teeth break. How is that helping?

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@sonomagal22

I have seen rheumatologists for decades because I have psoriatic arthritis. When my Op got to a certain point , she referred my to the endocrinologist. I still see both. I go to a place, UCSF, that they have so many “specialists”. Now because I had trouble with my jaw when I took fosanex , she wanted me to see a doctor that specialize in dental /OP .
I don’t know if that it would help. What is he going to say, yes when you took those drugs, your teeth break. How is that helping?

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Maybe they'll prescribe Forteo--my favorite drug. https://ascopost.com/news/july-2020/teriparatide-for-medication-related-osteonecrosis-of-the-jaw/
It isn't just the teeth. Usually the teeth weaken when the jaw bone is affected. Because fosamax stays in your bones for a very long time, your jaw can't heal.
Best wishes

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@gently

Maybe they'll prescribe Forteo--my favorite drug. https://ascopost.com/news/july-2020/teriparatide-for-medication-related-osteonecrosis-of-the-jaw/
It isn't just the teeth. Usually the teeth weaken when the jaw bone is affected. Because fosamax stays in your bones for a very long time, your jaw can't heal.
Best wishes

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You are so right! We have too be very careful because our teeth weakens & a lot of women get cancer of the jaw which is the most common side effect of all Osteoporosis medications. It’s scary that these doctors feed us these medications knowing that jaw cancer is real! Your damned if you do, your damned if you don’t! What too do?

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