Re: endo interview questions

[Guest guest]

Manzanero will check adrenals. He may not order those tests until later. So, if you want them now, ask for them to be done right away. But he is one of the very few docs who will check adrenals at all.

He will not check sex hormones. You may want to seek out an OB/GYN who prescribes bio-equivalent hormones. He may or may not have a recommendation.

He will rx Armour, Cytomel or Unithroid. He will rx combinations thereof if you need them. (I do not know about compounded thyroid meds, but I do not recommend them except as a last resort, and then only for someone who is allergic to the fillers in all standard thyroid preparations.)

Do not ask about what he will do in the face of a suppressed TSH. Ignoring the Holy TSH is a red flag for the TSBME. Docs who do so are advised not to reveal that information up front, most especially with a new patient, who could very well be a spy for the medical board.

Your list is too long. Pare it down to two or three questions at most. Except for the sex hormones, he is generally willing to work with patients to make them feel better.

Slack wrote:

i have an appointment with dr. manzanero on monday,and even though he comes highly reccomended, i want toprepare some interview questions for my first visitwith him. my goal is that by asking these questions,i would learn right off the bat whether or not he isgoing to be willing and able to help me. i want tolearn what his philosophy on treatment is, etc.i thought it might be a good idea to solicit y'allsthoughts and questions on this. i think thattogether, we can come up with a really comprehensivelist and it could be a resource for everyone in thefiles section.here are some of mine to start:1. which thyroid medications to you prescribe?1a. do you prescribe combinations of medication? forexample, armour with supplemental synthetic t4? synthetic t4 and t3? do you

prescribe compoundedmedications?2. of the medications you prescribe, do you have apreference? if so, why?2a. which dosage will you start me out on? 2b. will you start me on a low dose and graduallyincrease?2c. how will you determine whether or not that dosageshould be increased? 2d. how often will you check for dosage adjustments?3. which thyroid blood tests do you run? how oftenwill you run them on me?4. what are you goals for my treatment? when will youconsider those goals met? how will you measureattainment of those goals?5. if my TSH is normal, but i am still symptomatic,what will your course of action be?6. what is your philosophy of treatment forhashimoto's disease?7. what kind of role do you think i should have in mytreatment as the patient?8. will you look at other parts of my endocrine systembefore or during my treatment? adrenals, pituitary,etc?

what is your philosophy on treating these inrelation to the thyroid?9. will you look at my sex hormons before or during mytreatment? what is your philosophy on treating thesein relation to the thyroid?__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Manzanero will check adrenals. He may not order those tests until later. So, if you want them now, ask for them to be done right away. But he is one of the very few docs who will check adrenals at all.

He will not check sex hormones. You may want to seek out an OB/GYN who prescribes bio-equivalent hormones. He may or may not have a recommendation.

He will rx Armour, Cytomel or Unithroid. He will rx combinations thereof if you need them. (I do not know about compounded thyroid meds, but I do not recommend them except as a last resort, and then only for someone who is allergic to the fillers in all standard thyroid preparations.)

Do not ask about what he will do in the face of a suppressed TSH. Ignoring the Holy TSH is a red flag for the TSBME. Docs who do so are advised not to reveal that information up front, most especially with a new patient, who could very well be a spy for the medical board.

Your list is too long. Pare it down to two or three questions at most. Except for the sex hormones, he is generally willing to work with patients to make them feel better.

Slack wrote:

i have an appointment with dr. manzanero on monday,and even though he comes highly reccomended, i want toprepare some interview questions for my first visitwith him. my goal is that by asking these questions,i would learn right off the bat whether or not he isgoing to be willing and able to help me. i want tolearn what his philosophy on treatment is, etc.i thought it might be a good idea to solicit y'allsthoughts and questions on this. i think thattogether, we can come up with a really comprehensivelist and it could be a resource for everyone in thefiles section.here are some of mine to start:1. which thyroid medications to you prescribe?1a. do you prescribe combinations of medication? forexample, armour with supplemental synthetic t4? synthetic t4 and t3? do you

