kemp66

[hemp66]

Hello I am New to site . I am being referred to Endocrinologist what should I expect please

[helvella Administrator]

On arrival, the nurse will automatically ask you to provide a urine sample.

This isn't because it is much use for thyroid issues but because most endocrinologists specialise in diabetes, so the nurses always do it.

Ideally, you will have had a blood test in the few days before your appointment. Otherwise you are likely not to have that much to discuss. Also, if the endo sends you for a blood test it will not be first thing in the morning and you will need another appointment to review the results.

If you already have some results, you might care to post them and start discussion?

Others will, I hope, help more.

[MaisieGray in reply to helvella]

I think it must vary a great deal. I've seen different Endos all around England, and have never been asked to give a urine sample; nor to have a blood draw before my appointment. A couple of them have had me go for a blood draw after seeing them, presumably in readiness for the subsequent appt, others haven't. My last two were very interested and accepting of my private blood test results, others not at all. Some have had me weighed and my height measured, most haven't, a couple have given me a physical exam (one set me off on a suspected diagnosis of Fabrys disease as a result of that). One investigated at length, the nature and extent of family illnesses, including my one son's Crohns and my other son's genetic disorder, which resulted in my blood being sent to a different Consultant for inclusion in a study he was doing, whilst others haven't, or only superficially. One had me have an ultrasound and a DEXA scan, others have acted as if no such investigations existed; another gave me a short synacthen test, none of the others have ever mentioned adrenals. I suspect much depends on their interest in, and knowledge of the endocrine system beyond its relationship with blood sugar levels and insulin-resistance. I think the start point for any first Endo appointment must be to give the patient the opportunity to explain why they are there and what they'd like the outcome to be, but that doesn't always happen .....

[hemp66 in reply to MaisieGray]

Been referred because of my extreme tiredness Dr sent me for blood test hence abnormalities lead to referral to Endocrinologist

[MaisieGray in reply to hemp66]

If you'd like to post the results of your blood tests, together with their ranges, in a new thread, folks can comment in advance of you seeing the Endo, which might help with preparing to get the most out of your appointment.

[hemp66 in reply to MaisieGray]

Thanks will do

[hemp66 in reply to MaisieGray]

My Parathyroid hormone level above range calcium levels above range ,Alanine aminotransferase above range, adjusted calcium concentration above range Appointment set for May

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Presumably GP has done some blood tests already

First thing is, do you have copies of actual blood test results? if not will need to get hold of copies.

You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.

UK GP practices are supposed to offer online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.

In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet

Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up.

They can no longer charge for printing out, rules changed after May 25th 2018

Can you add results and ranges for TSH, FT3 and FT4, plus have you also had TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested

Also extremely helpful if had vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 tested. Add results and ranges if you have them

If not got results, come back with new post once you have copies

If antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).

About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's.

Low vitamins are especially common with Hashimoto's. Food intolerances are very common too, especially gluten. So it's important to get TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once .

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/t...

Link about antibodies and Hashimoto's

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

List of hypothyroid symptoms

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

[hemp66 in reply to SlowDragon]

Will get print out of bloods thanks for your reply

[Marz in reply to hemp66]

I bet you are glad to have joined such helpful people - glad you followed the link - and WELCOME ! Onwards and upwards

[hemp66 in reply to Marz]

Yes I am as I think it's my Thyroid slept most of day now feel I have tonsillitis coming on still tired

[Marz in reply to hemp66]

It is possible the inflammation in the thyroid could affect your throat . Try to keep your fluid levels up ...