Once I knew the last batch of blood and urine tests were complete last week, I called my rheumatologist to ask if there were more that he wanted to request, because I don't see him again for a few more weeks.

He called back this afternoon. He said yes, because there was something that he wanted to confirm. He didn't want to speculate in the meantime, so he wouldn't say anything more. I have to go to the lab and get more blood work done, then he'll tell me the "final" result.

Before we were done, I asked him the burning question: will diet and exercise lead to increased bone mineral density, given my age? He said that it would not be significant, but could neutralize the loss, i.e., hold me where I am now. Given that I have accelerated loss, I will be better off in the long term if I can hold steady.