prescribe compoundedmedications?2. of the medications you prescribe, do you have apreference? if so, why?2a. which dosage will you start me out on? 2b. will you start me on a low dose and graduallyincrease?2c. how will you determine whether or not that dosageshould be increased? 2d. how often will you check for dosage adjustments?3. which thyroid blood tests do you run? how oftenwill you run them on me?4. what are you goals for my treatment? when will youconsider those goals met? how will you measureattainment of those goals?5. if my TSH is normal, but i am still symptomatic,what will your course of action be?6. what is your philosophy of treatment forhashimoto's disease?7. what kind of role do you think i should have in mytreatment as the patient?8. will you look at other parts of my endocrine systembefore or during my treatment? adrenals, pituitary,etc?

what is your philosophy on treating these inrelation to the thyroid?9. will you look at my sex hormons before or during mytreatment? what is your philosophy on treating thesein relation to the thyroid?__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

These are great questions. The one thing I want to know

when I see any doctor is their philosophy on vitamin supplements and

nutrition. Specifically, I am a big believer in supplementation,

so I have to have a doctor who will work with me on appropriate

vitamin use.

Best wishes--

Courtenay.

i have an appointment with dr.

manzanero on monday,

and even though he comes highly reccomended, i want to

prepare some interview questions for my first visit

with him. my goal is that by asking these questions,

i would learn right off the bat whether or not he is

going to be willing and able to help me. i want to

learn what his philosophy on treatment is, etc.

i thought it might be a good idea to solicit y'alls

thoughts and questions on this. i think that

together, we can come up with a really comprehensive

list and it could be a resource for everyone in the

files section.

[Guest guest]

These are great questions. The one thing I want to know

when I see any doctor is their philosophy on vitamin supplements and

nutrition. Specifically, I am a big believer in supplementation,

so I have to have a doctor who will work with me on appropriate

vitamin use.

Best wishes--

Courtenay.

i have an appointment with dr.

manzanero on monday,

and even though he comes highly reccomended, i want to

prepare some interview questions for my first visit

with him. my goal is that by asking these questions,

i would learn right off the bat whether or not he is

going to be willing and able to help me. i want to

learn what his philosophy on treatment is, etc.

i thought it might be a good idea to solicit y'alls

thoughts and questions on this. i think that

together, we can come up with a really comprehensive

list and it could be a resource for everyone in the

files section.

[Guest guest]

Jan, thanks for the feedback. i didn't think about

the TSBME angle on the TSH question.

what do you think are the most important questions a

patient should ask in order to determine if the endo

can/will help him/her?

rachel.

--- Jan wrote:

> Manzanero will check adrenals. He may not order

> those tests until later. So, if you want them now,

> ask for them to be done right away. But he is one of

> the very few docs who will check adrenals at all.

>

> He will not check sex hormones. You may want to seek

> out an OB/GYN who prescribes bio-equivalent

> hormones. He may or may not have a recommendation.

>

> He will rx Armour, Cytomel or Unithroid. He will rx

> combinations thereof if you need them. (I do not

> know about compounded thyroid meds, but I do not

> recommend them except as a last resort, and then

> only for someone who is allergic to the fillers in

> all standard thyroid preparations.)

>

> Do not ask about what he will do in the face of a

> suppressed TSH. Ignoring the Holy TSH is a red flag

> for the TSBME. Docs who do so are advised not to

> reveal that information up front, most especially

> with a new patient, who could very well be a spy for

> the medical board.

>

> Your list is too long. Pare it down to two or three

> questions at most. Except for the sex hormones, he

> is generally willing to work with patients to make

> them feel better.

>

>

> Slack wrote:

> i have an appointment with dr. manzanero on monday,

> and even though he comes highly reccomended, i want

> to

> prepare some interview questions for my first visit

> with him. my goal is that by asking these

> questions,

> i would learn right off the bat whether or not he is

> going to be willing and able to help me. i want to

> learn what his philosophy on treatment is, etc.

