WE WERE TOLD AT THE BEGINNING OF TM by Terry's internist, that the worst thing would be the steroids and the list would be longer than his arm. So, he wanted to get him off it asap. We never saw that internist again and of the other 8-10 doctors he saw, they all failed to mention this and we "forgot" with all the other "crap" TM put us through. 1 1/2 year into it, he had a bone density test and it showed osteoporosis in his hips and was started on Fosamax.
It now has led to osteonecrosis and he had his shoulder replaced last week due to it and his other shoulder will be replaced in two months. He also has osteonecrosis in the knee and ankle. Ironically, his hips have improved somewhat.
Sometimes going through the trauma of a new disease, we are not always self-informed or we just don't "hear" everything the doc's tell us, as unfortunately was our case. Shouldn't it be up to our doctor to monitor us and order a bone density test and keep ordering them to see if there is bone depletion to avoid the obvious if we are on steroids?
Incidentally, it's one week since Terry had the replacement and he is doing PHENOMENAL! He's just amazing! Of course the first 5 days were very difficult, but as of Friday night, he bounced back. He even BBQ'd a steak last night and made some wonderful green beans with almonds. I have always been the souz chef and am glad to be back in that position after just a few meals that I had to prepare.....
Sparker
