Just wanted to say Hi 👋

[NWA6]

I should be asleep! I’m so tired but I’ve been researching so much due to an Upcoming Endo appointment next week. I’m trying to prepare as much as possible but I’m also so anxious and depressed at the thought of battling another ‘professional’ who thinks my bloods are ‘normal’ and so I should take the Levo and be grateful. I’ve spent all night reading all your posts and my heart aches for you all. So many living a half life when a full one could more easily be lived if those professionals were more educated.

[silverfox7]

Hi Paul6. Welcome to the forum! Hope you digging hasn't confused you, it can feel daunting at first. If you have any questions before you go then please ask and we shall try and help. Otherwise I hope the meeting goes well. I would write a few notes to take with you, things you want to ask etc. I've gone in to a few of these and either mind goes blank or I rabbit on for ages then too later and usually halfway home I remember the most important question I wanted to ask about!

I don't know what time you are going but unless your doctor has sent him your last bloods then be prepared to be sent for a blood test.

Hope it goes well for you and you found it a rewarding and enjoyable experiment. Let us know how you get on. Endo can vary a lot so if things go well then it would be useful to send a message to Thyroid uk who run this forum if you wish to recommend him to others. Have a look at their site, lots of things on there you may find useful as well.

[MissGrace]

Hi Paula6. Good luck for your appointment. I’d advise taking someone with you if you can. If you do get a troublesome endo it might rein in some of the insane comments they have made to some people on here. Hope you get a good ‘un! 🤸🏿‍♀️

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

NWA6

So many living a half life when a full one could more easily be lived if those professionals were more educated

Amen to that.

Good luck with your appointment, I hope if goes well.

PS - just read MissGrace's reply. I second taking someone into the appointment with you, particularly a male. It makes an awful lot of difference. If there is no-one to accompany you, record the consultation. No need to do it surreptitiously, just put your phone (or whatever) on the desk and say something like you don't always remember everything that is said so you're recording it in order not to forget what has been discussed and all the important points.

[Hidden]

Hi there Paula.......I can vouch for the good suggestions that Silver fox has given you,which is exactly the advice given me by another member when I had my first appointment with my Endo.It does help them to have some notes to help them get lift off and I remember mine thanking me and then looking at me after reading,saying that I wouldn't make a good medical practitioner as my handwriting was too good.!!........It all helped me to relax and he had the info he needed,in front of him.

I hope all goes well for you and send you my best wishes. M

[jgelliss]

Hello Paula6 and Welcome . Kudos to you . I admire you for reading and researching as much as you can before your visit with your Endo . There is nothing better especially for us thyroid patients as being very well prepared and empowered . Take notes with you and ask especially for *FT3* FT4 TSH labs . Further I would suggest to ask for labs with vitamin "D" Iron panel/ferritin , B12/folate DHEA-S . Adrenal/ Cortisol via Saliva .

I agree with previous members great advice that you go with someone . Four ears are better than two and you will empowered to talk from strength .

Sending you *Strength* and *Very* Productive and *Successful* visit out come .

Keep us posted .

[NWA6]

Thank you people ❤️ Unfortunately I don’t have anyone to take with me. No one is quite as forward as me and hubby is not the sort of character to ask questions. It’s just me, myself and I. Thanks for the virtual support though, it’s keeping me sane and I hope I have good news to report back on 14th but my standards are low so as long as they don’t make me cry I’ll consider it a success 😂

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to NWA6]

Just the presence of someone else in the room is usually enough, they don't have to ask questions or comment. If there is a "witness" doctors tend to be more willing to listen to "the little woman" and I speak from experience, except for the rather vile endo I saw 3 times, accompanied by my husband, he was an expert in rudeness and belittling people whoever they were, even the nurse rolled her eyes! And when I told my GP I wasn't going back to him she actually said she didn't blame me because she knew of his reputation!

I hope yours is a good one.

[LAHs]

I aways take my list of questions written down and I start my conversation with, "Hello Dr. SoAndSo, thanks for seeing me, I have 6 questions for you." Invariably he keeps count and even if he has answered two questions in one previous question he will say something like, " OK, what's the next one?" and I spell it out that the last question was answered in a previous one. It usually goes like that and the times I don't do that I regret it because I invariably forget something.

[MiniMum97 in reply to LAHs]

Good tip!

[Gillybean1]

Hi Paula6,

Please take your hubby even if he says nothing. After going it alone in the Endo consultation room for 6years, this time i asked my partner to come in. What a difference,the Endo consultant talked to ' us', no brushing off or hurrying up of my list this time, the appointment went from the usual 15mins to 40mins.

I asked very matter of fact questions (t3 related, availability,costs etc) and we got given straight honest answers.

Every best wish, G

[slopbog]

Hi Paul6 good luck with your appointment, well done for reading up it is a minefield and no magic cure. I couldn't wait for my NHS appointment as it was going to be at least 3 months away. So I went private (one of the recommended ones on Thyroid UK) I think reading up and being informed is a great asset in these appointments as you appear knowledgeable and less likely to be fobbed off. I hope you get some positive feedback and treatment going forward.