What is the difference between......

Ella831 · 08-31-2007, 01:33 PM

Hello Ladies,
I am doing some research on possibly switching doc.I have been seeing a Physical Medicine doctor for a year now and am looking into switching to an Endo./Reproductive Specialists,or just an Endo. What have you all had the best results with as far as working with PCOS and your thyroid or other issues?
Thanks for your input.

mzamethystcrow · 08-31-2007, 01:51 PM

I would switch to an Endo/Repo specialist as you said, since they should have more extensive knowledge in the subject. I did that and felt more comfortable with what he/she had to say.

jsr72 · 08-31-2007, 11:52 PM

I'm curious, too. I saw a Reproductive Endocrinologist while TTC. She managed my thyroid while I was her patient. Since having DS, I've just been under the care of my GP for my hypothyroid. I'll be seeing an Endo in a few weeks to specifically help me with my thyroid bc it's been so out of whack. GL!

Ella831 · 09-01-2007, 07:23 PM

I am excited to go have a consult with a Endo/Repro.Specialists. I am not looking forward to once again switching doctors. I hate that and getting established and starting over medicine wise and everything else. It will be good though I hope since the doctor I have been seeing for year just isn't cutting it anymore.

JennyBeans · 09-02-2007, 11:30 AM

Unfortunately, my endo can't be my primary but the only one who has ever helped or cared to help was my endo. In fact, the gyno could not help other than to suggest the pill and my primary was good for telling me to lose weight. I would suggest having all of your records and tests from here on out sent to all of your doctors so that they are at least in the loop.

mommavia · 09-02-2007, 07:04 PM

I would suggest finding an endocrinologist who specializes in thyroid disease (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidis, thyroid cancer, etc) for the management of your thyroid. Sometimes that same endo can be just the doc you need for your PCOS too. I would make sure that you find specialist in each area to have your issues treated properly. You wouldn't go to a barber for a haircut would you? They do cut hair, but generally do not cut women's hair.

Cynthia

Ella831 · 09-04-2007, 11:39 AM

Thank you all for you input. So far here is what I have found. The Endcrinologist/Reproductive Specialist deals with thyroid and PCOS issues.As well as the Endocrinologists my sister sees just for her thyroid,he deals with thyroid and PCOS issues too. So now deciding which one is best to see I have no clue. AHAHHAHAHAHHA!!!! Now it is even harder to decided which would be the best route to take. It is one of those things I wish someone could just tell me who to see but I just have to decide then hope I picked the right one b/c I don't want to have change docs again.

Thanks again for all your help and for listening.

mommavia · 09-06-2007, 12:59 AM

I would call both offices and find out how many thyroid patients and pcos patients they each treat each year. Find out how friendly the receptionist is, if you can, make appointments with each and see who you prefer. I always like to have a doctor who will actually listen to me and treat ME, not the disease.

Cynthia

Ella831 · 09-06-2007, 09:02 AM

Mommavia,
Thanks for you input. I actually called Tuesday and asked some more questions.I decided to set up an appt. with the Repro.Endo.They said she will have to determine for herself if she can do my thyroid stuff,if it is small stuff then it shouldn't be a problem.Which mine is it is not completely out of wack.I did find out she has started a special PCOS clinic as well as that is her primary interest as well as helping women with PCOS conceive. The receptionist wasn't very attentive to my questions but she did answer them or find out the answer if she didn't know. So at least on the phone it sounds good.I guess I won't know until I go for the appt.Thanks for your help.

suzanneyea · 09-06-2007, 12:53 PM

I would see the doctor that works best for you and not worry about the title. When I saw an endocrinologist at the reproductive center he was so focused on getting me pregnant (via IVF) that he was not that good at treating my thyroid. Now, I just see my regular doctor and he is fixing the problem so that I can get pregnant and be healthy. So, meet the new doctor and see how you two get along.

mommavia · 09-07-2007, 01:54 AM

Ella, have you considered having a doctor for each of your "issues"? I am an advocate of having an endocrinologist who specializes in thyroid disease treat your thyroid, even if it is not completely out of whack. I think of it this way, you wouldn't go to a barber for a woman's hair cut right? A stylist and a barber both cut hair, but they each have their own areas of expertise.

Hope you find the right doc or docs soon,
Cynthia

Ella831 · 09-22-2007, 03:42 PM

Mommavia,Thanks for you input. I think I am going to ask my PCP to take care of my thyroid then go see the Repr.Endo for the PCOS stuff. Since my PCP is only 15min that way if my thyroid ever goes crazy I can just run over and get the blood drawn. Plus,I use to work for my PCP so I know that they do thyroid stuff and that he is a good doc. Thanks for all your help and input.It is so hard to make the right decison.

bbro · 10-03-2007, 06:01 PM

I actually have a very attentive PA at my gyno that is taking care of everything. Before, I had a PCP who took care of it all. I think it is just about finding a doctor you are comfortable who knows what they are talking about. My thyroid and PCOS are not that complicated, though, just the normal stuff