How often will I see the Endo?

[yellow]

I have a first appointment with an Endo next month. What will happen? I've been asked to take a urine sample. Will they take blood? And how often will I see the Endo after the first appointment? Thanks.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Very often the urine sample is simply because everyone assumes you will be going for reasons of diabetes. (That is not a reason to fail to comply!)

No idea if they will take blood. If they do, it will probably simply be a blood test request form that you can go and get done at the phlebotomy unit afterwards.

Whether or not you see an endo again depends very much on you, the endo, and what is decided. Many people only ever get one endo appointment. (Some people say to themselves "Never again!", if they are very unimpressed.) Many never have even one appointment.

Rod

[yellow in reply to helvella]

Thanks Rod. I'm seeing an Endo because I have hypothyroidism and am not doing well on t4 only so want to try t3. I'm concerned now that I'll only see the Endo once. I'm thinking I'll write to the Endo and just explain I'm not well on t4 and hope he can help, not mentioning t3 so I don't annoy him?

[Moggie]

It really depends what you are being sent ot him for - thyroid illness yes but what other problems you are having.

I was sent to my endo via my anesthetist. He would not allow an op to go ahead due to my thyroid medication causing my heart to go haywire.

My first appt consisted of background history (took my folder with 2+ years of blood results in them), a lot of talking and then he ordered a huge long list of blood tests. He also booked a heart scan and bone scan.

My next appt was about three months later, when he had all the results back of the above, and we discussed what treatment was best for me. He then sent me for more blood tests and referred me to a gastro.

I now go to see him every six months but think this will stop once my op is out of the way as my heart is now behaving itself (sort of).

I think it may also depend on your endo - I have heard that they do one appt and then discharge you - again I think it all depends why you have been sent to him.

Moggie x

[Moggie]

Not sure if I would write the letter, I would just turn up on the day - having rung the day before to make sure you are actually seeing the main man and not one of his juniors (very important) and making sure again when you get there that you are seeing the main consultant (did you know its in the hands of the receptionist who you see by what pile she puts your file in - an absolute disgrace, I nearly fell over when I got told that by the clinic's nurse).

Agree to everything he wants to test and throw in a few you might want tested and he hasn't mentioned by saying something like "do you think it would be advisable to test so and so" (ego stroking is very important.lol.).

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Moggie x