1. < Osteoporosis & Bone Health

Newly diagnosed and looking for info

Posted by babbsjoy @babbsjoy, May 13 2:13pm

I am 62 years old and newly diagnosed with osteoporosis in my spine and osteopenia elsewhere. I am undergoing tests for underlying causes and meet with my doctor again early July. X-rays show no fractures but a lot of wear! I am taking Citracel max plus as per bottle directions, weights for arms numerous times a day, and do 1.5 to 2 miles on an elliptical machine daily. The doctor will make med recommendation in July (I think she is leaning towards injection like Forteo).

I meet with a nutritionist tomorrow. Any suggestions for what I should ask (I’d like to know about magnesium and k2 and what foods to eat or not eat, and timing for absorption). Also, any suggestions for med approaches/questions? My Dexa for spine was -3.6…..

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

lkel | @lkel | Jun 1 7:51am
In reply to @trixiegirl "I didn’t know any of this about Medicare and other insurance. Thank you for alerting me..." + (show)
@trixiegirl

I didn’t know any of this about Medicare and other insurance. Thank you for alerting me as I know we have to advocate for ourselves. I have an appointment with my primary care physician next week to review my latest DEXA and I really appreciate all this good information as I want to be prepared. I know she will refer me to specialist. Should I push for endocrinologist? I am already hypothyroid. I can’t really see from the research I’ve done online looking at reviews and physician descriptions that any of the specialists around here who deal with osteoporosis would consider anything but pharmaceuticals. I wish I could find more specialists within our healthcare who have more of an integrative approach. Sadly, in Florida it’s hard to find these people or at least where I live. If there’s anyone out there in Tampa Bay Area (I’m in St. Pete) who has recommendations for osteoporosis specialists please let me know! Thank you again for all this good information. What a wonderful group!

Jump to this post

My Endocrinologist prescribed it. I don't know what he did, but it was all covered. I know the clinic pushed me to apply for assistance with Forteo. I filled out the paperwork and gave it to the clinic and it was all covered. The clinic I go to is part of Optum.

REPLY
bluebonnet242 | @bluebonnet242 | Jun 1 9:39am
In reply to @healthmatters "I would prefer Tymlos due to its ability to build bone. What rationale did your doctor..." + (show)
@healthmatters

I would prefer Tymlos due to its ability to build bone. What rationale did your doctor use to appeal? Thank you.

Jump to this post

I had 2 recent fractures, hip and wrist, along with severe dexa scores. I’m not sure why my insurance denied at first. I believe my doctor had stated the fractures and dexa scores the first time he sent the paperwork for prior authorization. Some insurance may just deny at first. Your doctor may be well versed in getting prior authorization especially if they have other Tymlos patients.

Also check the Tymlos site. I believe they have information on getting prior authorization. I feel like I saw something on there but not sure.

I’ll see if I have any paperwork on the appeal. I have switched doctors. I started with a rheumatologist and now go to an endocrinologist.

REPLY
gravity3 | @gravity3 | Jun 2 9:20am
In reply to @windyshores "It sounds like you are working hard and doing a lot of reading. My view is..." + (show)
@windyshores

It sounds like you are working hard and doing a lot of reading. My view is that after menopause, bone loss is inevitable, though it is wise to check your parathyroid, D3 and calcium levels, CTX and P1NP etc.

My spine was -3.7 and after 18 months of Tymos it was -2.5. Technician errors are always possible but was pretty darn happy. I take calcium, D3 with a small amount of K, magnesium and walk 45 minutes. I don't work as hard as you!

You will probably be offered Tymlos, Forteo or Evenity. Many docs seem to be prescribing Evenity these days. I did Tymlos then Evenity (4 months) and now Reclast.

Tymlos' injection pen has an adjustable dose. I am sensitive to meds and chose Tymlos for that reason. I also read it was slightly better than Forteo for spine, but ask your doctor about that. (There are comparison charts online.)

Many of us have bought Keith McCormick's book "Great Bones" which is encyclopedic and a great reference book.

Jump to this post

https://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343(24)00101-3/fulltext
This was emailed from an OsteoBoston member

REPLY
babbsjoy | @babbsjoy | Jun 6 7:19pm
In reply to @trixiegirl "I didn’t know any of this about Medicare and other insurance. Thank you for alerting me..." + (show)
@trixiegirl

I didn’t know any of this about Medicare and other insurance. Thank you for alerting me as I know we have to advocate for ourselves. I have an appointment with my primary care physician next week to review my latest DEXA and I really appreciate all this good information as I want to be prepared. I know she will refer me to specialist. Should I push for endocrinologist? I am already hypothyroid. I can’t really see from the research I’ve done online looking at reviews and physician descriptions that any of the specialists around here who deal with osteoporosis would consider anything but pharmaceuticals. I wish I could find more specialists within our healthcare who have more of an integrative approach. Sadly, in Florida it’s hard to find these people or at least where I live. If there’s anyone out there in Tampa Bay Area (I’m in St. Pete) who has recommendations for osteoporosis specialists please let me know! Thank you again for all this good information. What a wonderful group!

Jump to this post

Trixiegirl,
I read on another thread if this site that USF has an endocrinology and bone health specialty area—that might be something to look into? Also, if you are up for the traffic, in Orlando/Winter Park, Orlando Health has a women’s bone health center. Blessings on finding a great fit!

REPLY
1 reply
trixiegirl | @trixiegirl | Jun 7 12:22pm
In reply to @babbsjoy "Trixiegirl, I read on another thread if this site that USF has an endocrinology and bone..." + (show)
@babbsjoy

Trixiegirl,
I read on another thread if this site that USF has an endocrinology and bone health specialty area—that might be something to look into? Also, if you are up for the traffic, in Orlando/Winter Park, Orlando Health has a women’s bone health center. Blessings on finding a great fit!

Jump to this post

Thank you babbsjoy🙏. USF is a better drive than Orlando so I will look into what is offered there. I will also check out the Orlando center. Tampa Bay Area is booming like crazy with lots of Boomers and one would think there would be a bone health center in St. Pete/Clearwater area. We just got an Osteostrong so maybe more specialized osteoporosis practitioners will be attracted to our area. Thank you again for sharing this information.😍

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.