I saw the endocrinologist today - Osteoporosis Message Board

starfish81 · 10-17-2007, 06:51 PM

Well, I saw the endocrinologist today. And I'm steaming mad

. He went over all my blood/urine test results and said they were normal (which I knew), then he went on for a couple of minutes telling me what a fool I was to have tried human growth hormone Tx because "those age-management clinics are a money-making scam" and if I would have done my homework I should have known that a blood test cannot diagnose growth-hormone deficiency

. I told him I sought Tx options in the USA because I was dissatisfied with the options available in Canada and he came down on me for that too.
Then he wanted to know why I was there. So I said because my density levels keep plummeting, and I want to know if there is any biological reason why. He said there was no explanation for my case. I asked about strontium and he said he didn't recommend it. I reminded him it's now being used in Europe, and he said Canada has recently approved it but he doesn't prescribe it because "we don't know the long-term ramifications". I told him I was taking it anyway, and he said, sarcastically, "where do you get this, from some naturopath"? I said no, you order it on-line and then he came down on me for using "improper websites to get information".
The kicker was his closing statement "The drugs we offer are Fosamax, Actonel, and Forteo. If you're not willing to take any of them, I can't help you. Goodbye". And he showed me the door.

Boy, I guess the pharmaceutical reps gave him lots of perks

montesflus · 10-17-2007, 10:20 PM

Fire him. There's plenty of other fish in the sea

peppurr · 10-18-2007, 01:43 PM

Wow Starfish - unbelievable. I say good riddance to him. And what are the long term "ramnifications of Fosamax? My doctor tried to explain that and basically all he said was that it might work and it might not. Is he young? There's something about some of these specialists. Some of them even look down on GPs nevermind Naturopaths. They think they're walking on water. I had a young orthopaedic surgeon a year ago and he created a whole new definition of arrogance. My husband almost punched him out before he settled down.lol

phylwill1152 · 10-19-2007, 04:36 AM

Hi starfish, sorry to hear the endo gave you such a hard time. I agree with the others, its time to find a new endo. I also agree that specialist tend to be of the "my way or the road" thinking. When we deal with "our" bodies we have to do what we feel is best for us and the drs. who will help us acheive that. I'm lucky that our family dr. is open to my new ideas about strontium. He admits he doesn't know much about it, but i'm educating him. Besides, he's seen the results i've had with it. I'll see him next month and discuss it with him.

Don't let the jerk get you down, there are plenty of drs. out there willing to work with you. It might takes some trial and error in finding one, but the rewards will be peace of mind and care you can trust. take care...phyllis

Piano0105 · 10-20-2007, 10:01 AM

Starfish81,

My rheumatologist basically said the same thing last week. I was forced to switch because my old doc retired. This guy is in his 40's I guess, but he as much as told me that if I didn't take the standard treatment he didn't see the point in my coming back. At least my old doc used to keep seeing me regardless of whether or not I agreed with him. I've tried many doctors, but because I'm hyper-sensitive to medication, they don't want to be bothered.