Finding Help for 86 year old mom.

• By pgreene
• Posted November 24, 2007 at 2:04 pm
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Two of the specialists that treat osteoporosis are endocrinologists and rheumatologist. Some PCP's also treat the disease. I was diagnosed by an endocrinologist, then saw a rheumatologist and now just see my regular doctor that specializes in Internal Medicine. I have my DEXA scans done at my gynecologist's office so there are several specialties that will treat osteoporosis. You just need to find the right fit for yourself and your mother. There are several available treatments but the doctor you choose will determine the best course of action for your mother for her age and bone density scores.

As far as fall prevention, make sure things are kept off the floor that could cause her to slip or stumble. Go through the house and pick up anything that could cause a fall such as throw rugs, etc. Being 86 I doubt she has to deal with children leaving toys on the floor unless she has grandchildren. Also beware of pets that can get under foot. I'm 44 with osteoporosis and have almost tripped over one of my cats several times. Non-skid soles on the shoes will also be good.

Peggy

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• By muckmail
• Posted November 25, 2007 at 6:48 am
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The doctors also have her on 5mg of predizone for years. This drug is bad for bone health
among other things. Is there a way subsitute for that drug that would be better for her?

What I really need is a good doctor that would take time to review her situation in
the Evansville Indiana area. A doctor that is not just a pill popper. One that would
look at her diet, medications, etc. From what I see, most doctors seem like they are out for the money and will not take time with there patients. Especially with older people.

thank you

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• By jerryd3001
• Posted November 25, 2007 at 9:15 am
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If you go to this link it will give the physician finder for the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists: http://www.aace.com/resources/memsearch.php.

When I did that, searching for someone listing either osteoporosis or gerontology as specialties, nothing comes up. But there is an endocrinologist, so I would suggest at least calling his office to see if he would want to see your mom:

Ronald Martin Kimberlin, MD, FACE
Physicians Health Group
3801 Bellemeade Ave
Evansville, IN 47714-0100
Directions to Office
Phone: 812-485-1783
Interest Areas:

Diabetes Mellitus

General Endocrinology and Metabolism

Thyroid Dysfunction

If you'll go to this link, it will give you whatever is available for rheumatologists: http://www.rheumatology.org/directory/geo.asp.

When I search on Evansville, IN, four names come up. So you could also call those offices explaining your mom's situation to see who would be interested in seeing her.

I would normally lean to the endocrinologist as the primary diagnostician and person to start therapy for osteoporosis. You could then normally continue with your primary physician. In this case, with your mom taking steroids--the normal realm of rheumatology--you might consider starting there. But you should be in good hands with either specialist, and hopefully can then revert back to your mom's primary care provider after things are brought under control by the specialist. And perhaps whichever of these physicians you go to will be able to recommend a gerontologist in or near your area if they don't also practice in that specialty Good luck.

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• By catwoman
• Posted November 25, 2007 at 9:28 am
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You are right on target about pill poppers! All of us who see a doctor for anything other than routine checkups encounter this problem! A couple of sugestions:
1. Read all you can and absorb as much information as possible before you talk to the docor so you have specific questions and can respond with more knowledge and suggestions of your own to what they say. I finally got my Vitamin D level checked when I asked for it and and it turned out to be low. Of course this can contribute to bone loss. The MD should have suggested having it checked early on! Some books that have been recommended to me are:

Strong Women, Strong Bones: Everything you Need to Know to Prevent, Treat, and Beat Osteoporosis by Miriam E. Nelson and Sarah Wernick

Better Bones, Better Body : Beyond Estrogen and Calcium by Susan E. Brown, Susan E. Brown PhD, and Russell Jaffe MD

Mayo Clinic on Osteoporosis: Keeping Bones Healthy and Strong and Reducing the Risk of Fractures by Stephen, M.D. Hodges

Osteoporosis For Dummies (For Dummies (Health & Fitness)) by Carolyn Riester O'Connor


The Osteoporosis Exercise Book : Building Better Bones by David Gelbart $19.95


The Book of Exercise & Yoga for Those with Osteoporosis: Using Movement & Meditation for Better Bones, Balance, and Posture by Lori Newell $19.99

WHAT YOUR DOCTOR MAY NOT TELL YOUABOUT OSTEOPOROSIS- by Dr. Felicia Cosman.

Exercises for Osteoporosis-Dianne Daniels (masters in exercise physiology from Columbia, former health educator, NTC Dept. of Aging, Am. Co. of Exercise, personal training business in NYC)

2. If your mom is seeing more than one doctor, try to get copoies of all her records from all the doctors including lab test results (blood work, DEXA scans etc. ), organize them,and carry them with you to your appointments. Often one doc doesn't have access to test results done earlier by another MD

3. When booking an appointment, ask how long is allotted for the visit and if it is 10 minutes, as is common, and you think you need more, you can ask for and sometimes get a double booking so you have more question time (of course you have to pay double too!)
I've also tried writing a letter to the MD prior to my appointment listing my major concerns that I want addressed at the appointment. It is important to prioritize and realize that not everything will be able to be covered. Choose your top 3 in order and get straight to them.

4. If you have any interst in alternative aproaches, you can google Integrative Medicine for practitioners in your area. These ar doctors with special interest in alternative treatments, or traditional doctors who have others in their practice who tak different apporoaches- most of these latter I've found, tho, just have a massage therapist or acupuncturist on staff and let it go at that- not really overly helpful.

5. You said you are looking for treatment in Evanston Indiana. Are you close enough to coordinate this yourself? There is also a specialty called geriatric care managers who will help coordinating treatment for elderly relatives who are far away. They usually have either nursing or social work backgrounds.Ofen they know of the local resources better than you might from a distance. Some even take their clients to docotr appointments. I met up with one in the waiting room when I had my mom at a DR. apointment.Talking to one by phone might help you assess whether they have helpful resources to offer you. But it is another expense and depends on you financial situation.

6. I'm confused. The heading of your post is "Finding Help for 86 year old mom"- but your profile says you are 80 and that YOU have the conditon. If you are 80 there is no way your mom ccan be 86! What am I missing??

Good luck! -Nancy

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