Endo advice

[DaisyBelle85]

I've finally received my long awaited appointment to see an Endo, and upon looking into the Dr's credentials, it's seems that they are specialised in Diabetes.

I'm quite concerned that as this is an NHS appointment, if the Dr is specialised in Thyroid issues, then they really won't be able to deal with my very complicated issues, and will then just discharge me from their service.

Any advice on how to deal with such situations?

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

DaisyBelle85

Unfortunately that is the case with most endos, they are diabetes specialists and know little to nothing about treating the thyroid, so many posts on here about disappointing endo appointments.

If you email Dionne at

[e-mail]

she will send you the list of thyroid friendly endos, then ask on the forum for any that you can get to.

Also, put up a new thread asking for recommendations for any in your area, put the area in your thread title. Replies will need to be by private message.

[trelemorele]

Well I've just been through similar situation a week ago. Got referral letter confirming my app and upon checking the doctor it was made apparent she's diabetes specialist.

I called hosp endocrinology department and asked to be seen by PROPER endo. There was a lot of tos and fros and secretary trying to convince me this doctor is the same as endo and that the waiting list is very long yada, yada

I insisted on bein seen by PROPER endo full stop and just today got the letter for an appointment to be seen by correct endo specializing in thyroid only in October this year.

Booking made in April! So waiting time 6 months total.

So if you're ready to wait, call them up and ask to be re-booked to PROPER endocrinologist.

[Hidden in reply to trelemorele]

Hi T. Glad you got the appt but 6 months is a long time to continue to feel sick. Could you consider getting some tests done and maybe start taking your care in your own hands with all the help and info available on this forum? At the very least you might improve sx and when it's time for your appt how this new doc handles your proactive stance will tell you a lot about whether or not he/she is the right doc for you. IMO, nothing lost and much to gain by gathering information sooner. And going in with labs in hand might impress him enough to take you seriously and really want to help you. Just a thought. Take care. irina

[trelemorele in reply to Hidden]

Erm... My appointment is really a formality.

I'm self medicating, pretty clued up. I'm going there to get my t3 back only.

Waiting time is not a problem for me. I've been waiting 10 years to get to where I'm at atm. Another 6 months doesn't make too much difference to me.

But.... seeing diabetes or endocrinologist can make a huge difference to me getting my t3 back.

And I can't take this change as I've already been told by dumb GPs - you've seen two endocrinologist (read diabetes morons) and they don't agree with your opinion. There....

[Nanaedake]

If you. do see this endocrinologist, could you ask them what their expertise is and how much experience they have in dealing with thyroid conditions? Could you then ask them to refer you to a colleague with experience and a specialism specifically in thyroid conditions? If you get hold of the list from thyroid UK, you will have some names up your sleeve that you could suggest. Alternatively, just ask your GP to book you into an Endocrinologist of your choice instead of this one who is a diabetic specialist.

[DaisyBelle85 in reply to Nanaedake]

Thank you all for your advice!

It's been a 5 year battle for me to get this referral on the NHS, and my insurance won't cover it as it's a pre existing condition, so I'm afraid of rocking the boat and being told to accept what I'm given.

I had raised my concerns at the possibility of this happening when I spoke to my GP for the referral, and he told me that he couldn't guarantee who I'd see and that this was how the NHS worked. It just seems like a waste of time and resources to be seeing a Diabetes specialist when you have complicated thyroid issues 😒