[DebbieLBurton]

#1019340

why do you need an endo?

[hyperm]

#1071009

Hi Debbie,

Over in the UK (which I presume is similar in this instance to the states if that is where you are based) GP’s have what their title entails "general medical" knowledge. Whereas a specialist such as an endo is a consultant and therefore has a more in depth knowledge, practical experience and understanding of thyroidism. I remember initially after being diagnosed, I attempted to question my GP and she was honest in saying that she didn’t know too much about it as her job didn’t require a full in depth knowledge.

It is important to see an endo when you have this condition to ensure you are receiving regular blood tests and monitoring of your condition. They are also able to answer any queries or concerns you may have.

Hope that is of some help.

M x

[DebbieLBurton]

#1071010

My doctor is referring me to a doctor that specializes in Internal Medicine, should he also understand GD? We do not have a Endo in our community and it is a three hour drive both ways for me to see one. I just want to be sure that I am receiving proper medical care.

[ely2009]

#1071011

Debbie,

Like hyperM, my GP said that Graves is "out of his league." I first saw an endo, who I didn’t particularly like. I’m now seeing an internal med doctor who has had a lot of experience with thyroid disorders and I love her!

Emily

[mamabear]

#1071012

Debbie, Hello.
Make sure that you really check well for an endo in your area. I didn’t realize they were called Endocrinologist’s before my dh helped me out. Check through your ins. company’s website or call them. You dont have to go by the one that was referred to you. You can check out others on your own and go to someone that might be closer.

I had no clue you could do this with our ins. company and my dr. said see this person. So i did and I hated them. I called the ins. company to complain and they were the ones who told me that I didnt have to see anyone my general dr. recommended. At the time i had a different general dr. as well. But i have a great one now.

Not sure of your ins. but it’s worth looking into if you haven’t all ready.

[Ski]

#1071013

An endo is more likely to know more about Graves’, but it’s not always so. A lot of endocrinologists keep their focus on diabetes (the bulk of any endo practice), and do very little with thyroid patients, so it’s kind of a tightrope to walk. I would see the Internal Med doctor your GP recommended, and see what you think of them. Take along questions, and even some questions you may already know the answer to (to see if they are even as well versed as YOU are). It’s not necessarily true that "only" an endo can treat you successfully.

[mamabear]

#1071014

I just wanted to say that I refreshed my memory and checked my dr’s information. They both are Internal medicine dr’s. This practice is a 4 women practice. Two Pediatricians and two Internal medicine dr’s. Once my kids reach 18-20 they can see the two internists. 3 have known them all since birth and my oldest has known them since he was about 4 yrs old. They are all fairly young so hopefully we will be with them for a very long time.

Makes me feel better that I dont "have" to go to an endo unless she really feels I need one. I will be calling her tomorrow when she returns. I still have an appt for friday with a new endo in case. And if i really want to see how things go i still have another appt with a different endo june 17th. So i think i’m covered in case she needs me to be seen.

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