Advocate for yourself!

My first DEXA Scan at the doctors request was 10 years ago and at the time revealed mild osteopenia.  I learned a little about it and was glad it was "mild".  Fast forward to now.  I asked the doctor if I could have another DEXA Scan and she agreed.  The tech advised me I should have been having this test and monitored every 2 years. 

So now the doctor calls and wants me to come in for a conversation because this new scan revealed "severe" osteopenia (which explains a lot about my skeletal system) and she wants to discuss putting me on medication...Fosamax or Boniva or something similar.  UGH! 

It seems to me severe osteopenia is more like mild osteoporosis?  Sounds like it's a little too late.

Advocate for yourself!!

Grateful Heart       

3 Comments

Advocate

by TBrous&Chip - 2017-07-01 14:21:01

Hope the medication helps. I often say we are our own best advocate.  Read and learn about our illnesses. 

As hard as doctors and staff try they have hundreds of patients

Osteopenia / Osteoporosis

by LORIAAA - 2017-07-09 17:28:00

I am a little older than you, and have osteopenia.  I was on Fosamax for years, and now on Risedronate (Atelvia).  My bone scans (every 2 years) have improved.  Not too late!  With my heart problem and osteopenia I now exercise at cardiac rehab three days a week, and continue to take the medicine.  I can not make a recommendation, but I would talk to your OB/GYN (first) and your family doctor to develop a plan.  I have an appointment in October with my OB/GYN and this is the main subject this visit.  I just went to the hospital and got complete copies of all my scans from 2003 to present.  The hospital also made me a graph with my history.  Best of luck to you!  I know I worry.... and completely understand.

Advocate

by DMJ - 2018-01-17 14:05:07

I agree so much with you Grateful Heart.  We need to understand our illness and the side effects of the medication we take.  Make sure we are getting the follow up we need to not become sicker.  Doctors are just people, and they should be there to support us.  I also haven't had a bone scan at 63 for at least 5 years and have been on Predisone as high as 60 mg for 2 years.  I think I will get one.

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