Re: Doc visit

[Guest guest]

, first, my uncle Millard (the quad... that sounds simply awful but there it is) is on Forteo and I can connect you with him for help in getting it if it becomes necessary. He learned a few tricks. Also, he swears by it and he's walking with crutches rathwer than using a chair and his docs are amazed.

If you stop the hormones and go batty, you can always go back on them. None of these decisions are permanent ones. I say stop the hormones for a while and see how you feel and add from there until you find the right mixture for you.

That's my opinion.... for what it's worth.

Doc visit

Hi everyone,

I need to "think out loud" & get my thoughts sorted out. I'd like for you to listen & give me some feedback.

I had a bone density study & saw the endocrinologist today. Good news is that I haven't lost any bone mass! However, I haven't gained any either. I forgot to ask for a copy of the report, but I think the T-score for my spine was -1.6; one hip was -1.3 & the other was -1.2 or -1.4. Anyway, I'm stil in the osteopenia range, not osteoporosis yet. Dr. Srivatsa was very happy!

I'm still on hormones (12 years) because I can't take Fosamax or Actonel; I use Miacalcin nasal spray to help prevent bone loss & take calcium & Vitamin D. I'm still on 9.5 mgs pred daily; will never get below 7.5 - if I ever get down to that.

I haven't had any broken bones since 11/02. Another broken bone will probably put me on Forteo (new med that you inject daily - maximum length of use is 2 yrs. - also hard to get approval for it); definitely if I also have bone loss. Bone loss will put me on ?????? acid (it's a long word & I'll find it later), an annual IV infusion.

Now, Dr. S gave me some options & left the decision to me.

1) I can continue the hormones & Miacalcin.

2) I can stop the hormones (if the gyn agrees) & Miacalcin & get the IV stuff.

3) I can even continue the hormones, stop the Miacalcin & get the IV meds.

It seemed like there were more options, but I guess that's why I need to talk this out - get my memory straight.

I'm having side effects from the provera, which I have to take if I stay on estrogen for my bones, so I'd like to stop it; but I don't know what will happen to my menopause symptoms if I stop the hormones. My mother's sister & a neice have had breast cancer; I have frequent mammograms because of some spots they're watching (12 yrs now, so it's not cancer). I just had my cervix frozen because of dysplasia. Gyn said it wasn't related to hormones, but I can't help wondering if I'm increasing my cancer risk by taking the hormones.

I dread having an IV because it's so hard to find my veins. I don't like putting meds into my veins, especially when it'll work for a year. But I don't want any more broken bones! This might be the best way to prevent that.

If I wait until I have more bone loss & break bones, then it's the daily shots, which I don't want either.

Of course, I always have the option of ignoring the doctor & stopping the hormones without changing my other meds - until I break something.

I think I'll research the meds, osteopenia, hormones more; & discuss it with my other docs, , & friends. Then maybe I can make the right decision. So, anybody still with me? Any suggestions?

Thanks,

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