Appointment with Endocrinologist

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-17-2006
Appointment with Endocrinologist
19
Fri, 09-22-2006 - 8:51am
Hi everyone! I have an appointment with an endocrinologist at the end of October and I was wondering what I can expect. Here is what I have been through so far (I have been on this board before, so some of you may know - I thank you for all the help I've had so far) for those that don't know, here it is:
TSH, T3 & T4 - all normal range
Ultrasound - showed a solid nodule of 2 cm in diameter, with other smaller nodules throughout my neck
Uptake & Scan - showed cold nodule(s) - I'm not sure if they used the plural or not
So, I'm just wondering how may others have been through this same set of tests with the same results and what your trip to the endo was like.
Thanks in advance for any advice you can give me!

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Avatar for daggs170
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Fri, 09-22-2006 - 10:57am

I'm hoping that your trip to the endo will be a good one, in the fact that he will talk to you and answer your questions (start writing them down) and take time to explain things to you. Yes, I've gone through the same tests, and I don't know if he will run you through more tests or not, also there is the fnb (fine needle biopsy) which is probably something you've not heard of but many of us have gone through that also.

The 25th will be here before you know it, and us girls that have gone through this often refer to the "choke test" where the endo is behind you, puts his hands around your neck and then says to take a drink of water, and he feels the lump as you gulp. There are many things that they may check on you which you may think have nothing to do with the thyroid--your skin, your hair, your nails, etc. The more he knows and learns about you and your particular case, the better off you will be. He will probably send you for lab work a repeated number of times also to see if things are changing with you or not. Whatever he sends you for, go for it--I have a good endo and I'm hoping that you will have a good one too. This is their specialty so he is more knowledgeable in this particular field. I wish you good luck. Bea

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iVillage Member
Registered: 09-17-2006
Mon, 09-25-2006 - 2:08pm
I had one quick question - when you went to the Endo for the first time, did she preform the biopsy right there. I've had all the other tests done and I'm just wondering if that's a possibility. Or will they schedule me for another appointment for that? Thanks!
Avatar for daggs170
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Mon, 09-25-2006 - 8:14pm

My case was a little different. When I met my endo for the first time, I was taken by hand by my second surgeon for a walk down the hall to meet the endo that he wanted me to go to. I was so appreciative that he introduced me to a very nice endo and from there when she transferred I chose the endo that trained her so I feel that I have always had very good care since I have been going to my endo. I didn't have the FNB by the endo, I had it by my 1st surgeon as ordered by him to double check to see if I still had cancer, and he had it done in the hospital by the specialists that do this. Cells were discovered, and he sent me right to Boston to an thyroid oncologist surgeon for my 2nd surgery. My first surgeon asked me if I would have the FNB test, I don't think they just spring it on you, and I think you will probably need an appointment for this to be done. I don't know if they do it in the endo's office or not, but even if they do they will probably ask you first if you will have it and then set another appt. Like I said, my case was a little different, and who knows what your endo will be thinking at the time you meet him.

If he has the time and the means to do this test on your first appt., I would go for it. I will admit it's not the most pleasant test, but let me tell you this--everytime I had to go through something that I didn't like I always told myself "just grin and bear it, it won't last forever", and to this day this is how I get through a lot of things in life.

To be honest, I will be surprised if he wants to do that test on first visit, but he may have a large staff and be equipped to handle it. Just take whatever comes, remember--it won't last forever. Hugs, Bea

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iVillage Member
Registered: 09-17-2006
Thu, 09-28-2006 - 8:58am
That's good to know that most likely I won't have an FNA on my first visit. I think I still might have my mom or husband come with me just in case. If it can happen the first visit, that wouldn't be so bad. Then I would find out sooner. I'm hoping that after I meet with the Endo, my next appointment will be closer than this first appointment. I will keep you posted once I finally do see the Endo.
Avatar for daggs170
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Fri, 09-29-2006 - 3:36pm
It is a good idea to have either your DH or mother come right into the examining room with you as 2 sets of ears are better than one when it comes to remembering what the endo is telling you. He may surprise you with something that you hadn't even thought of before. You may miss something that he says because you will be a little nervous I'm sure. However, when your tests come along, usually they can't come in with you. Be patient, calm, and positive--being positive is one of the best things that you can do to help yourself. I feel you have good support from your family also. Hugs, Bea
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iVillage Member
Registered: 09-17-2006
Fri, 09-29-2006 - 4:48pm
Well, I just got a call from my PCP today. She said that she wants to send me for a FNA before I go to see the Endo. I have an appointment next Wed. 10/4 at 10:30am. Do they let family go in with you? Or do you have to go it alone? How will I feel afterwards? Thanks!
Avatar for daggs170
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Fri, 09-29-2006 - 6:12pm

