First referral to an endocrinologist - tips to make most of this opportunity please.....

[tiredBFmum]

GP has referred me to endoc because of my ongoing fatigue, weakness, struggle to lose weight and because she doesnt understand the low saliva cortisol results i got with medichecks where medichecks mentioned addisons.

Appointment is August at BRI, Bristol.

i have never seen an endoc dr and i have a lot of hypothyroid symptons and dont want to waste this opportunity to have everything checked.

No one has ever looked at my neck/thyroid. Is this something they should do??

Personally i would like my saliva cortisol repeated on NHS (running out of money for medichecks tests) but is this even something they might do?

Or will they just check serum cortisol and then maybe ACTH stimulation test?

TSH 1.36 (0.27 - 4.20) (prev 3.41 in 2017)

FREE THYROXINE 15.1 pmol/l 12.0 -22.0

CORTISOL (SALIVA) WAKING *4.350 nmol/L 6.00 - 21.00

CORTISOL serum 238.000 nmol/l 133.00 -537.00

FREE T3 5.17 pmol/L 3.10 -6.80

REVERSE T3 16 ng/dL 10.00 -24.00

REVERSE T3 RATIO 21.04 15.01 -75.00

THYROGLOBULIN ANTIBODY <10 IU/mL 0.00 -115.00

THYROID PEROXIDASE ANTIBODIES 12.9 IU/mL 0.00 -34.00

Active B12 * 166 pmol/L 25.1 -165.0

Folate (serum) 9.6 ug/L > 2.9

25 OH Vitamin D 62 nmol/L 50 -200 - taking 30mcg daily + sun + salmon

FERRITIN 73 ug/L 13 - 150

thanks

[Aurealis]

As it’s possible to read much quicker than listen to someone explaining their history, perhaps go with an organised written summary? Your priorities are the most important 5hing. Even more important perhaps than advice you may get on this site in answer to your question. Good luck

[BubbleMonkey]

Before you go have a think about anything you want to mention or ask and write it down so you don't forget. Also bring any medical history, test results etc. For me this usually means a list of my symptoms, what medication I am currently taking and anything I'm already diagnosed with and all my test results.

Go into the appt, give a basic idea of why you are there then say you have some notes and results they can read through if they want. It's usually quicker for them to read through it and then ask you for any extra details they need.

When the appt is starting to come to an end check your list of thing to make sure you haven't forgotten anything. If there's something you're not sure about then just ask. You're a patient not a doctor- you can't be expected to know everything- and it's better to ask and maybe be told it can't be done than leave it cos you're not sure about it when actually it would be totally possible.

And be prepared that they may want to examine some stuff. So if you mention a rash on your leg they may want to take a look and yeah they are likely to have a look and feel of your neck.

[Rmichelle]

Hi there my wish for you is....i hope you get a really good knowledgeable endo who is very experienced in his field and listerns to what you are telling him, go in with confidence and ask questions and do not be rushed. Big good luck.🍀🍀

[janveron1]

Have you checked the Endo by name on the hospital staff list? You will need to know what his/her specialism is. You do NOT want a diabetic consultant as they do not know much about Thyroid problems!! I made this mistake and my thyroid gland was swiftly removed by Radioactive Iodine and I was bid goodbye!!!

janveron1

[trelemorele]

Google person you're seeing name and see if it's diabetes specialist or has interested in thyroid and/or adrenals.

If the former, and I don't want to be bearer of bad news, I'm afraid it won't be very fruitful appointment.

Still - make the best out of it.

[Aurealis in reply to trelemorele]

I’d still give endo a first chance. You can always ask for a second opinion from a thyroid specialist. There aren’t many that specialise in thyroid, we may have to train them!

[Beachytoes2u]

You've gotten a great response! What is even smarter of you is you came here first, before your appointment!!! Bravo about being prepared, do everything suggested, after the appt., come back and tell how it went. Have written what you want & already know💟 your taking care of yourself🌺