Scared of Doctor - Osteoporosis Message Board

Piano0105 · 09-05-2005, 10:10 AM

I have an appointment to see my rheumatologist this week, and I'm really not looking forward to it. He acts as though it's my fault that I can't tolerate the side-effects of all the osteo drugs. I think this attitude forces people to lie and pretend that they're taking something when they're not. I can't pretend that I'm taking his last recommendation, Forteo, because he'll find out at my next scan.

I haven't had much luck finding a more sympathetic doctor in my area who's willing to work with me to find a solution instead of just writing out one prescription after another. I guess they just don't want to be responsible if you don't follow their instructions, but it really spoils the doctor-patient relationship (not that there is much of one any more these days with only 10 minutes a visit).

taape · 09-05-2005, 01:05 PM

I'm sorry that you can't find a good doctor, it does make all the difference. Your doctor can find out from the insurance company (unless your paying cash) whether your picking up a prescription. Pretending to take prescribed medications won't treat the disease. I tried the Fosamax and couldn't tolerate it but I've been on Forteo for a year with no side effects, and increased bone density. Medications are just one part of treatment as exercise and calcium supplements, dietary calcium, and anything your body is deficient in all help improve bone density. I wish there was a simple cure.

CrohnieToo · 09-06-2005, 06:19 AM

Sorry to hear the problem you are having with this Rheumy, Piano. Specialists can sometimes be a real PITA with supersized egos altho Rheumies aren't usually as bad as some of the other specialties such as Orthopods, etc. Perhaps you could expand your options some by checking for Endocrinologists in your area. I've been told that they are the best specialty for treating osteoporosis anyway. However, in our area there are a lot less Endos than Rheumies. We do have an ob/gyn clinic in our area that specializes in Osteoporosis and actually has an osteoporosis clinic in their building. So it wouldn't hurt to check out the ob/gyns in your area as well.

As a last resort, if you really are stuck with this Rheumy: keep in mind that YOU are paying HIM, makes no difference if you are paying him directly or your insurance is, YOU are still paying HIM, that makes HIM "YOUR" employEE and YOU "HIS" employER. As such you have earned and deserve his RESPECT. Take a deep breath, straighten your shoulders, hold your head high and keep that employee/employer relationship in mind at each office visit with him. There is no need to apologize for your body's intolerances.

Meanwhile, take those calcium, etc. supplements and check out and do the various recommended exercises for osteoporosis. Ask your Rheumy why HE hasn't suggested Physical Therapy/Exercise classes for your Osteoporosis. Why hasn't HE suggested Nutritional/Dietary counseling? Don't be bashful, ask him why HE hasn't suggested alternatives that can help, altho maybe not as effectively as the various medications, since you have such an intolerance to the meds. Hey, sometimes it becomes necessary to put THEM on the defensive!

Ann Landers used to always say people can't use you as a door mat unless you let them.