When is it time to go to a endocrinologist?

[Rob43]

My family doctor has always told me she can take care of my diabetes without me going to a endocrinologist. When should I start going to a endocrinologist without her Permission?

Thanks, Rob

[kgm0612]

The decision is up to you, Rob. Are you having problems controlling your blood sugars or your diabetes?

My GP was the one who dx'd me with diabetes and was more than willing to treat me; however, because my younger brother is also a type 1 (20 years), she "suggested" I hook up with his endo. That's exactly what I did and I'm happy with my decision.

Karen

[Cyborg]

Every 3 months, unless your endo says to not come back for 6 months (which means you are in very good control).

[gettingby]

Rob, I would say the time to go is now !!!
I, too, am having some problems with my control. I see a wonderful CDE at my doc's office but I feel now is the time for an endo. My CDE will be making me an endo appt. when I see her today. She's not at all bothered by the fact that I want to see someone else.
Good Luck and get that A1C down. :)

[Rob43]

The problem is my local endocrinologist requires a referral from my family doctor and she will not give me one. She says only people on insulin need to go to a endocrinologist.


Thanks, Rob

[gettingby]

The problem is my local endocrinologist requires a referral from my family doctor and she will not give me one. She says only people on insulin need to go to a endocrinologist.


Thanks, Rob
That's crazy talk, IMHO !!!!!!!!! Is there anyone else in the practice who can give you a referral? Call the endo's office and see what they can do to help you.

[Rob43]

The only thing I found out is when my sugar is 500 I need to go the ER at hospital and they will give me a referral to a endocrinologist. This is only way. I will need to pay out 600.00 just walking into the ER so they can give me a referral.

Thanks, Rob

[sydneya]

My first visit to an endo came because I just couldn't get it under control. I have been told by many a family doctor that anyone in the office can handle diabetes in this day and age. I was not getting the treatment I needed. The first thing my endo did was change the way I took the meds and amounts. Those doctors that can treat any diabetic had it all out of balance. I travel 90 miles (across a horrible mountain pass with ice and snow right now, I might add) to get to my endo and wish I would have started it a long time ago. My family doctor thought Symlin is not good for anyone. My endo put me on Symlin and my weight is coming down and blood sugars are finally within range.
I know--the difference between me and you, Rob, is my family doctor was willing to give the referral. When it isn't the insurance company, but the endo that requires a referrel, I would think they may make an exception. I'd sure make a plea. You put yourself across well in writing!! Good luck, Rob!!

[kgm0612]

Well, Rob..........you need to find a new family doctor or put your foot down and tell the one you have that you WANT a referral to endo. Also, you might mention to her that "only people on insulin need to go to a endocrinologist" is completely FALSE!

Good luck, and stand firm!

Karen

[HeatherP]

Rob, can you change GP's? Or appeal to your IPA/Medical Group? Make some phone calls and see what your options are. You may have to appeal or file a grievance to your insurance company.

I saw your post on your A1C and I'd say that your GP is certainly not able to handle your diabetes well at this point - time for an Endo.

Good Luck!

[June]

My numbers were out of control and I asked for an endo appt several times. My doctor ordered blood each time (again) and upped my same medication (again) each time. When I finally realized my doctor didn't understand medications and really couldn't help me--I demanded an endo appt. I didn't get the endo appt but got a session with the diabetes counseling attached to the endo. 1 phone call and the diabetes counseling service told me to change my meds (to what and how much) and my numbers went immediately in range. Don't waste any more time with a doctor that can't help you--if she could help you, she would have already--and your numbers are witness to she can or she can't. I wasted (on the wrong meds)2 years exercising more, eating less, eating less carbs, researching etc etc etc trying to correct BS by myself--it was all about the correct medication. Try to find a way--maybe a counseling group/service attached to the endo or go directly to the endo and present your case. Good luck!

[hannahanne]

My family doctor has always told me she can take care of my diabetes without me going to a endocrinologist. When should I start going to a endocrinologist without her Permission?

Thanks, Rob


Rob, I can't tell from your posts if your blood sugar is under control or not. If it is not under control, you are following your doctors orders, and she can't help you get it under control, you need to see an endocrinologist.

I see a family physician and am happy with my situation. As my doctor has told me, if he can't keep my blood sugar under control, he will send me to an endocrinologist. I've noticed that most type 1s feel that they need to see an endocrinologist.

If your blood sugar is not under control and your doctor won't refer you to an endocrinologist, you need to get another doctor.

[Rob43]

Everyday my sugar goes from 200 to 360 during the day. I'm don't have my diabetes under control like I should. What is the best time to take my medicines? Is it a good idea to take all my drugs at once? I take two thousand mgs of metformin and one 5mg of Altace, 40mgs of protonix, 2.5 mgs of glyburide, 25mgs of hydochlorot, 12.5 of paxil, 7.5 mgs of coumadin a day. I take all these drugs at once. Mainly at night before bedtime.

Thanks, Rob

[sweetcheeks]

try splitting up the metformin... take half at breakfast and half at dinner, lots of people split it up, because metformin only works for 12 hours i think unless its the extended release... so your basically taking the 2000 mgs at once its last 12 hours.... if you split it up, it will last 24 hours


most of the time.... you would just wanna follow the directs on the pill bottle... if it says take it at night, take it at night, etcc... dont try to take all the pills at once, if your directed to take them at differnt times...

my grandfather-inlaw takes all his at once and the doctors and the family has screamed and yelled at him over and over again, because all his meds doesnt work correctly because there not takin at the time they need to be takin....