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Newbie confused by doctor options to choose, including Keith McCormick
Osteoporosis & Bone Health | Last Active: 4 days ago | Replies (83)Comment receiving replies
Hello Newbie!
Thank you for your great letter. We all have been in your shoes! I chuckle at you getting 'your ducks in a row'.... herding ducks is a great picture for this! We have all had our season of confusion, especially at the beginning when all is so new and strange sounding.... plus navigating through the medical system -- it can be quite a ride!
But have no fear, you have come to the right place for understanding and lots of support. Like many before you, you will learn so much and soon [yes, really,] you will have a better grasp of this whole new world. It can be overwhelming.
You have taken a great step already ... you have an appointment at the Mayo Clinic. Lucky you! I am not in the U.S., so I do feel some envy of your opportunity to get such great input. The endocrinology team is a great choice. They will be able to chart your course. Yes, it is a while - about 3-4 months, but by next year this will be just a memory. And then you will be writing to others on Connect with all of your wisdom to share.
When reading lots of books from different authors, there can be confusion. Perhaps, you could start by making notes, only of your own symptoms, and dates and results from your tests. This is important to have your baseline.
This information will be very important for you to take to your appointment as well. Everyone starts at different levels, with different histories and so each of our treatments are individual.
Please be assured that once you make contact with your medical people at the Mayo Clinic, all will begin to make sense; even the things which seem so muddled now.
Are you making a list of all your questions? Slowly, one by one, each will be answered and all things will become clearer.
You have 'done good' in finding Connect. I have found great information, learning and kind support. Hang in there! Help is on the way !!
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My PCP orders bone markers for me though I recently added a second endocrinologist for that purpose because my main doc doesn't use them. McCormick does not manage my osteoporosis but I have seen him for years. I like to collect viewpoints!
If you are starting out, and your bone loss is severe enough to warrant meds, I think your first step is to see an endocrinologist. Maybe get on a waiting list (we recently discussed calling at 10am when cancellations tend to have happened!).
McCormick sees people in person or by phone. It used to be $300 for the first consultation and $85 for the 15 minutes by phone but it has gone up.
You can buy his book "Great Bones." You can also watch videos on YouTube with McCormick. My other favorite is Dr. Ben Leder "Combinations and Sequencing Approaches to Osteoporosis." Others will have suggestions too.
Take your time and learn, ask questions, and things will be clearer. There are only a few options: bisphosphonates or Prolia as antiresorptives, Forteo and Tymlos as bone builders and Evenity as both. It is good to start with Evenity, Tymlos or Forteo and then "lock in" gains with a bisphosphonate. Good luck!