Endocrinologist visit Update (long)

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Endocrinologist visit Update (long)
5
Mon, 07-23-2007 - 11:25pm

DH, DD & I made a 2 hour trip north so I could see an endocrinologist today. Am I ever glad we did! I finally don't feel like I'm facing this disease alone and I have some specific goals to aim for.


Highlights:



  • He took me off Glyburide and started me on Byetta.

  • He halved my Atenolol dose and added Cozaar.

  • He added Zocor to the Tricor that I already take.

  • Added Omega 3 fish oil tabs 3/day

  • Recommended The South Beach Diet or a Mediterannean diet.

  • Recommended I increase my exercise to 4 x a week.

  • Wants me to check my blood pressure daily.

  • Wants me to check my bs at varying intervals rather than always in the am.

He spent at least an hour with me and I could tell from our discussion that he had really reviewed my previous records. My a1C which has been great at 5.5 had recently gone up to 6.3 two weeks ago. He checked it again today and it was back to 6.0. It could be a difference in the testing facilities, too.


I'm not spilling protein into my urine so he's pleased with my kidney function. I am very concerned about my itching feet (tops and ankles only) worried that it might be neuropathy. He gave me a thorough foot exam (I've only had a cursory glance before) and he declared that I do not have neuropathy. He's not sure what the itching is, but he knows it's NOT neuropathy.


I'm overwhelmed and relieved and hopeful all at once. I am so glad I took charge of this decision and sought an appointment with a specialist. Thanks to everyone here for just being here when I've had a question to ask. Especially Mary Frances, I really appreciate you!!


Julie


 

Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Tue, 07-24-2007 - 12:11am

Julie,


I am so happy that you had such a productive visit and got your questions answered. Do you see the endo again or are you being returned with his recommendations to your regular doctor. A two hour drive is a long way to go to see a doctor.


I have been on Januvia, which is the oral version of byetta, for the past 6 weeks. I need to get my A1C done and I hope it has come back down to your level. Incidentally the A1C can change in about two weeks because of the way the blood cells die off. Supposedly there is a difference between labs also and that is why the docs don't recommend using it for diagnosis. I think there is less variation now than when the test first came out. I haven't seen anything in the literature where they tested this for the variations either so it could be effectively a medical urban legand.


Please let us know how you are doing. There are a couple of other people on the board with byetta and they are doing well.


Avatar for cl_coldfingers
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Tue, 07-24-2007 - 7:01am
Thanks for the update Julee!

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-29-2007
Tue, 07-24-2007 - 8:02am

Julie,

So glad you found a doctor you like and answered your questions. It seems like that is really hard to do these days. Good luck with your new meds.

Rita

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 07-25-2007 - 11:05am

I have another appointment to see the Endocrinologist on November 5th. Yes, 2 hours seems a long way to drive but remember, I am in North Arkansas and that is our nearest city. We're used to making this trip as it's also the home of our nearest good shopping! So I take a day off work and we make a day of it.

Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Thu, 07-26-2007 - 1:21am
Reminds me of when I lived in middle Georgia and used to come to Atlanta for shopping, etc. We looked at it as an outing and really enjoyed the trip. For me now it is less than 30 minutes to get to my doctor's office unless I have to make the trip in commute traffic. Then it can take an hour! :-(