The Whole Body Approach interview - I... - Bone Health and O...

Bone Health and Osteoporosis UK

5,551 members2,412 posts

The Whole Body Approach interview - Irma Jennings and Dr Keith McCormick

Lynndeb profile image
7 Replies

Hello everyone,

I've just watched some interviews with Dr Keith McCormick, which I found very interesting, but the short series is online only until the 19th at 20:00 EST. He discusses a variety of issues, many of which have been discussed on the forum, but personally it's good to hear affirmation that we are doing right, and his slant on osteo drugs was down to earth.

Another thing I want to mention to the bone community is to check your kidney health. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis in 2016, and chronic kidney disease a year later. Osteoporosis can be a symptom of kidney disease once you reach stage 3.

The important bloods to check are your Creatinine and eGFR. A kidney friendly diet can play a large part in retaining kidney function for as long as possible, and like osteoporosis, until a break, it is silent and sneaks up on you when it's often too late, so it is important to get an early diagnosis.

I hope you're all enjoying a relaxing Sunday, with best wishes from mrs doom and gloom;)

Written by
Lynndeb profile image
Lynndeb
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
7 Replies
HeronNS profile image
HeronNS

Thank you for this. Looked him up. The description of his book indicates he's very sensible in claiming the obvious which is that no pill can cure OP, you need a number of other strategies to achieve the goal of improved bone density. This layperson has been singing that song for a couple of years now so it's nice to hear a medical professional say the same. Most doctors seem quite happy to send us off clutching our prescription without anything more than the most cursory advice, if that, about lifestyle modification.

Lynndeb profile image
Lynndeb in reply to HeronNS

You're very welcome. His was one of the first books I bought after diagnosis, and I found it very useful. My GPs have finally taken the Fosamax they immediately prescribed me, off my repeat prescription list - having made quite a few attempts to encourage me to take it. No discussion of diet, exercise, supplements etc. I must arrange for another dexa very soon, and I just hope that I see positive results. You are living proof that the whole body approach works!

Justme13 profile image
Justme13 in reply to Lynndeb

Hi Lynndeb. Very interesting post and will check this out. But, regarding kidney disease, do you mean kidney cancer? Just when you say stage 3, I had stage 3 colon cancer. Will need to get my kidneys checked.

Lynndeb profile image
Lynndeb in reply to Justme13

Hi Justme13, I'm glad you think so and I hope it's of help.

I don't mean to scare people, but I thought it was important to share my own experience along with what I've learned from reputable organisations such as Kidney Research and others.

Kidney disease is not actually a disease, it's when the kidneys begin to fail to work as efficiently as they should. Kidney function declines as we age, although upon saying that, it can effect people of all ages. There are 5 stages to kidney disease, leading to end stage renal failure at stage 5. Kidney Research and other reputable kidney organisations believe that in stages 1 - 2 the decline can be halted, if not reversed. This link explains the stages kidneyresearchuk.org/health....

It's so easy to have your kidney health checked, and so important. My ex GP had known for at least a couple of years, but had not informed me. These were critical years when I could have changed my diet and hydrated myself more, but for those who smoke, have high blood pressure, drink, eat processed foods etc., there are many changes to be made. I made a formal complaint to my practice and they have now begun to diagnose earlier, however probably because they are under so much pressure they are not up to date with what can help slow the progression.

I'm so sorry to hear of your colon cancer experience and I sincerely hope you are now all clear. All the best, Lynn

Justme13 profile image
Justme13 in reply to Lynndeb

Hi Lynndeb. Just checked my papers. Letter to Gp said ‘the most recent eGFR ........satisfactory.......’ Checked print out of previous blood tests which I think dexa nurse used GFR (est’d) ml/min>60.

Will check this out with my Oncologist. Think they have to check kidney function prior to chemo. Mind you, they never told me that the steroids could cause ‘osteoporosis and spontaneous fractures ‘ - only after I, coincidentally, had a dexa scan.

Lynndeb profile image
Lynndeb in reply to Justme13

Hi Justme13, I think this link might also help you assess your situation regarding your kidney health: renal.org/information-resou...

Thank goodness for all the great people on HU, we really do have to take control of our health and not necessarily accept 'satisfactory' anymore...

Justme13 profile image
Justme13

Thanks Lynndeb. Think I’m ok, but will research further. Important to be your own advocate!

You may also like...

Calcium and other bone needs

one. How important are your vitamins to you and what impact do they have on your osteoporosis? I...

Do spinal fractures show on an X-ray?

Hi, I have had osteoporosis since 2015 and I have been suffering with crippling back pain in the...

Primary Hyperparathyroidism

me that the osteoporosis may be reversed some what. Please get your calcium levels checked if you...

Is bad press for bisphosphonates a danger?

diagnosed with coeliac disease and my ensuing DEXA scan showed I had osteoporosis in my lumbar...

Failed visit to Rheumatologist

Went to the dr yesterday to discuss my osteoporosis and osteopenia diagnosis in right and left hip.