Apparently the medical community does not think my tumor is a big deal. We went in to meet with my doctor today and she basically said to schedule an eye exam and that I needed to see an endocrinologist. Both things she could have told me over the phone without wasting my time for the appointment. When I asked her about some of the medicine treatments I knew more about them from my research online than she did.
So, I got home and called the endocrinologist at the hospital that I was referred to (which is 1 block from our house, I can almost see it from here)... the earliest appointment was MARCH 19, 2009. Umm, clearly that's not going to work. I need to get in sooner than that. The scheduler at the endo's office was going to show my MRI results to the endocrinologist to see if she wanted to see me any sooner, apparently not being a diabetic I have a slight edge. I said something like I hoped my tumor would give me some kind of priority in getting in to be seen by the doctor. I realize that the tumor is benign, but seirously, it needs to be treated NOW. Not in 3 months when I could be blind from the tumor pressing on my optic nerve.
Off to schedule an eye exam...
3 comments:
Steph - I actually know a little about your condition because I went through some testing for it about 10 years ago. It really freaked me out just to think about the possiblity of it. I can't imagine what it's been like for you to learn that this is a reality.
I do know that endocrinologists can be extremely frustrating. I've had thyroid problems for years, and I've only ever been seen by my endo of choice once. It took months to get in with him just for that appointment.
When I got pregnant, and was directed to GO TO THE ENDO NOW, I was able to get in within a week. I really think that this doctor will find time for you when he/she sees the results of your MRI. If not, I would ask to be placed on their cancelation list AND start contacting other doctors.
On a much simpler note, once you do get an appointment, don't be surprised if the nurse asks you to take your socks off. Just explain that you don't have diabetes, and ask to keep them on. It happens to me all the time. But honeslty, if I have to wear a paper robe, I at least want to have the dignity of keeping my socks on.
Joanna,
Thanks for the insight. I am not sure I have really dealt with how I feel about this tumor, right now I'm more in a 'let's tackle this obstacle and deal with emotions later', you know? I just wish that the doctors understood that while this may not be life-threatening, it is serious (at least to me) and needs to be addressed. And, why is there only one endo in my area? I know I could easily go to Boston and find some good ones, and that's really my next step if I do not get a call back soon from the endo's office here (I have the 3/19 appt, but am also on their cancel list).
Thanks for the tip on the socks too. I will want to keep them on too.
I don't get it either. When I was having issues with my eye the ophthmologist could not get me in for like 2 months. Meanwhile, it was bothering me so badly I could barely think of little else.
My advice is be prepared to be persistent, even to the point of annoying. I found an even better ophthamologist who was able to see me wtihin a few days of calling. The difference was my willingness to drive to a more populated area -like in your case with Boston nearby.
Throughout my ordeal, there has been several times when I felt I knew more than my doctor. I had to ask about certain conditions and tests, which all turned out to be possibilities but luckily for me, were negative but if I had not brought them up, the doctors were all willing to dismiss them. It is SO frustrating.
We think a lot alike and I don't think their is anything wrong with trying to keep your emotions at bay while you persist in getting the care you need. It gives you focus. So try not to worry (much easier said than done) and don't give up.
We are here for you!
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