Hello, can anyone give any tips or tell me what to expect regarding my first consultation with an endocrinologist?
I am not diagnosed with a thyroid condition (my TSH is normal according to NHS blood test ranges), but i have had unexplained fatigue for the last year. I have had to stop working. The G agreed to refer me to an endocrinologist after seeing blood tests (private) that show v low cortisol and v low progesterone. Potential causes seem to be a thyroid condition, a problem with my adrenal glands, or Fibromyalgia (my GP is also sending me to a Rheumatologist to confirm or rule this out).
I am quite amazed, I feel like I've finally broken through a brick wall! any thoughts, advice or info much appreciated...
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mountaincat
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I am sorry I cannot give any advice but hope you get a sympathetic Endocrinologist who will do his/her best to give you back your good health. Re Fibro this is another viewpoint which you may be interested in:-
Yes I have seen these before and they are very helpful. I don't have body swelling, am not overweight and don't have chronic pain (thankfully), so am sceptical about Fibro, although I do notice my symptoms are triggered by the cold, and stressful incidents. It's all about the fatigue for me really. Well, that and horrible PMS symptoms (I think I have PMDD). I do also have IBS-like problems and bowel pain, but they are probably due to the fact that I have endometriosis (4 gynaes have ruled out endo as a cause of my fatigue). I do find that my sleep is non-restorative, and wonder if I may have sleep apnea. I guess if i want that looked at, I will have to wait until after these two consultations.
I don't know if I'm in denial about having a chronic illness or not (possibly), but for now I want to get as much advice as I can from people out there who've been through all this already.
re stomach problems - have you looked into whether or not you have low stomach acid. If hypo many of us don't have sufficient acid to dissolve food which can give unpleasant symptoms. I shall give you a link and I agree, fatigue is not a nice symptom and it is a common one.
Hi mountaincat, I know I'm coming to this late and you've likely seen the endocrinologist by now but I wanted to chime in with my experience in case it is helpful to you.
I too have endometriosis and was diagnosed with hypothyroidism early last year. I used to get really bad IBS symptoms just before and during my period, cramping, bloating etc, as well as absolutely horrendous period pain. The gynae that diagnosed my endometriosis suggested Mirena coil and within 8 weeks of having that fitted, the IBS symptoms had completely vanished. I'd actually been referred to a gastroenterologist before having the Mirena fitted but the symptoms had completely disappeared by the time my appointment came around!
The nurse should take your height and weight. Then you will be seen by the doctor or one of there team, will asked how your feeling and a flew question about what going on, general life questions, and will asked if anyone in your family have the same problem. Also you will be examined around the neck area where the gland is, also will get you to gup to watch the neck area to make sure the glad is working right or not. They will probably run there own blood test to conform the results on the private test you had. And will probably send you for scan if they think you might need it.
The rheumatologist. The nurse will take your blood pressure, height and weight and to fill out a form. And then doctor will asked you a few questions. And then examines you, Will feel where ever you are getting problems in the legs or arms. You will need to put your arm on the doctor should to see how much power you have in your arms. They might need to run blood test. Maybe a full body scan to see what going on in your body.
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