Result of Doctor's Appointment
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Result of Doctor's Appointment
| Sat, 12-25-2004 - 10:52am |
I'd really like opinions for this one. I finally had my Endo's appointment day before yesterday and this is how it went. This was my first time to see this doc, and actually, since the beginings of my thyroid problems, we've changed insurances and doctors, so I haven't been "followed" by any of the same doctors that have been treating me for the past couple of years. The Endo said that my Radioactive scan showed that my thyroid is not functioning properly, but didn't go into details, even when I repeated his words, he said the same thing, that the scan showed that my thyroid isn't working properly. He also doesn't believe that this could be cancerous because when they operated on my thyroid for the first time approximately 25 years ago, it wasn't cancer then. He then said that I'm in a gray area. So, he said that if I feel that my symptoms are annoying enough, difficulty with swallowing, hoarseness, coughing, etc... that he would support my decision to have surgery 100%. But that if I wanted to take a "wait and see" approach to see what my thyroid is going to do, he'd support that too. The last two years, my throat area has enlarged considerably and going up towards my right ear. I didn't like how I felt about what he was saying, but I told him I would opt for the surgery. Then I called my medical plan and asked if I could see the Endo who's name I found on one of Mary's sites (I think), for a second opinion. The worker told me she didn't THINK that that doctor was one of the approved doctors for my plan and that she believed that the doctor I saw was the only Endo on my plan, but yes, I could have a second opinion... I wasn't able to get ahold of our insurance, but I'm going to investigate further on Monday. OH, one more thing this doctor said was that the amount of thyroid medication (75mcg) was a wee bit too much, but he didn't suggest changing it. So, basically, I left his office with few answers. He wants me to make an appointment with my GP for two weeks as he would have his report to her in about a week.
I'd really appreciate some feedback. I am really rather confused. My husband and friends who've seen my neck swell, believe that surgery would be the best way to go. I don't necessarily dispute that idea, but after surgery, won't I need to be properly monitored to know what dose of which medication to be on? I'd like to have a doctor that I feel comfortable with to follow my progress. I can't tell you how frustrating this is. After waiting so long just to get in to see an Endo, I feel totally lost.
I hope everyone is having a Merry Christmas. My son and his family are coming over later this afternoon, so I thought I'd pop on here while I had a chance.
Thanks for reading me.
Carole
I'd really appreciate some feedback. I am really rather confused. My husband and friends who've seen my neck swell, believe that surgery would be the best way to go. I don't necessarily dispute that idea, but after surgery, won't I need to be properly monitored to know what dose of which medication to be on? I'd like to have a doctor that I feel comfortable with to follow my progress. I can't tell you how frustrating this is. After waiting so long just to get in to see an Endo, I feel totally lost.
I hope everyone is having a Merry Christmas. My son and his family are coming over later this afternoon, so I thought I'd pop on here while I had a chance.
Thanks for reading me.
Carole

The insurance lady did say that a second opinion does sound reasonable because of the evasiveness of my first Endo appointment, and she said it should only take a couple of days before I get a phone call letting me know if they are going to allow me to see Dr. Damiani or not.
I'm glad that I have you all to "talk" to and to read your stories, because what has been going on so far with my case has become very frustrating to me, but at least I know I'm not alone!
Thank you!
Carole