>

> i thought it might be a good idea to solicit y'alls

> thoughts and questions on this. i think that

> together, we can come up with a really comprehensive

> list and it could be a resource for everyone in the

> files section.

>

> here are some of mine to start:

>

> 1. which thyroid medications to you prescribe?

> 1a. do you prescribe combinations of medication?

> for

> example, armour with supplemental synthetic t4?

> synthetic t4 and t3? do you prescribe compounded

> medications?

> 2. of the medications you prescribe, do you have a

> preference? if so, why?

> 2a. which dosage will you start me out on?

> 2b. will you start me on a low dose and gradually

> increase?

> 2c. how will you determine whether or not that

> dosage

> should be increased?

> 2d. how often will you check for dosage adjustments?

> 3. which thyroid blood tests do you run? how often

> will you run them on me?

> 4. what are you goals for my treatment? when will

> you

> consider those goals met? how will you measure

> attainment of those goals?

> 5. if my TSH is normal, but i am still symptomatic,

> what will your course of action be?

> 6. what is your philosophy of treatment for

> hashimoto's disease?

> 7. what kind of role do you think i should have in

> my

> treatment as the patient?

> 8. will you look at other parts of my endocrine

> system

> before or during my treatment? adrenals, pituitary,

> etc? what is your philosophy on treating these in

> relation to the thyroid?

> 9. will you look at my sex hormons before or during

> my

> treatment? what is your philosophy on treating these

> in relation to the thyroid?

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Jan, thanks for the feedback. i didn't think about

the TSBME angle on the TSH question.

what do you think are the most important questions a

patient should ask in order to determine if the endo

can/will help him/her?

rachel.

--- Jan wrote:

> Manzanero will check adrenals. He may not order

> those tests until later. So, if you want them now,

> ask for them to be done right away. But he is one of

> the very few docs who will check adrenals at all.

>

> He will not check sex hormones. You may want to seek

> out an OB/GYN who prescribes bio-equivalent

> hormones. He may or may not have a recommendation.

>

> He will rx Armour, Cytomel or Unithroid. He will rx

> combinations thereof if you need them. (I do not

> know about compounded thyroid meds, but I do not

> recommend them except as a last resort, and then

> only for someone who is allergic to the fillers in

> all standard thyroid preparations.)

>

> Do not ask about what he will do in the face of a

> suppressed TSH. Ignoring the Holy TSH is a red flag

> for the TSBME. Docs who do so are advised not to

> reveal that information up front, most especially

> with a new patient, who could very well be a spy for

> the medical board.

>

> Your list is too long. Pare it down to two or three

> questions at most. Except for the sex hormones, he

> is generally willing to work with patients to make

> them feel better.

>

>

> Slack wrote:

> i have an appointment with dr. manzanero on monday,

> and even though he comes highly reccomended, i want

> to

> prepare some interview questions for my first visit

> with him. my goal is that by asking these

> questions,

> i would learn right off the bat whether or not he is

> going to be willing and able to help me. i want to

> learn what his philosophy on treatment is, etc.

>

> i thought it might be a good idea to solicit y'alls

> thoughts and questions on this. i think that

> together, we can come up with a really comprehensive

> list and it could be a resource for everyone in the

> files section.

>

> here are some of mine to start:

>

> 1. which thyroid medications to you prescribe?

> 1a. do you prescribe combinations of medication?

> for

> example, armour with supplemental synthetic t4?

> synthetic t4 and t3? do you prescribe compounded

> medications?

> 2. of the medications you prescribe, do you have a

> preference? if so, why?

> 2a. which dosage will you start me out on?

> 2b. will you start me on a low dose and gradually

> increase?

> 2c. how will you determine whether or not that

> dosage

> should be increased?

> 2d. how often will you check for dosage adjustments?

> 3. which thyroid blood tests do you run? how often

> will you run them on me?

> 4. what are you goals for my treatment? when will

> you

> consider those goals met? how will you measure

> attainment of those goals?

