More crap.

I went to the gynecologist last week, just for a regular check-up since I hadn't gone for years and years and everyone was telling me I should go. So, I did. The doctor sent me for a mammogram and a DEXA bone density scan and I thought nothing of it and forgot about it since he said no news is good news.

Well, he called today, and when I heard him say "This is Dr. N" I thought at first it was that something was wrong with the mammogram since I hadn't had one for years, and was so cocky talking to the technician about breast cancer not running in our family. Then he told me that I have moderate osteoporosis in my lumbar spine, and in my right hip. I wonder why the back doctor didn't order a bone scan before sending me for therapy treatments that are not working! The gynecologist wants me to take Fosamax. I need to talk to my internist about this. I don't want to take more drugs. And Fosamax sounds like it would be bad in many ways...here's the list of side effects:

Serious side effects:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• difficulty or pain when swallowing;
• chest pain;
• pain or burning under the ribs or in the back; or
• new or worsening heartburn.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur:

• abdominal discomfort; (I just got the ulcers cured so don't need this!)
  
• stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation;
• headache;
• muscle, bone, or joint soreness or aches;(I'm on meds to try to get RID of chronic pain, so do I really need a drug to cause MORE??)
  
• eye pain; (wonderful)
  
• a rash;
  
• an altered sense of taste.

So, I am waiting for my internist to call me back so we can discuss this and talk about other options to slow down the bone thinning without taking more risky drugs.