[mrsk]

#1060198

First, Hi I’ve been lurking for awhile but with my specialist appointment approaching, I have some questions if anyone can help.

I was diagnosed with GD in July. My doctor came to that diagnosis after
– labs
– ultrasound of thyroid (found two nodes)
– radioactive iodine uptake scan (to assess the nodes?)

Basically, his nurse called after the labs and said yes I do have Graves’ Disease. Then I went to the ultrasound and was told I have 2 nodes. Next was the uptake scan. After the scan, she called me again and said it confirmed Graves’ disease and they are referring me to a specialist for the rest of my treatment for that and the nodes.

I got a copy of my lab report but I do not have copies of the ultrasound report or the scan report. The technician who did the ultrasound told me that one node was “solid” and the other node was “more liquid-y but also solid.” Like a cyst/node hybrid. That’s all I know about the nodes.

The doctor I have been referred to is not an endocrinologist. He’s an otolaryngologist. My appointment is next week and it’s quite a drive to see this doctor. I don’t really know why my doctor referred me to him instead of an endo.

Here are my labs and the ranges:
TSH result: <0.01 normal range: 0.40 - 4.50
T4 total result: 17 normal range: 4.5-12.0
Free T4 result: 4.1 normal range: 1.4-3.8
T3 uptake result: 24 normal range: 22-35
Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies result: >1000 normal:<35

Have any of you seen an otolarynogologist instead of an endo? What do I make of the nodes? although I lack much knowledge about them.

[Kimberly]

#1181208

Hello and welcome – Keep in mind that we are fellow patients here, not doctors, so we aren’t allowed to interpret labs or speculate on a diagnosis. The more common route with a new Graves’ diagnosis is to see an endocrinologist, but perhaps the otolaryngologist was recommended specifically to evaluate the nodules and decide whether further testing is needed.

Given that it’s a significant drive for you, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to call the referring doctor’s office back to understand why this specific referral was made. You deserve to get an answer on this!

[angelamercy]

#1181209

I agree with Kimberly. You need to be your own advocate. When I was first diagnosed I went to an endro who then referred me to an otolaryngologist. To date, I have two different eye specialists, one endocrinologist, one general practioner, and one ENT doctor. Three of theses doctors are with one clinic and the other two at another.

The most important thing is to be your own advocate, ask questions, keep every doctor informed and keep a journal with all tests, medicines, questions and answers. This may seem like a lot of work but this has helped me tremendously.

Good luck.

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”

Angela

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