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When I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis in December 2006 I went to an OB/GYN who wanted me on Forteo.......that was scary since it has not been out long and then the shots were over my budget. Then I switched to an internal medicine doctor........he really is not up on Osteoporosis and does not want to hear what I have found out. I just don't know what other doctor to treat me. Thank you for sharing the types of doctors you see......it can help others.
My gynecologist prescribed the DEXA that confirmed my diagnosis about 9 mos. ago and prescribed Fosamax plus D. She did not have the time nor inclination to answer my laundrey list of questions and concerns, so I went to my health insurance carrier website and searched for a endocrinologist with subspecialty in osteo.
I actually found 3. Couldn't refer myself as per these practices' guidelines, so my pcp agreed to, though I'm not sure he felt it was necessary. I've seen my endocrinologist twice and am very satisfied with his recommended treatment plan as well as his level of expertese.
linny
I also go to an endocronologist, referred by my GP. So far I'm very satisfied with his level of expertese.
Jennie
Hi, my osteoporosis care is with a PCP. When I have an appointment, I take a check list of information that has come to my attention. My doctor is always on top of the information. I think it is important to have a doctor that respect the intelligence of a patient taking responsiblity for their health. Depending on where we are with this disease, it may not be necessary to have a specialist. Sandi
You probably want to see an endocrinologist. I believe that is the specialty that covers osteoporosis. Some people will find that their PCP or OB/GYN can treat them as well, or at least prescribe meds, but I think it's the endocrinologist that is most up to date on the disease.
I am in the beginning stages of exploring and developing a plan for my osteoporosis. Both my PCP and gyno immediately recommended I go on fosomax. That's ok with me, but I wanted to find someone who would take an active role in my health to out-rule other potential concerns as to what is causing the osteoporosis (I am 44 yrs old and no known family history). I've learned that both a rheumotologist and an endocronologist may help. So I've found two in my area and have made appts with both. I have seen the rheum and was pleased with the visit; he has ordered all kinds of blood work and other tests; the endo I see end of October.
In Chicago, Northwestern University's medical campus is at Northwestern Memorial Hospital where some of the medical school staff is part of the Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation. One of their departments is the Bone Health Center, 675 N St Clair St, Chicago IL 60611, phone 312-695-1880. I have been impressed by the thoroughness of their approach to diagnosis and treatment as many of my friends just got a prescription for an osteoporosis drug from their regular doctor. The workup included an extensive panel of lab tests to see if some underlying cause is contributing to osteoporosis (are you absorbing what you eat, are you processing calcium, are you processing Vitamin D, does your body have some undetected inflammation, is your parathyroid gland ---which regulates calcium in the body) ---working right, etc). I was also given a new bone density scan and was sent for a dental evaluation including full X-ray of the jaw. Lab tests also checked to see if my kidney function was OK for the drug we were considering. I was referred to a physical therapist for balance training and was told to wear a SafeHip hip protector when I go out. I was stunned to learn that I have a profound Vitamin D deficiency in spite of taking a daily vitamin pill. You need Vitamin D in order to utilize calcium. In spite of signs since childhood that I was not utilizing calcium, nobody ever picked this up before, and I am 74. My deficiency is now being addressed with a mega-dose of Ergocalciferol, otherwise I could eat calcium with a shovel and it wouldn't be helping, which is part of how I developed my present bone problem. So what I am saying is, if you can get to an osteoporosis specialist where you live, it's worth going. Call your nearest university medical center and get a referral to an osteoporosis specialist.
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