Has Anyone Consulted with Dr. R. Keith McCormick, D.C.

[Pugger]

Does anyone have experience with this doctor and/or his products?

[Raleigh59]

I spoke to him on the phone for just a few minutes . He said I should read his 700 page book. That’s just too much for me.

He said I should do all these blood tests which I did and they are all normal. I’ve always been a small not strong woman but I didn’t know that would lead to osteoporosis . So now I go to the gym and am trying to manage it naturally but my endocrinologist wants me on medication or shots. I am not even going back to her now because I am not ready to do that but I could be making a mistake .

[Southerngirl2787 in reply to Raleigh59]

Don't count the pages...the book is an easy read. At least 100 of the pages are references, which I appreciate! My fellow healthcare geeks want those references! I do what I usually do, hop around, read what I am most interested in that day. Now, I'll add...I was in the healthcare industry 30+ years, so the science is always interesting and not a problem understanding. That said...look up anything that you don't understand, figure it out. I'm desperate for answers right now...I'm a small person, my doctor calls it "thin girl syndrome"...I had a parathyroid tumor for years, undiagnosed, destroyed my spine, gave me severe osteoporosis before age 50. I had improved post surgery, a lot....now last fall, first thoracic fracture....now in Dec, next fracture...now three weeks ago, add 4 more thoracic fractures! This is on top of 4 spinal fusion surgeries. I am weighing how important walking, standing, and holding my torso up is to me. I thought I knew most of the "rules" for bone building, strengthening....no where close. His book is opening my eyes.

[Raleigh59 in reply to Southerngirl2787]

what is something you learned that stands out?

[Southerngirl2787 in reply to Raleigh59]

Walking fast will help a tiny bit...not a lot. Building muscle is important, as it forces the bones to get stronger. You want stronger AND density, but stronger bones is more important. Weight resistance training is vital. I'm restricted right now, until all my fractures are fixed...that's driving me a bit crazy. It's very hard to improve bone density with just diet and some exercise, and after menopause it's very hard period. Lots of supplements are nearly worthless, or have no real value. We need a clean super gut to have healthy bones. If your gut is not healthy, you cannot absorb micronutrients. Medications can interfere with bone health, and it's a fine line with amounts, side effects etc. I understand a thousand more percent about all the osteo medications, and how you can use them, for emergency purposes, and the time lines to transition and move to another one for another short time frame. They should not be used for long time periods.

[Raleigh59 in reply to Southerngirl2787]

do you believe in osteostrong ? I go to the gym every day and I do a back machine and either the bike or glider and I’ve started the elliptical . I only do 6 minutes on elliptical now and 30 on bike or glider and 33 reps on the back machine

[Raleigh59 in reply to Southerngirl2787]

may I talk to you on the phone ?

[HeronNS in reply to Raleigh59]

If you want you can private message here through the Chat function. That way the individuals involved can have a more detailed personal conversation, but still preserve anonymity. Southerngirl2787 ?

[Raleigh59 in reply to Southerngirl2787]

so can you understand trying the medicine ?

[Southerngirl2787 in reply to Raleigh59]

Raleigh59, I've been offline for days...so getting back to you now. I don't give out my cell phone number to folks online. Your question re: "understand trying the medicine"...I don't understand. Reading Dr McCormick's book is a good way to understand all the medicines, which one may work for your personal health journey. I opted to trial Tymlos, and only because my neurosurgeon told me I could benefit from 2-3 months, and it builds, it doesn't stop natural processes. But I'm one of the "sensitive" folks, having a lot of severe side effects just two weeks in...not sure I'll make the 3 months. Nausea 24 hours a day, extreme dizzy spells, headaches, bone pain, shoulder/upper arm pain intense, very low blood pressure.

[Raleigh59 in reply to Southerngirl2787]

my insurance makes you start with lowest price one and see which one doesn’t give side effects

[Southerngirl2787 in reply to Raleigh59]

Didn't realize Insurance companies hired all doctors these days! Practicing medicine without a license!

[Raleigh59 in reply to Southerngirl2787]

it’s just their process of how they get you to have to lowest priced possible product

[Southerngirl2787 in reply to Raleigh59]

As much as I complain at my current commercial insurance, they approved Tymlos in 24 hours, had specialty pharmacy contact me and Fed Ex, 5 days for the process. My neurosurgeon was ready to "go to war" to get it approved, maybe he made some calls. I'm going to get back on it in a few days, even with the awful side effects...taking a three day break as I cut myself and bled for 2 hours! Got to be the Tymlos, it messes with my BP, very low to very high. I have another two fractures getting fixed Thursday, Kyphoplasty...had three done so far, last surgery was awful, I had muscle spasms the entire procedure! But two more will be fixed. Then 30 days, and have another round.

[Anonymouslady1 in reply to Southerngirl2787]

You can take a look at this. amway.com/en_US/Nutrilite%E...

[wellness1 in reply to Southerngirl2787]

I'm sorry for all you've been going through and I hope you find some answers. How terrible the parathyroid tumor wasn't picked up for so long. Did you have your fusions long before your vertebral fractures? Or are you making some connection between the fusions and fractures? I hope you don't mind my asking and I understand if you don't want to go into any more detail.

[Southerngirl2787 in reply to wellness1]

First fusion was 2014, it was from damage done by parathyroid tumor. Both wrist/nerves in hands were fixed in 2015, more damage from tumor. LT and RT tibia nerves had to be replaced, transfer with other nerve, more damage from tumor. Then came lumbar and sacral fusions, L4-Co1, tailbone. Then came the first fracture at T7. Didn't seem related to any fusions...but it got worse after last fusion, 2 months post fusion had kyphoplasty, as it was a mess by then. Promptly a month later, more issues...and horrible pain, finally got new MRIs, then had 5 thoracic, and one at L1. Revealed that L3-4, L2-3 are now blowing...so there's that fun down the road. I think the fusions throw off balance and strength, thus causing weakness in other areas of the spine as we try to compensate....and perhaps then a weakened vertebrae is fractured.

[wellness1 in reply to Southerngirl2787]

It's really complex, isn't it. Your background in healthcare has probably helped you to navigate this to some extent. I hope you've had a good support system throughout, as well as effective pain management. Best wishes going forward.

[Raleigh59 in reply to Southerngirl2787]

I am sorry for your experiences- are you saying you highly recommend any of the medicines for Osteoporosis

[Southerngirl2787 in reply to Raleigh59]

No recommendation on any of the meds yet. So far, side effects from Tymlos have made my days/nights miserable. I'll see if I can make it the three to six months...but quality of life must be a factor.

[eianda79 in reply to Raleigh59]

What is the title of the book? Thanks.