Re: osteoporosis to ka

[Guest guest]

Dear ka,

Unfortunately, I can't offer you any advice or tips to improve your

bone density. You see, I'm in really bad shape, pancreas-wise,

myself. I've reached pancreas burn-out and no longer have any

pancreas function whatsoever. Consequently, I'm a type 1 brittle

diabetic, totally dependent upon insulin. Both my Endocrinologist

and my Gastroenterologist/Internal Medicine specialist are opposed to

my taking any calcium. I don't want this osteopenia to get any

worse, and I'm sure you don't want yours to, either, but what can we

do if we can't take any medication to prevent it?

My condition was just diagnosed about four months ago after I got out

of the hospital after my diabetic ketoacidosis spree. My internist

wanted a full work up of everything, and was concerned about my early

menopause (started 12 years ago at 40) and my underweight body frame,

(106 at 5'8 " ). My insurance didn't want to cover the bone density

test until I had a doctor's letter of necessity. I'm glad I found

out about it, but it's frustrating to not be able to follow the

conventional treatment for it. I have an appointment in Sept. with

my gastro after my pseudocyst CT-scan check-up, and I plan to discuss

this with him again.

If he comes up with any new ideas about what to do, I'll be sure to

let you know. I hope you enjoyed your trip through the low-country

this summer. We lucked out and really didn't even have quite as hot

and humid a summer as usual this year. And no hurricane evacuations

this year either!!! (knock on wood)

With hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina

SC & SE Regional Rep.

PAI, Intl.

Note: All comments and advice are personal opinion only, and

should not be substituted for professional medical consultation.