Bone density disorders involve abnormalities of bone metabolism. Bone metabolism is regulated by several hormones including parathyroid hormone (PTH), estrogen, testosterone as well as vitamins and minerals including calcium,Vitamin D, phosphate, and magnesium. Abnormal bone density can cause bone to be weakened and break easily.
Bone Density Disorders
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis causes the structural integrity of bone to be brittle, porous (full of holes), and consequently easily broken or fractured even with minimal trauma such as falling from standing height. Osteoporosis is considered a ‘silent disease’ as many will not realize they are being affected by this condition until they actually break a bone and then are subsequently diagnosed. This condition typically occurs in post-menopausal women, but can also affect men too. Patients who take chronic moderate to high dose corticosteroids can be at risk for developing osteoporosis too, regardless of their age. Osteoporosis is diagnosed with a specialized x-ray called a DEXA scan (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry).
Osteopenia
Osteopenia is the term for describing ‘pre-osteoporosis’ whereby the bone density is mild to moderately weakened from normal, but not so severely weakened to the degree as osteoporosis. This is quantified as a number measured by the DEXA scan. In patients who have osteopenia, it is critical to reduce modifiable risk factors that could cause progression to osteoporosis.
Paget’s Disease
Paget’s disease is an uncommon chronic bone disorder whereby there is dysregulation of the normal life cycle of bone breakdown and regeneration. In Paget’s disease, bone breaks down in certain areas faster than it can be rebuilt, which results in fragile and deformed bone. This usually involves specific areas such as the pelvis, skull, spine and legs. Symptoms can include bone pain, tingling or weakness, or bone deformities which could lead to complications, including bone fractures, osteoarthritis, nerve damage, heart failure and rarely bone cancer. The cause of Paget’s disease is not yet known, but risk factors include older age, being male, European ancestry, or a family history of Paget’s disease.
How does Lomibao Rheumatology & Wellness Care treat Bone Density Disorders?
The initial treatment for bone density disorders include reducing modifiable risk factors, eating a nutrient dense diet with calcium and vitamin D, and weight-bearing exercise to help prevent further bone loss and strengthen already weak bones. When the diet is not enough, vitamins and supplements may be prescribed. The goal of medications used to treat bone density disorders is to reduce further bone loss and in some cases, increase bone density. In certain cases the outdated class of medication called bisphosphonates may be used, such as Reclast infusion for treatment of Paget’s disease. More modern and newer injectables offered by Lomibao Rheumatology & Wellness Care for treatment of osteoporosis are Prolia and Evenity. Wellness services for bone density disorders – coming soon!
What Our Patients Are Saying
Most Personable Rheumatologist
Dr. Lomibao has been my Rheumatologist for over 4 years. I have had RA for 25 years, and Dr. Lomibao by far is the best doctor I have seen. She is an excellent and experienced physician who truly listens and cares. She has developed a treatment plan that has given me my life back.
Phenomenal Physician
I am so thankful to be under the care of Dr Lomibao! I could honestly write an essay about her and how wonderful she is. From my first visit to the present she is always thorough and has a incredible bedside manner. I don't think I've ever waited more than 10-15 minutes in the office either. They are so efficient. I have recommended her to many people and will continue to do so. I love Dr Lomibao!
Exceptional Physician
I am so thankful to have found Dr Lomibao. She's been my rheumatologist since the very beginning of my autoimmune illness journey and I can't say enough good things about her. She spent so much time at my initial getting to know me and my symptoms and now I've been a patient of hers for over two years and she still spends all the time with me I need to get my questions and concerns addressed. She is so thorough and has the best bedside manner. I have recommended her to many friends. Dr lomibao is a fantastic physician.
The Best Rheumatologist
I could write a whole story. I won't because you may stop reading. Dr. Lomibao is the best I've came across during my search for a rheumatologist. She isn't like most doctors. She listens to you. She doesn't force meds on you and actually cares about your well being. I'm a lupus and arthritis patients. She has assisted me in getting my condition under control. If you want a caring doctor come see her and I promise you will not be disappointed.
