I had another visit with the Endocrinologist. Actually, it was a good visit as far as doctor office visits go. I am beginning to think that health providers in my part of WI are exceptional in attitude and demeanor.
The nurse 'Jackie' put me at ease when she took my weight and brought up my chart. When she took my blood pressure ---> it was low normal. This is NOT what generally happens in any office visit. She commented that White Coat Syndrome exists but at the same time doctors sort of poo-poo it.
Dr. Bone Doctor insisted I call her Emily. See? She wasn't so high and mighty and full of bluster at all. She and I talked about my tests which well, were much the same as they were 2 years ago. I know I've said I wouldn't try anything after reading all about these medication side effects. One of the subjects of discussion was in particular my lumbar spinal column.
Decisions, decisions. However, I am going to give medications one more chance. One of the biggest challenges to taking medications is Fear of potential side effects. Hey, I am one of those for sure. You can read about horrid side effects and even know those who suffered from it. But...IF I can improve the loss of bone around my spinal cord with meds? I am willing to try.
Other reasons for not taking or resisting meds:
Cost
[Yikes, this could be a whole article in itself]
Misunderstanding
[I understand how it works and what it is supposed to do]
Too many meds
[not me, this would be the only med I take compared to the 14 ones that hubby takes]
Lack of symptoms
[I have absolutely NO symptoms. I do have back pain, but other than that? Nothing]
Mistrust
[This is huge. Big Pharma -- only out to make a buck!]
Worry
[Thoughts like --> I will NOT take this for the rest of my life!]
Depression
[Hey, it is depressing to think after all my life that I may have to take something!]
Emily and I went over my concerns and we set up a plan of action. See? She and those I've dealt with in my town aren't boorish at all. They communicate with their patients.
I am going to try a med called Boniva. It works by slowing bone loss. Now, I've tried two kinds of versions of this before. But I'm willing to try once more. There is another med that is supposed to help build up bone but it takes a 6 month commitment to a shot [it could be a life time medication]. Boniva is a once a month pill form med.
I've read the horror stories.
When I left the pharmacy and got home, I'd worked myself into a tizzy. I was angry that I'd committed to trying it, fearful, anxious, and pissed at my body that had betrayed me, and in a word? I was in a Stress Rage.
I told hubby that I needed to go into a quiet room and cover my eyes and be left alone. I actually said something like: I need to go in a dark cage and have a sign on the door that says: SHE WILL BITE!
How dare my lumbar region be so fragile? I couldn't feel it, but I could see it on the Bone Density Scan. How Dare It?
Emily told me to keep up my regular routine as I am 'fit and relatively strong'. However, I want to try and help myself and avoid compression fractures in the lower spine. That could end my ability to walk. Period.
Period...
This is the motivator for me to keep trying to improve things.
My husband says I need to stop having negative thoughts regarding trying a medication. You know what? He is right. A doctor's visit set me off in a negative way even though it was a rather pleasant encounter.
Conclusion so far. I've stayed active and strong which has helped keep me from injuries so far. I'm over my Rage at my body and now have settled into a mode of Let's see how I can help myself.