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Confused by doctor options to choose, including Keith McCormick
I’m still learning and navigating my Osteoporosis diagnosis and trying to get my healthcare providers lined up. I’m 51.
I have a PCP who I will only be using as a “sick doctor” going forward. She is aware of my diagnosis and is not up to date on care or treatment.
I have a neuro-kinetic therapist who I work with (recovering from a back injury) who is extremely knowledgeable in osteoporosis exercise. So I will continue to work with her for strength building.
I have a gyn who is not knowledgeable about osteoporosis and referred me to a local endocrinologist.
Those are all of my current health care providers.
Here’s where I’m getting confused….
I really am drawn to Keith McCormick. I prefer functional medicine but like that he also is incredibly knowledgeable about meds and doesn’t hesitate to use them when needed. I have no problems with video appointments.
I have a consultation with the Mayo Clinic in July - the endocrinology team.
They will review my case and decide if they will provide a treatment plan for my local docs or if they will accept me as a patient. So that’s up in the air.
There is a local functional doctor, who specializes in healthy aging and osteoporosis that I am considering.
The endocrinologist that my gyn referred me to doesn’t have an opening until August.
My questions….
Do people use Keith McCormick to completely manage osteo? Or do you also have a local endocrinologist and they work together? Furthermore, when McCormick orders labs, is that done at a local lab or through my regular doc? Thinking costs…..and insurance (I have Cigna - too young for Medicare) for all of those lab tests.
Does anyone have a functional doctor that manages osteoporosis in collaboration with Keith McCormick?
Does anyone see a dietician? I eat a whole foods plant based diet, so am realizing that I am deficient in quite a bit of protein and calcium according to “Strong Bones” teachings. Both of the functional med doctors have nutritionists on board that could help with that.
I’m so overwhelmed just choosing providers! What do you suggest?
Cost does matter - it isn’t the driving factor at this point (understanding and knowledge is the highest priority now).
As of now - I’m flying solo until the end of July, when I meet with Mayo. Wish I had some solid medical guidance before then, but so far have not been able to get earlier new patient appts.
What are most people doing - especially those who have seen or talked to Keith McCormick for a consult or care?
The more I read, the more confused I get. I have time to make decisions, but half a year will have passed before I actually see someone, let alone make any decisions about care. Need to get my ducks in a row.
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I am a nurse practitioner and I can tell you that I have treated many men with osteoporosis. It is likely more common in women but men do get it. Also, unfortunately there is usually no reason to explain why we get it; it is often hereditary or related to many factors (diet, lifestyle, hormones) so the cause is usually not identifiable.
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2 ReactionsI take 1000 mcg a day. There are a couple of brands available on Amazon. One is KAL, the other is Superior Source. Each has a 500 mcg pill. I take two a day - one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
There was a Japanese study some years ago that evaluated a 45mg dose (not 45mcg!), so you might see that somewhere, but other studies I've seen say that a much lower dose is fine. Dr. McCormick doesn't recommend this mega dose at all. His own supplement contains 1000mcg.
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2 ReactionsThanks, njx58. Don't you have to take the MK4 with D3?
I take D3 separately, at a different time. You don't need to take them at the same time.
If I've been out in the sun, I don't bother with the D3 that day.
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1 Reaction@njx58 That’s fantastic! Any side effects with Tymlos?
No side effects for me - but maybe I'm not a good example. I'm male, 5-11, 175, good shape. I tolerate medications well (so far.) I've used the max dose since day one. Others here have had issues. I think in general most people do ok, but there's always a percentage who don't.
Perfectly said and, everyone is different. Good for you!
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1 ReactionHi Stacie,
I am new, with diagnosis from 6/27 DEXA, on the path to health and healing from osteoporosis as well, so I share your angst to find the best fit for helpers and advice.
I met with a rheumatologist (my gyno suggested) on Tuesday this week and the only advice she gave is testing for celiac disease and doing a 24 hour urine catch for protein levels. AND of course pharmaceuticals.
I knew before I went that I was not going down the medication path because I haven't fractured bones yet. So not an emergency situation.
I have been reading Keith McCormick's first book and just today emailed on his web site to schedule a consultation.
All my bloodwork is through Function Health- private pay and very affordable. The app / web site are a central location for all test results and also searchable- very convenient with so much data to mine -as I read the book and other resources.
I plan to work with gyno and rheu. doc to get more test referrals as I go along. But hope that Dr. McCormick is my main guide.
How did your meeting with Mayo go? I wish you wellness from the inside out!
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2 ReactionsAm curious as to what Mayo is advising now that you have had your appt. You did not mention your scores.
Agree that my head spins with all the options, good and bad reactions to various treatments. If the side effects weren’t so horrific (if we should be one of the unlucky ones), decisions would be easier.
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2 ReactionsI’m 61 and recently had a Dexa and saw an endocrinologist. Here are my Dexa scores followed by what he prescribed for me. I’d love any input about whether I should or shouldn’t necessarily be following his advice. Which was based on his independent review of the Dexa images and found sig. for lowest T scores of:
-2.6 in L1
and -2.6 Left FN
and -2.8 Right femoral neck
So, osteopenia of spine.
And osteoporosis of femoral neck.
(The distal left radius bone mineral density is normal.)
According to the scan results doc, it says:
The probability of a major osteoporotic fracture (spine, forearm, hip or shoulder) is 18% within the next 10 years, and the probability of a hip fracture is 5% within the next 10 years, according to the WHO FRAX estimate.
He prescribed Fosamax (Alendronate) 70mg: one pill once a week.
(So far I’ve only taken 3 for the last 3 weeks so, still early on).
Vitamin D 2000/day
Calcium 500-1000/day
Redo Dexa in 2 years.
He seemed a little focused on what insurance would/would not cover.
Thoughts? I’m a little overwhelmed reading everything.
Oh, PS - since I saw him, I started HRT! Low dose estradiol patch 0.0375, with nightly 100 mg micronized progesterone pill. (I haven’t mentioned to him yet.)
Thanks for reading. 🙂
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