How to question your endocrine consultant effectively

[MTC1]

I have recently been diagnosed with Hashimoto and am taking thyroxine and liothyronine daily for this condition . Although l see the endocrine consultant a few times a year l don’t feel I use this meeting effectively . He outlines my blood results in general terms , usually saying each result is within the normal range . However l feel he never gives any information without being asked a specific question and the consultation lasts between 5 and 10 minutes .

Has anyone got any suggestions for questions that l could ask him that would throw more light on this condition . 😊

[DippyDame]

Does he know much about thyroid disease?

It doesn't sound as if this consultant is treating you effectively....the onus is on him to help you by explaining your condition and the reasons for the treatment he has prescribed.

Well....in an ideal world!!

The following may help you ask some informedcquestions

thyroiduk.org/if-you-are-hy...

nhs.uk/conditions/thyroidit....

paulrobinsonthyroid.com/aut...

In 5 mins he hardly has time to ask how you feel!

Have you been given details of your test results? Ask for a copy.

We really need to see these before we can comment in any detail.

Being 'in normal range" is not a particularly helpful response you need to find out exactly which point within the ref range your result falls.

Have you had vit D, vit B12, folate and ferritin tested...these need to be optimal to support thyroid function. Ask about testing these nutrients.

Was poor T4 to T3 conversion diagnosed before T3 treatment was initiated?

Has he sugested a gluten free diet? It helps many with Hashi's.

Good luck

[Anthea55]

You might find it useful to look at the Thyroid UK website at thyroiduk.org/

The section 'If you are hypothyroid' may be helpful to give you a general understanding of your underactive thyroid.

Do you have any of your blood test results? Post these on here for people to comment. You need the ranges with these. You are entitled to have these results.

[HandS]

To be fair : the time given is his scheduled time allowed and he will be treating your symptoms and how they present - either by showing up in a blood or other tests, or by you telling him what your symptoms are.

Do you fell well ? What are your concerns?

It’s a very big topic so don’t assume he’s not doing a good job : he’s working with the information he has and within his hospital schedule.

If you have questions or symptoms you want to discuss at your consultation , prepare for it by writing them down - take them with you - or send to him ahead of your next consultation.

In the meantime there is lots of information on here about optimising your diet and vitamins which you can learn about, which will support your health.

Wishing you good health