> 5. if my TSH is normal, but i am still symptomatic,

> what will your course of action be?

> 6. what is your philosophy of treatment for

> hashimoto's disease?

> 7. what kind of role do you think i should have in

> my

> treatment as the patient?

> 8. will you look at other parts of my endocrine

> system

> before or during my treatment? adrenals, pituitary,

> etc? what is your philosophy on treating these in

> relation to the thyroid?

> 9. will you look at my sex hormons before or during

> my

> treatment? what is your philosophy on treating these

> in relation to the thyroid?

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

In the case of Manzanero, the only things I would want to ask him would be treatment goals and testing schedule, including which tests he normally runs. Slack wrote:

Jan, thanks for the feedback. i didn't think aboutthe TSBME angle on the TSH question. what do you think are the most important questions apatient should ask in order to determine if the endocan/will help him/her?rachel.--- Jan wrote:> Manzanero will check adrenals. He may not order> those tests until later. So, if you want them now,> ask for them to be done right away. But he is one of> the very few docs who will check adrenals at all. > > He will not check sex hormones. You may want to seek> out an OB/GYN who prescribes bio-equivalent> hormones. He may or may not have a recommendation. > > He will rx Armour, Cytomel or Unithroid. He will rx> combinations thereof if you need them. (I do

not> know about compounded thyroid meds, but I do not> recommend them except as a last resort, and then> only for someone who is allergic to the fillers in> all standard thyroid preparations.)> > Do not ask about what he will do in the face of a> suppressed TSH. Ignoring the Holy TSH is a red flag> for the TSBME. Docs who do so are advised not to> reveal that information up front, most especially> with a new patient, who could very well be a spy for> the medical board.> > Your list is too long. Pare it down to two or three> questions at most. Except for the sex hormones, he> is generally willing to work with patients to make> them feel better. > > > Slack wrote:> i have an appointment with dr. manzanero on monday,> and even though he comes highly

reccomended, i want> to> prepare some interview questions for my first visit> with him. my goal is that by asking these> questions,> i would learn right off the bat whether or not he is> going to be willing and able to help me. i want to> learn what his philosophy on treatment is, etc.> > i thought it might be a good idea to solicit y'alls> thoughts and questions on this. i think that> together, we can come up with a really comprehensive> list and it could be a resource for everyone in the> files section.> > here are some of mine to start:> > 1. which thyroid medications to you prescribe?> 1a. do you prescribe combinations of medication? > for> example, armour with supplemental synthetic t4? > synthetic t4 and t3? do you prescribe compounded> medications?> 2. of the medications you prescribe, do you

have a> preference? if so, why?> 2a. which dosage will you start me out on? > 2b. will you start me on a low dose and gradually> increase?> 2c. how will you determine whether or not that> dosage> should be increased? > 2d. how often will you check for dosage adjustments?> 3. which thyroid blood tests do you run? how often> will you run them on me?> 4. what are you goals for my treatment? when will> you> consider those goals met? how will you measure> attainment of those goals?> 5. if my TSH is normal, but i am still symptomatic,> what will your course of action be?> 6. what is your philosophy of treatment for> hashimoto's disease?> 7. what kind of role do you think i should have in> my> treatment as the patient?> 8. will you look at other parts of my endocrine> system> before or during my

treatment? adrenals, pituitary,> etc? what is your philosophy on treating these in> relation to the thyroid?> 9. will you look at my sex hormons before or during> my> treatment? what is your philosophy on treating these> in relation to the thyroid?__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Goodie... I go back to him on the 6th. My list is a big blank, so he

can fill in the blanks for me, right? I would take supplements, if I

could just remember to take them!! I found a watch online that has

12 alarms on it... I could set all of them to ring when it is time to

take all of my different pills, should I need that many. So I can

add lots of supplements.

I have copied some of my previous medical records for Dr. ,

and looking back it is amazing what you find. Looks like I have been

Iron deficient since the early 90's. My iron level was 59, 27, and

then no more iron levels until recently, when my ferretin was 9.

