On my way to an Endo....

Boopems · 01-09-2003, 01:53 AM

Hi Everyone!

This will be my first post here. Normally I just hang around and read all the wonderful information, but now I can use some help.

My fertility doc and regular o/b have both decided that my lab work is now showing I have crossed over from insulin resistance to type II. I am taking glucophage 1500mg /per day, but it has not shown any promise.

I'm in the process of finding an Endo and making that first appointment. I was wondering from those of you who already have one for diabetes....how do I ever pick one??? Do they help with ttc matters? Or are they strictly diabetes? Should I ask if they are familiar with PCOS? What kind of questions should I ask at the first appointment? What will that even be like?

I did get a couple of names from my ob, but I'm leaning toward another doc that I am familiar with. He and his partner are younger. I thought it might be good to have someone who will be in practice a while, hopefully. Also, hoping they will be up on the current topics.

Any information you ladies might have about how you picked a doc and what kind of questions you asked would be sooooo appreciated!

Thanks!
Jill

Brattyone · 01-09-2003, 10:21 PM

Was just wondering what you meant by no response with the Glucophage?

DianaG · 01-10-2003, 12:17 AM

Boopems,
I am so sorry. I know it is hard when you are first told you are type II.

I didn't have much choice in my endocrinologist. There are only two within 45 miles of me and neither were on my insurance. I ended up going with the one I could get the earliest appointment with.

Unfortunately, my endo is familiar with PCOs, but doesn't do the infertility stuff, so I still have to drive 2hours to a reproductive endocrinologist.

If you have a wide choice, I would call several and make consultation appointments with them. Then create a list of your concerns and also what you are looking for from your endo. Write down the testing you think you want done. What sort of medicines are acceptable to you. It sounds like just diet and exercise are out for you at this time if the glucophage isn't helping your blood sugars. Your endo will probably test your thyroid, blood sugar, blood insulin, lipid profile, tsh, estradiol, progesterone, liver panel, cbc, FSH, and free testosterone. I know mine ordered those and a bunch more. I had to do a 24hour urine creatine clearance etc... before meds were prescribed.

I like my endo because he listens to me, he expects me to follow orders, but if I don't lose the three lbs he wanted he doesn't berate me. He also treats the whole patient not the blood sugar. Your endo has to care about how the diabetes is affecting you emotionally as well as physically. My endo's first instruction to me when I leave his office is to smile and laugh every day. He even writes it on his office stationary for me to take home like an RX. Silly I know, but it makes me feel better about my self.

Good luck choosing an endo,
Diana