Glucometer and Bone Density Test

[Guest guest]

At my recent physical, I asked the doctor about both of these and was

told I do not need them. She feels diabetes is not inevitible even

though my symptoms of CP seem to be rapidly and progressively

worsening. She also says bone density testing is only recommended at

menopause and thereafter.

I will be going back for follow up in 2 months and I'd like to have

more information from anyone? It seems to me that I've read

osteoporosis is a danger because of malabsorption? Is that true? The

doctor also said that if osteoporosis was developing, she'd be at a

loss to know what to prescribe for someone with pancreatitis, since

conventional medications were contraindicated. Huh?

My PCP (primary care provider) is " old school " but will pay attention

to any reliable data I show her. She readily admits this is not her

speciality, but I trust her far more than any of the G.I. doctors I

have seen so far. So any links that you can recommend that would

convince the doctor these tests would be of value now? Or am I wrong?

Thanks for any input.

Aloha,

Chris

[Guest guest]

Christie,

I can see where the bone density test wouldn't necessarily be of

value for you now, you young thing! Of course, for someone as old as

I am (as I hobble up to the computer and testily ease myself

down...hahaha) it was most prudent. And yes, my bone density test

did show osteopenia, which is the beginning stages of osteoporosis.

Disheartening news for a 51 year old. My diagnosed malabsorption has

contributed to this condition. But I believe you are about 20 years

junior to me, are you not? Perhaps too early to be concerned about

bone density.

What your doctor said about the medication for osteoporosis

contradicting pancreatitis treatment is true, unfortunately. When my

osteopenia was discovered by the bone density test, my internist

immediately put me on 500 mg. of calcium and vitamin D, which is the

conventional medical treatment for osteoporosis. And then my

gastroenterologist promptly told me NOT to take the calcium/vit.D

tablets! So I stopped.

My internist doesn't know much about pancreatitis, and I trust my new

GI to know best. He also has a degree in internal medicine. The

reasoning is this: CT-scans have shown severe calicification

throughout my pancreas and calcific debris is also within my

pseudocysts. He doesn't want me taking any additional calcium which

would only contribute to this condition. Makes sense to me! It does

mean that I'm not able to do what I need to avoid further problems

with the osteopenia for the time being. Another Catch-22...there

seem to be many with this disease.

Although I can't say I agree about her not wanting you to do blood

glucose monitoring, didn't she already agree to do an HbA1c? If she

does that and rechecks this every 6 months or so, I would think that

would be suitable, unless of course, you have any problems or

symptoms.

Maybe we should periodically review the symptoms of diabetes here for

everyone on the MB to review and learn to look for.

Sounds like you did have a good appointment, and that your new doctor

does take you very seriously. Hopefully she'll continue to show this

much individual attention to you as time goes on, and won't let

anything slip through the cracks.

With hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina

SC & SE Regional Rep.

PAI, Intl.

Note: All comments and advice are personal opinion only, and

should not be substituted for professional medical consultation.

I asked the doctor about both of these and was told I do not need

them. She feels diabetes is not inevitible even though my symptoms

of CP seem to be rapidly and progressively worsening. She also says

bone density testing is only recommended at menopause and thereafter.

It seems to me that I've read osteoporosis is a danger because of

malabsorption?

The doctor also said that if osteoporosis was developing, she'd be at

a loss to know what to prescribe for someone with pancreatitis, since

conventional medications were contraindicated. Huh?

> Chris