Can anyone advise how long they wait between Endocrinologist appointments?
I had first one Jan 16th, was shortly afterwards put on increased meds (which still don't feel enough), and I've still not had notification of a second appointment date.
I was told to be my own advocate and be pushy, but what's normal?? Should I be patient or pushy?
Don't be afraid to ask for another appointment, ring them...see what they say.
Three months is more than long enough to evaluate a new dose. Ask for the appointment, and next time make the followup for three months.
K8TE,
My endo has always said he wants to see me in x months and I'm sent an appointment a few days later. Endo has always checked thyroid levels after every dose adjustment too and we have a 'virtual consultation' (telephone conversation) to discuss the results.
Why not ring Appointments and ask whether an appointment was made and your letter has gone missing.
Be pushy but politely of course 😀
I had to wait 7 months for my second endo appointment. Ridiculous, especially as I was pretty well housebound through severe weakness etc etc. I think waiting times in Norfolk are pretty bad at the moment. Thank goodness I was getting brilliant advice on here, and starting to take my health into my own hands.
If you're really concerned, ask/ insist on an earlier appointment. Ring them.
Yes, I'm housebound too. I've had to stop attending uni and just do work from home, but even that us proving difficult due to pain and fatigue. I'm also concerned about subsequent health us sues that will ensue simply from being under medicated for too long and piling weight on.
You sound like you need another appointment soon. Do ring them. I'm not sure that waiting longer will make you more susceptible to offer health things but it will make life more difficult while you're still not well. I was very ill for 18 months, until I was pretty insistent on trying T3. I'd researched, with lots of help on here, and got all my results & ranges for the past few years. Then I could see a pattern. Drs don't seem to have time to. I even paid for a private Endo appt, but he was very abrupt when I asked questions. It's our health, our lives, every day, and it's hard. I'd retired by then. If I'd still been working, I'd have had to give up work. You're the expert in how your body feels.. Persevere with getting the right help.. Good luck.
I saw the Endo initially, after a 3 month wait,and she then passed me to my doctor for subsequent blood tests (every 6 weeks) and alterations to medication dosage. Did your doctor refer you,and can you go back to her/him for a blood test to check you levels?
3 months is too long to be kept waiting for a blood test!
My doc referred me, but that was after they misdiagnosed me and then had me on too low dosage for six months and wouldn't increase it. I don't trust my doctor at all.
I feel so helpless. I also worry that all this patience, which I've been advised by my Endo that I need to be, will result in poorer heath.
I've always supported the NHS, but have never reallyhad to use it. I agree totally with the concept, but having now had e peri encephalitis if the system and bureaucracy, it's not working as it should.
Hi K8TE,
sorry to hear you don't like your doctor. Isn't there another doctor in the practice you can see?
We have about ten doctors in the practice, and I don't have to see the same one every time,though mine is nice so I try to keep to her if possible.
In my quest to get accurately diagnosed, I've seen all the doctors in the practise. Only in a woman, took me seriously and referred me to a specialist.
With my endo I am seen every 5/6 weeks on the NHS and have been for the last 2 years.
What's normal with private consultations and NHS records?
What do you call \"Normal\" Reading for T4?!
What is the normal range?
What are ‘normal’ thyroid levels?
What should 'normal' levels be?
