Next week I have an appointment at my family doc in order to get a referral for my VERY first endocrinology visit. Before my family doc visit I will have blood work done- haven't had anything looked at in over 1 year. Is there anything specific I should request? When I go to the endocrinology I am going to have the C-Peptide & Antibody Panel done so that I can finally get a true diagnosis. Are there any other things that I need to make sure to have them look at?
I guess I really don't know what to expect from either visit and I'm dreading seeing my blood work results. I'm staring to get anxiety.
Just joined this site today…nice to see others out there. Hang in there, was where you are a year ago, with all the testing and stuff. They’ll get ya on the right track, try not to worry.
I getting ready to go to my first endo in March. I have been going to a PCP. I found out in November that I had I had diabetes. I am on MDI and still not in control. So I can't help you on what it is going to be like but I share your anxiety. I have talked with my cousin that has had diabetes for 11 years and she has told me going to endo can be the best thing to do. I hope that everything goes well for you.
Thanks for the reply. I hope your appointment goes well! Because things have been out of control I'm nervous to see how bad the results will be. I want to make sure I am now doing all that I can to keeps things in check.
The blood tests you need depend on your history. What were your blood tests like last year? What is your current diagnosis? What are your symptoms? Has there been a lot of weight loss lately? Are you on any medications? Do you have a history of autoimmune? What are your eating habit like? Do you severely restrict carbs?
Sorry for so many questions, but it'll help clarify why you're having trouble getting a diagnosis. Also, you'll know more of what to expect from the doctors if you know more going in.
The main reason I'm having trouble getting a diagnosis is because no one has ever taken the time to do the proper tests. Now that I have the knowledge, I am able to advocate for myself. When I was given the diabetes diagnosis initially, I was told I had type 2 because "I have a family history of it" and they said because I was 22 years old. Oral meds did not help me. Lantus did not help me. After seeing another doctor I was told, "I don't think you have type 2 diabetes". Back then I didn't know there was actually tests that could be done (and SHOULD have been done) to determine exactly what it was. It's a shame that I didn't do any of my research. I'm finally getting things straight now. Only been back on my pump for 1 month.
My last A1C was 7.something if I remember correctly. This was shortly after being on my pump for the first time. No weight loss. No extreme thirst- I always drink a lot so it's hard to tell, I guess. When my readings are high I'm tired. That's really the only thing that I can say I notice. I think because I was so high for so long, to me that feels normal. It's what I'm use to. I do have hypothyroid. Take Synthroid, Wellbutrin, Humalog & birth control. I carb count when using the pump but like I said, that's only been for the past month. Before that, I just tried to make "healthy" choices but there was no control. :(I also have an appointment with a dietician.
Which oral meds did you try? Did you ever have a c-peptide done?
As long as they're making diagnoses based on history, you could be T1 because you're hypothyroid! Personally, I think that making diagnoses purely on family history and age is ridiculous. Since insulin is what works for you, I'd guess you're T1.
You said you were off the pump--were you on MDI during that time, or were you off insulin altogether? If you were off insulin, how did you fare with that?
What kinds of insulin dosages do you have? The amount of insulin you need would also help determine whether you're T1 or T2.
My high symptoms are also usually just extreme exhaustion, sometimes headaches. For the longest time I had no high symptoms because I was high so often. Once I was at normal levels most of the time again, I gained my high sensitivity back, but it's not what it used to be and I can't always tell anymore.
The oral meds that I can remember off the top of my head are Metformin and Actos, but there were others. Never had a c-peptide done. Will have that done when I see the endo.
I agree that it's ridiculous to go off of only family history. I'm ready for a final answer. If I had to say one way or the other I would say I'm LADA but we'll see what the tests says when I get it.
When I was off of the pump yes, I was injecting but NOT the way I needed to. There was no control. I was tired, had headaches and was always high.
I defiantly have insulin resistance. I use a lot of insulin.
The endo won't have a magic wand to wave at you, other than perhaps the diagnosis questions resolving those issues for you. I think the other things you are doing will make a bigger difference than just about any doctor!
On top of blood work and all the other regular diabetes appointments I suggest that you work to maintain a good BG log. If you want the endo to provide guidance and suggestions on BG improvement, then they will need data. So if you are a little sloppy with your logs (I was horrible when I had to write it down) make sure you work very hard the week before the appointment to get good records. Be honest with the endo and you will get the most benefit.
Write down a list of questions so that you can address all your concerns: diet, sleeping BG, scar tissue, site rotation, insulin timing, amount of times to test a day, Rxs, etc.? I dont know how many times I have left an appointment and thought whoops I forgot that question.
Also consider this an interview. You and the Doctor are meeting to see if you want to be his patient. If you don't like the endo or dont get along with them then there is no reason to continue the relationship.
My endo is supportive and provides me with reasonable suggestions based on her experience with many diabetics. I hope you find an endo like I have.
You are right about the logs. That is defiantly something I need to work on! I'll start that today!
Good idea about writing down a list of questions/concerns! I'll start one of those too. I want to get the most out of my time there.
That's a great point that I should look at my appointment like an interview! I think it's about time I got a doc that going to help me sort things out, get on track, supports me, & makes me feel comfortable.
