Confused by doctor options to choose, including Keith McCormick

Posted by stacibw @stacibw, Apr 2, 2024

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.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

I found your post which is from 2024. I am interested in knowing which Mayo campus you went to and are they treating you now for osteoporosis?

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Profile picture for lamd @lamd

@mcallister1002 I am not familiar with most of what is in osteostim, so that makes me a bit leery. Most of the ingredients list nausea, diarrhea and other potential digestive issues. N-acetyl-cistene is an fda approved drug-maybe that’s a good thing, not sure. Anyhow, not sure it’s safe to take all of those daily. Also, it has more K…in addition to osteo-sustain and raises total of D3 to 2000 IUs daily. I think I am just generally concerned about taking so many new vitamins and whether or not they would be safe. Being a worry wart basically. That’s why I was asking about your experience with it.

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I understand how you feel and I don't blame you. You know your body best and what it can tolerate. I wish my experience was more helpful for you.
Also, Dr. McCormick uses N-acetyl-cistene (NAC) for it's anti-inflammatory properties as I understand from his book.

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I have been where you are. Keith McCormick was a godsend for me. I did a phone consultation. Got his book . I had my blood work beforehand. I had to tell my doctor, actually tell him, I wanted a full blood workup with my p1nps and Ctx. . My doctor actually laughed when I asked him for a CTX and a p1np. He was a planner that referred me to an endocrinologist which had more education on reading lab work than he did. Once I had my lab work I had my call with Dr. McCormick. He made me feel so much better and gave me a guideline of which to follow with my primary doctors. He cautioned me about being put on a medication for life. Told me in my case it should not be necessary. Read his book. He will give you the tools to look at your blood work and with the help of the Mayo clinic They helped me understand the change in my blood work while on Forteo. I can't stress enough to get your your CTX and p1np baseline before you start your medication. I get a follow-up every 3 months on my blood work. This site with a godsend for me as I did experience side effects on the medicine just knowing others were experiencing the same as me was comforting and knowing it does get better.
God Bless

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