I see that your endo is doing the same thing that my endo does. I would hazard a guess that the endo told the PCP to have you set up and have the test done before you see him, that saves you another visit if he had to order the test, plus he will undoubtedly have the test results there in front of him to tell you what he thinks is going on.

Yes, I believe that you should have somebody go with you even though they will probably have to wait in the waiting area and not be in the actual room while you are having the test. When they started my test they let my DH in but a few minutes after they started the actual test they told him he had to leave. You will feel alright after the test because when you come out of there you will be very happy that it is over and done with. I feel that you should have somebody doing the driving, many girls are proud of the fact that they can drive themselves home and they say it's nothing, but I tend to be on the side of caution, and you may be happy that somebody is doing the driving. I honestly don't think you will feel too bad after the test like I said before, you will just be glad it's done.

Will this be done in the hospital as outpatient? That's where I had mine done, but many say they have had it done in the dr.s office, so there is a variable there also. I wish you well with this test--as far as I know this is the one that seems to tell them the most.

Prayers and hugs, Bea

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iVillage Member
Registered: 09-17-2006
Fri, 09-29-2006 - 7:37pm
Thank you! I will be having the test done in a lab location here. It's not a hospital or a doctor's office - just a place where they do tons of testing. It looks like right now my mom is going to go with me unless my DH can get off of work. I'm glad to be having someone go with me. Since it is a bit scary. I'm glad to know that I will feel okay. I still am happy that someone will be going with me. That eases my mind a little. How long did it take for you to find out your results of the FNA? I'm worried that even if it does show that it is benign there could still be cancer there like you and so many others on this board have found out. I know that I will feel better once it's over with. However, I think I will feel much better once this thing is out of me.
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-29-2006
Fri, 09-29-2006 - 9:04pm

Hi, okay my levels were normal, scans were cold- 2.5cm,2cm,1cm all on the left- never felt too bad but had constant earaches and blacking out when going from sitting to standing- but associated all this with allerges- oh and a dry through in the back during workingout- they all went away when they took out the nodes. they then did a fine needle biobsy(doesn't hurt- hurts less then the dentist- good thing), bad thing is they hardly ever tell you anything conclusive.
I ended up having surgery- the doctors told me my earaches and things probably had nothing to do with the nodes either, but I should hve them removed because of the size and inconclusive results, I ended up with the 2 major types of cancer cells-find this out after surgery and full biobsy. So I had an overnight stay in hospital instead of outpatiant as it would have been if they found the nodes to be goiter.
then they wait for you to be hypo,about 6-12wks then iodine pill- where for (my doctor) where i was in isolation for just 3 days- longer if i was to be around children 5 or under. 10 days later is the body scan to make sure there is no cancer spread- then it's just adjusting hormone levels which is currently where I stand.

I have worked out almost everyday of this process- except for the first 3 days after surgery and the first 3 days of iodine treatment. Think possitive - it helps- most people survive this with flying color- my work associates father had this 15 yrs ago- and is now 82 and doing great.
Wish you the best.

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-17-2006
Fri, 09-29-2006 - 9:11pm
Thank you! It was so nice to get such a detailed looked of what I may be expecting in the next few months or so. I know that I have the FNA to look forward to and then we'll go from there. I really think I'm going to go for the surgery as well, just to put my mind at ease for good. Your story sounds similar to mine except I only know the size of my main nodule which is 2cm. They told me that the other ones were smaller, but never told me their sizes. I will let you know how the biopsy goes on Wednesday.

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