Twenty-five years ago, my doctor told me I had Paget's disease. I had no idea what it was. I didn't have any signs that anything was wrong. I remember my doctor saying, "Don't even worry about it." He told me I didn't need to do anything about it. So I didn't!
But having Paget's disease was always in the back of my mind. I'm a bass player in a blues band, and performing and late nights can take a lot out of you — particularly for someone my age. So, I worried that having Paget's disease might become a problem. A couple years ago, I wound up going to a new doctor — one who was closer to home — and when he was going over my medical history, I told him I had been diagnosed with Paget's disease. He ordered some blood work and x-rays, which confirmed that I had Paget's disease. Doctor D (that's what I call him!) told me there was something I could do for my Paget's disease — and that he was going to start me on treatment.
I was relieved in a way. It took quite a weight off my mind. Of course, I wish I had been able to get help sooner. But I'm glad to be getting help now. And I'm glad my Paget's disease hasn't interfered with what I love best — my music.
*Ray is a fictional patient. The content of this article is based on actual interviews with Paget's patients and their collective experiences. Individual experiences may vary.