Cathryn

> I think you mentioned on the other board that you were going to see

. He is interested in that and will have some suggestions.

(He does not sell supplements.) Take him a list of everything you are

taking. He is a bodybuilder and takes quite a few supplements

himself.

[Guest guest]

Goodie... I go back to him on the 6th. My list is a big blank, so he

can fill in the blanks for me, right? I would take supplements, if I

could just remember to take them!! I found a watch online that has

12 alarms on it... I could set all of them to ring when it is time to

take all of my different pills, should I need that many. So I can

add lots of supplements.

I have copied some of my previous medical records for Dr. ,

and looking back it is amazing what you find. Looks like I have been

Iron deficient since the early 90's. My iron level was 59, 27, and

then no more iron levels until recently, when my ferretin was 9.

Cathryn

> I think you mentioned on the other board that you were going to see

. He is interested in that and will have some suggestions.

(He does not sell supplements.) Take him a list of everything you are

taking. He is a bodybuilder and takes quite a few supplements

himself.

[Guest guest]

Ooooh. Love that.

Courtenay.

--- Courtenay

wrote:

> These are great questions. The one thing I want to

> know when I see

> any doctor is their philosophy on vitamin

> supplements and nutrition.

> Specifically, I am a big believer in

> supplementation, so I have to

> have a doctor who will work with me on appropriate

> vitamin use.

from the info that manzanero's office sent me, it

looks like he's into vitamins and supplements. just,

fyi.

rachel.

[Guest guest]

My goodness, Jan! I am liking this man more and

more. I will probably bring everything I am taking with me, plus

a list of supplements that I am *considering* taking (all

vitamins). As you can guess, I am being cautiously

hopeful.

Best wishes--

Courtenay

I think you mentioned on the other board that you were

going to see . He is interested in that and will have some

suggestions. (He does not sell supplements.) Take him a list of

everything you are taking. He is a bodybuilder and takes quite a few

supplements himself.

Courtenay

wrote:

These are great questions. The one

thing I want to know when I see any doctor is their philosophy on

vitamin supplements and nutrition. Specifically, I am a big

believer in supplementation, so I have to have a doctor who will work

with me on appropriate vitamin use.

Best wishes--

Courtenay.

[Guest guest]

My goodness, Jan! I am liking this man more and

more. I will probably bring everything I am taking with me, plus

a list of supplements that I am *considering* taking (all

vitamins). As you can guess, I am being cautiously

hopeful.

Best wishes--

Courtenay

I think you mentioned on the other board that you were

going to see . He is interested in that and will have some

suggestions. (He does not sell supplements.) Take him a list of

everything you are taking. He is a bodybuilder and takes quite a few

supplements himself.

Courtenay

wrote:

These are great questions. The one

thing I want to know when I see any doctor is their philosophy on

vitamin supplements and nutrition. Specifically, I am a big

believer in supplementation, so I have to have a doctor who will work

with me on appropriate vitamin use.

Best wishes--

Courtenay.

[Guest guest]

Did you like him? I am going in to see on the 9th.

Courtenay.

Goodie... I go back to him on the

6th. My list is a big blank, so he

can fill in the blanks for me, right? I would take supplements,

if I

could just remember to take them!! I found a watch online that

has

12 alarms on it... I could set all of them to ring when it is time

to

take all of my different pills, should I need that many. So I

can

add lots of supplements.

I have copied some of my previous medical records for Dr.

,

and looking back it is amazing what you find. Looks like I have

been

Iron deficient since the early 90's. My iron level was 59, 27, and

then no more iron levels until recently, when my ferretin was 9.

Cathryn

> I think you mentioned on the other board that you were going to

see

. He is interested in that and will have some suggestions.

(He does not sell supplements.) Take him a list of everything you

are

taking. He is a bodybuilder and takes quite a few

supplements

himself.

[Guest guest]

Did you like him? I am going in to see on the 9th.

Courtenay.