Great Rheumatologist
I was diagnosed with lupus almost 4 years ago and after searching. I finally found a rheumatologist who listened. She was compassionate and caring. She has never tried to force a treatment or force meds. Dr. Lomibao has the best bedside manner and communicates with all my other doctors so we are all on the same page. She's such a great doctor I pay out of my pocket to see her because she isn't in my insurance network. That should tell you my true thoughts about Dr. Lomibao. If you are looking for a doctor who will listen and help you find a solution. Go see her.
She helped me knock my arthritis to the curb!
I had some difficulty with my arthritis and I wasn't particularly thrilled with my previous doctor's treatment plan. I decided to see Dr. Lomibao because there had to be another option. I was soooo glad I did!! Dr. Lomibao sat, listened and took notes like crazy. She really listened to my concerns and why I didn't want to be on steroids. When I finished, she put her pen down, looked me in the eyes and told me, "We will find something to help you." She reviewed all my options and provided the pros/cons on everything I could do. She provided me her most recommended options and then I was able to choose the best fit for me. It took a little bit of time, but I am now on a regimen that has my arthritis at the curb! You will not find a more personable, knowledgeable and caring physician around.
One of the Best to ever do it!!!
I have been seeing Dr. Lomibao for almost 2 years. Follow-up hospital visit. She was new to me on our first visit she sat and asked so many questions in regard to the new diagnosis of my auto-immune disease. At first glance, some told me she looks young and she may not be as knowledgeable as others. I say to them she is freaking awesome and amazing. I never feel rushed or feel like I'm being pushed out quickly. Not that I take a lot of time but, as a patient you want to feel like your Dr. truly cares about what you're going through and find a way to solve the problem. During this recent pandemic, I've been teaching from home. I had to move my daughter home from college and I had to work the very next day. I was exhausted and had an appointment with Dr. Lomibao the very next day. My body was not cooperating and I left a message with her nurse and my Dr. did a virtual appointment to address my issues. Video or by phone was optional. They always return calls and are accommodating. God Bless you guys stay safe!
I love Dr. Lomibao
Dr. Lomibao was the first Rheumatologist I saw after I started exhibiting symptoms of inflammatory arthritis in 2018. I have been appreciative of her analytical and compassionate nature since my first appointment! Dr. Lomibao doesn't just check boxes off her chart and move on to her next patient. During my appointments, she takes the time to relate to me and allows me space to communicate the various areas of my life that are affected by my illness. This has greatly affected the amount of trust I have for her. I am an over-thinker who loves knowing why and how aspects of my illness are affecting me, and Dr. Lomibao has never dismissed my questions or made me feel like I am wasting her time by asking a question. Dr. Lomibao and her staff have gone above and beyond to make me feel the best I possibly can! I am very grateful for their care.
Caring and Open Expert Physician
I highly recommend Dr. Frances Lomibao if you are looking for a knowledgeable, kind, and proactive rheumatologist. Dr. Lomibao diagnosed me with RA this year, and has been so compassionate, caring, and informative every step of the way. She takes time to answer my questions in depth, and I always have a lot of them. She is open to my desire to find a way to treat this disease as holistically and naturally as possible, and I truly feel that we are a team united in the fight. Visiting with Dr. Lomibao feels like meeting up with a friend. I’m always nervous before doctor visits but her presence is so comforting, and she’s hilarious! She helps take the edge off of potentially receiving tough news. When we found that I would need to take medication (which wasn’t my plan originally), she spent so much time with me discussing treatments and helping me find what’s best for me. She made me feel comfortable with my treatment plan, and I appreciated her boldness to tell a crunchy hippie like me that while diet and lifestyle changes and supplements would help, it wouldn’t be enough for how my disease is progressing. I have a long history of poor medical care, so being able to partner with Dr. Lomibao is a true blessing.
Five Stars
I have been under Dr. Lomibao's care for 2 1/2 years. She is an amazing rheumatologist that has a genuine care for her patients. I have had RA for 15 years and seen many doctors but she is by far the very best! If you need a physician who not only cares but gets to the bottom of your condition, look no further. I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Frances Lomibao! God bless her!