not enough endos?

[Di04]

I think we have a serious shortage of endocrinologists. I see people echoing my experience with the endocrinologist that started me on Prolia - prematurely I believe. She really did no education and we hardly discussed. "Take this. it's safe. Be sure you get your shots in time."

She is always busy, brusque I was very angry when I learned about the dental issues That would have been a big red flag for me My bad for not checking it out.

[ratoncita]

That’s why I rejected it. Didn’t want to experiment.

[Maverick2015]

Unfortunately, I was not smart enough to find an endo or any other specialty dr. I went with what my gyn said. I did do the research and find the dental issue and I have had a root canal and a few minor things done and no issues, although I know it is more with big dental procedures. I didn't, however, find or was told to never be late or come off. Because my dr left and in the process of finding another dr and insurance not approving I was 4 mo late and now I have 6 compression fractures. I live in a very rural area but finally got in with a spine dr. He referred me to endo nov 29 and I still don't have an appt. He also, thankfully, referred me to a fracture prevention clinic in a trauma center we have. She knew about osteo and even was trained in reading DEXA scans. Because of being so severe osteo and the 6 fractures she put me on Tymlos too. I have been watching videos and reading about dr who have all this knowledge and research et in osteo and I just told my friend yesterday, why can't I have access to one of those drs. Why is my health less important because I live in a rural area? I hope the dr I saw knows what she is doing because I don't have many other choices. I am only 56 so a long journey ahead and I want to have someone who knows. I feel like if I had advocated years ago and found someone maybe my situation would be different today. You and me and everyone else deserves the best healthcare no matter our age, insurance or demographics. Good luck

[Di04 in reply to Maverick2015]

I am sorry to read of your experience. It seems some doctors are prescribing these medicines without full understanding of consequences. They are "educated" by drug company reps. I suppose doctors have only so much time to keep up with all the drugs and changes in medical care. Still don't they have a responsibility to make sure patients know what they are getting into? These side effects are not recent developments

Also, sadly there is not enough specialist care outside of large urban areas. Even in those areas it can be months to get appointments. The demand is endless and the resources are finite. I was under care of specialist when I started down this rocky road. It didn't help me

Good luck with your new doc. I hope you get an appointment soon!

[yogalibrarian]

Yes, there is a shortage of endos. The local endo only comes to my hospital twice a month.

But it's a bigger problem than that. Endos have different specialties. One who specializes in diabetes may not have better knowledge of osteoporosis than you gynecologist or PCP.

So it's important for us to be educated patients. We have to ask smart questions. AND we cannot reject a treatment because of scary headlines.

What really should be in a scary headline is the number of (life-altering or life-ending) fractures that could be avoided with proper treatment (including medications).

[Di04 in reply to yogalibrarian]

All good points. For many of us, navigating the medical system can be overwhelming. We don't even know what questions to ask. Still it is risky to be a passive patient! Keep after it!

[Tlflom]

Try a vibration plate. Start low intensity. Use a suppliment;

standardprocess.com/Product...

Do not take more than 3 months plus D3 & K2. Then switch to Algecal. My osteoporosis is now normal. Look over the standard process website for more advice. I hope this helps.

[Copper23]

I feel that I was put on Prolia prematurely also. I was on it for over 8 years and needed a tooth extraction of one of my front teeth. I had the extraction, implant, and crown without any complications. I have been off the Prolia for 2 years. I tried Fosomax for 7 weeks and had horrible acid reflux so I stopped. I do "Bone Builders" several times a week. The rheumatologist said I need to be on something. Also I have had nodules on my lungs for 5 years as a result of Non-tuberculosis mycobacteria. I never needed treatment for it . My last cat scan indicated that the nodules were resolving. The pulmonologist was pleased. I am wondering if the prolia affected my immune system as an improvement was shown after being off the Prolia. Not sure if that was causation or just correlation. Any suggestions as to what to try for osteoporosis.? Has anyone else experienced any lung issues on Prolia? I do think the doctors try their best but they are so very busy and probably stressed.

Any suggestions as to what to try.

[Di04 in reply to Copper23]

Your question about lung issues is an interesting one. I also had lung issues after beginning Prolia. Of course 2 people with lung issues doesn't prove anything...