Endocrinologist

[eddi_c]

Saw GP today. I think I must've been his last patient as there were a lot of rolling of eyes and huffs. He doesn't have the best bedside manner at the best of times.

I asked if I could have my injections every two months but he argued that the last blood test showed my B12 was more than 1500 so symptoms (burning feet and legs, sheer fatigue etc, etc) couldn't possibly be down to B12. I tried, in my befuddled way, to quote NICE and BNF guidelines and he finally agreed to injections every two months but said he would refer me to an endocrinologist.

Not sure what he is looking for and didn't dare ask why. Is there anyone who could throw any light on his reasons and advise my best way forward?

Thank you so much for those of you on here who are so knowledgeable. What would we do without you.

[fbirder]

The only reason I can think of for why he is referring you to an endocrinologist is that he can't spell haematologist. The NICE guidelines quite clearly say that the should refer you to a haematologist.

[eddi_c in reply to fbirder]

Good drs are few and far between nowadays I think. I despair in my old age.

[deniseinmilden in reply to eddi_c]

Please don't give up: it's nothing to do with how many wonderful years of experience you have - we're all struggling with insensitive, illogical medics!!

I think that a major reason why people feel "old" is because declining absorption as their years increase means that they start to show B12d symptoms. I wonder what would happen with blanket supplementation across the whole population?!?

[eddi_c in reply to deniseinmilden]

I like your take on growing older and yes, I do have many wonderful years of experience! Can't see 'them' ever doing anything like blanket supplementation when they seem so stuck in denial but a great idea. I strongly suspect, with the benefit of hindsight and what I know now, my mum died from undiagnosed PA at the age of 59.

[deniseinmilden in reply to eddi_c]

Very sorry to hear that your Mum died so young. I hope you get the treatment you need soon.

[rockinHippy]

An endocrinologist is a specialist in hormone conditions, so it will be to look at the possibility of things such as Thyroid condition, Adrenal Gland problems etc. Though I'm surprised that they just referred you, usually there would be something show in your blood tests to get a referral ?

This isn't actually a bad thing as I've read a lot on another board about links with PA & other autoimmune conditions such as those above, so getting them ruled out (or diagnosed & treat) is a very good idea. If the Endo finds nothing, then hopefully they will support you needing more injections - if nothing else,Mir gives you a stronger argument with your GP

[eddi_c in reply to rockinHippy]

Thank you rockinHippy. What you say makes sense. Dr didn't mention any reason for referral other than he really wasn't happy to increase frequency of B12. Maybe there is something else he's not telling me. Either way, will be good to rule anything else out.

[fbirder in reply to rockinHippy]

But you don't need an endocrinologist to diagnose thyroid problems. AFAIK the blood tests are a pretty reliable indication.

[rockinHippy]

Maybe ask your GP receptionists for a print out of your most recent blood tests, that might well give you a clue as to why you are been referred on

Good luck

[Marz]

Sadly your GP is of the ill-informed type of guy - unprepared to learn new things. Once you are being treated for B12 Deficiency subsequent tests tell you very little. You need B12 in the cells so the blood test is just a guideline to help with diagnosis and only 20% of the result can reach the cells where it is needed.

bcshguidelines.com/document...

Hope you soon have the treatment you deserve.....

[eddi_c in reply to Marz]

Thank you Marz. I only wish we didn't have to work so hard not to be treated like idiots.

[Lily73]

He's likely to have referred you to an endocrinologist to see whether you have a metabolic disorder that means you use up b12 too quickly (hence becoming symptomatic early). A haematologist friend recently suggested to me that I ask my GP to refer me to an endocrinologist, after she informally asked colleagues from other departments why I might be symptomatic a month after getting my jab. An endocrinologist colleague suggested I might have a metabolic disorder that meant I use up b12 far too quickly. Apparently he has patients that he b12 injects every 1-3 weeks as a result.

[fbirder in reply to Lily73]

Hmmm, interesting.

Do you know exactly what metabolic disorder they had in mind? I need weekly jabs and I'd love to know any possible reasons for it.

[Lily73 in reply to fbirder]

I don't, unfortunately. Might be worth requesting a referral though? This was a doctor at Guys & St Thomas's, London.

[eddi_c in reply to Lily73]

That's very interesting Pebble73. I have long suspected my metabolism doesn't work as it should. Maybe an endocrinologist isn't such a bad idea after all.

[Marz in reply to eddi_c]

I would have some thyroid tests done first - the TSH - FT4 - FT3 and Thyroid anti-bodies Anti-TPO and Anti-Tg. The last two are anti-bodies that attack the thyroid - and auto-immune condition affecting the thyroid. Both my husband and I have it. He was diagnosed quite late in life at 72. Auto-immune issues often come together.

Endocrinologists often specialise in diabetes and have little knowledge about how the thyroid really works. This is my opinion after being on the Thyroid UK forum here on HU for 4 years.

The Thyroid is the master-gland of metabolism and thyroid hormones are needed in every cell of the body - trillions and trillions. So if you are low of T3 then there will not be enough to go around all those cells

Happy to help.....

[Lily73 in reply to eddi_c]

I think so Eddi-C. I'd be interested to hear how it goes. Good luck!