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How long to wait before re-testing bone markers

Osteoporosis & Bone Health | Last Active: Nov 18, 2023 | Replies (9)
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@baguette

Thanks for your encouragement!

I am not on a bone medication now. I was told I had severe OP (-3.8 for the worst vertebra). As with many others, insurance nixed the anabolic drugs for me. I can't take bisphosonate pills/capsules due to GERD, besides which studies have said that taking that kind of drug before the anabolic undercuts the potential full benefit of the anabolic drug. So for now I am not taking a med.

I am curious whether stopping the PPIs is helping my bones get back on track. That's why I was thinking about a re-test but don't know if six months is enough time for a comparison (without taking a drug).

BTW, I saw another PCP for a second opinion, and again that provider knew nothing about bone marker tests, and expressed no desire to learn. Very frustrating! So snaps to my first PCP, who also has no interest in bone marker tests but at least "humored" me by ordering them.

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Replies to "Thanks for your encouragement! I am not on a bone medication now. I was told I..."
gently | @gently | Nov 16, 2023

You've figured out this use for bone markers, very clever. I'm impressed. I would repeat the bone markers now.
With -3.8 in the vertebra, you are presently at risk for fracture. If you fracture, your life will change in ways you not only can't imagine, but would never agree to.
A good endocrinologist would fight the insurance denial, but you might be better off financially with insurance refusal. A PCP generally doesn't have the experience to challenge insurance denials successfully
https://therxadvocates.com/ https://www.lillycares.com/assets/pdf/lilly_cares_application.pdf
I suggest Forteo because I'm so happy with the drug. Tymlos would be my second choice.
Stopping the PPIs was a good move, but it won't rescue you. Bone building is slow without the anabolic drugs. And (I think) even the injectable bisphosphonates are too slow.
If you decide against the pharmaceuticals, you'll know whether stopping the PPIs was helpful.
And if you are able to get help with the cost, those same bone markers will serve as a measurement for the success of the medication.
You might consider finding an endocrinologist, but you have a prescribing doctor for now. I would take the fastest route to an anabolic medication.

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