just got BDT results/now what? - Osteoporosis Message Board

Joyce Macway · 01-21-2005, 03:23 PM

I am 49 and just got the results from my first bone density test. It showed I have osteoporsis in my lumbar region (-2.6) and reconmended I make an appointment with my Doctor, which I have done. What I would like is everyones input on the questions I should be asking at the next appointment. I did an internet search for questions to ask and found sone guide lines but it was not helpful as I would have liked.
Thanks so much

hummingbirdkiss · 01-25-2005, 01:01 PM

message deleted

peregrine · 01-26-2005, 05:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hummingbirdkiss

I know that many people do need medication. I have been curious though - if I remember correctly, the parathyroid hormones are involved in the breakdown of bone. I have wondered at times why doctors don't do something routinely to check parathyroid function.

Yes, I, too, have wondered about this. And my experience is that it is often an ordeal to ask for any test not routinely performed on a blood panel. Doctors are often rather myopic in their vision and won't prescribe beyond what is in their protocol book.

linda.b · 02-07-2005, 01:18 PM

Something which may also be relevant. Parathyroid disease is X7 more common in post menopausal women than rest of population.
Parathyroid disease will always result in bone loss and ultimately osteoporosis if the overactive gland is not removed .
I was eventually diagnosed with pHPT at 53. I now realise that by then I had probably had the disease for at least 5 years and have severe osteoporosis as a result.
I was very trusting of my dr. who asssured me there was nothing unusual about my complaints of extreme exhaustion in my late 40's. No tests were done.
There is nothing to be lost by asking for blood tests to exclude the possibility of pHPT being the cause of your osteoporosis.
Serum calcium levels will indicate whether a parathroid gland may be overactive.
Simultaneous raised parathyroid hormone levels will confirm this.
I wish I had been more persistent and that the doctor had been more receptive. Eventually many severe symptoms developed and I was referred but by then my bones were very bad.