Newly diagnosed with Osteoporosis

[Anonymous]

I was recommended a DEXA when I broke a bone at 47.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:54 female, had osteoporosis for 4 years and coincided with menopause at 49.

Knew I had osteopenia at 43 when I got a DEXA.

Saw a rheumatologist Dr Shari Diamond but honestly learned more from my physical therapist. PT advised me to wear a weighted backpack and do hard surface walking (I had been walking on a treadmill - not enough to stimulate bone growth) so now I strove for 3 miles, 4 days a week. I also do yoga to help with balance.

I take weekly Fosamax.

For me osteoporosis is own both sides of my family as both parents had it. My older brothers both have osteopenia and take calcium supplements

Per an intermediate DEXA that I insisted upon last year, I’ve made “tremendous to remarkable improvement” and hope to end my course of Fosamax with the diagnosis of osteopenia.

I’ve also gained about 15 lbs and try to tell myself that this was necessary- to add some weight to my frame

Can you share the actual backpack you use?

Weighted vests are also good.

[Anonymous]

Sorry to piggy back on this thread but can anyone recommend an endocrinologist in the DMV for osteopenia? I’m 51, went through menopause at 45 and have osteopenia. Trying to figure out what I can do now for prevention (other than getting a weighted vest and take my Vit. D). So far I haven’t found an endocrinologist who is taking new patients and doesn’t work just with diabetes patients. My GYn and PCP were not very helpful - just said see an endocrinologist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you all getting bone scans on your own? My dr refused even though I have a family history because I'm only 50. Said the rec was 65.

Find a new Dr. my Dr recommended it at 51 due to family history.

I agree full heartedly. I am the OP. I only wish I was sent to DEXA earlier.

[Anonymous]

How have others convinced their PCP to order a DEXA?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are you all getting bone scans on your own? My dr refused even though I have a family history because I'm only 50. Said the rec was 65.

Switch doctors. I had my first in my 40s. Sadly, while my woo woo doctor recommended a dexa, he never told me about fosomax or anything else so mine turned into osteoporosis.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How have others convinced their PCP to order a DEXA?

Find a new doctor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sorry to piggy back on this thread but can anyone recommend an endocrinologist in the DMV for osteopenia? I’m 51, went through menopause at 45 and have osteopenia. Trying to figure out what I can do now for prevention (other than getting a weighted vest and take my Vit. D). So far I haven’t found an endocrinologist who is taking new patients and doesn’t work just with diabetes patients. My GYn and PCP were not very helpful - just said see an endocrinologist.

Dr. Eyob Makonnen with MedStar

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you all getting bone scans on your own? My dr refused even though I have a family history because I'm only 50. Said the rec was 65.

Switch doctors. I had my first in my 40s. Sadly, while my woo woo doctor recommended a dexa, he never told me about fosomax or anything else so mine turned into osteoporosis.

Given Fosamax's adverse side effects, it might have been a conscious decision on your doctor's part not to prescribe it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PS:

It is very important to do “closed chain” exercises.

This is a new term for me, thank you! - NP with a family osteoporosis history, wondering what to do now in my 40s

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How have others convinced their PCP to order a DEXA?

Find a new doctor.

A different specialty. My gyn doesn't do it until late in the game. Went to a rheumatologist and she did a comprehensive workup with DEXA. Found out I'm in osteopenia despite a lifetime of weightlifting. She also told me to get off SSRIs and go to an SNRI for bone health.