Goodie... I go back to him on the

6th. My list is a big blank, so he

can fill in the blanks for me, right? I would take supplements,

if I

could just remember to take them!! I found a watch online that

has

12 alarms on it... I could set all of them to ring when it is time

to

take all of my different pills, should I need that many. So I

can

add lots of supplements.

I have copied some of my previous medical records for Dr.

,

and looking back it is amazing what you find. Looks like I have

been

Iron deficient since the early 90's. My iron level was 59, 27, and

then no more iron levels until recently, when my ferretin was 9.

Cathryn

> I think you mentioned on the other board that you were going to

see

. He is interested in that and will have some suggestions.

(He does not sell supplements.) Take him a list of everything you

are

taking. He is a bodybuilder and takes quite a few

supplements

himself.

[Guest guest]

Courtenay:

That's so exciting! I'm glad to hear it, as I believe he is an

excellent doctor. Please let us know how it goes! (Maybe we should

start carpooling/flying together, hehe.) Are you driving or

flying? Where are you staying?

:-)

> Did you like him? I am going in to see on the 9th.

>

> Courtenay.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dear --

I have to tell you how this came about, because it's kind of

funny. My kooky stepmother-in-law has been trying to strong-arm

me into visiting her in Wisconsin, but I've been too sick to go.

She then mentioned that they could take me to the Mayo clinic, at

which point, I told her, " well, if I am going anywhere, I am

going to go to Lubbock to see this great doctor. " (It's not

as if she's offering to pay for a Mayo clinic visit, but that's her

way of being supportive.)

Later, I was kvetching to my husband about the conversation with

my MIL, and I mentioned Dr. . At which point, my husband

said, " why didn't you mention him BEFORE? "

" 'Cause it's expensive, and far. "

" Well, call him and make an appointment TOMORROW.

We'll go on a road trip. "

My husband is putting together the money, and we're going.

I've got to make reservations at the motel (hotel?) Jan recommended

tomorrow, and my husband wants to hang out a couple of days there,

together. Then, he's going on to Wisconsin to visit his

remaining parents, and I will fly home. At least, that's how I

think it's going to go for the moment.

The only fly in the ointment has been my mother, who has been

AC/DC since I got sick, and thinks this is a terrible idea and that I

should just stay home and order an adrenal test, and then try to find

a doctor who will actually work with me. I don't even know for

certain my problem is adrenal, and the conversation with her left me

feeling quite sad, but resolved in my choice to go and see

.

Maybe in the future we can plan to go together!

Best wishes--

Courtenay.

Courtenay:

That's so exciting! I'm glad to hear it, as I believe he is

an

excellent doctor. Please let us know how it goes! (Maybe

we should

start carpooling/flying together, hehe.) Are you driving or

flying? Where are you staying?

:-)

[Guest guest]

Dear --

I have to tell you how this came about, because it's kind of

funny. My kooky stepmother-in-law has been trying to strong-arm

me into visiting her in Wisconsin, but I've been too sick to go.

She then mentioned that they could take me to the Mayo clinic, at

which point, I told her, " well, if I am going anywhere, I am

going to go to Lubbock to see this great doctor. " (It's not

as if she's offering to pay for a Mayo clinic visit, but that's her

way of being supportive.)

Later, I was kvetching to my husband about the conversation with

my MIL, and I mentioned Dr. . At which point, my husband

said, " why didn't you mention him BEFORE? "

" 'Cause it's expensive, and far. "

" Well, call him and make an appointment TOMORROW.

We'll go on a road trip. "

My husband is putting together the money, and we're going.

I've got to make reservations at the motel (hotel?) Jan recommended

tomorrow, and my husband wants to hang out a couple of days there,

together. Then, he's going on to Wisconsin to visit his

remaining parents, and I will fly home. At least, that's how I

think it's going to go for the moment.

The only fly in the ointment has been my mother, who has been

AC/DC since I got sick, and thinks this is a terrible idea and that I

should just stay home and order an adrenal test, and then try to find

a doctor who will actually work with me. I don't even know for

certain my problem is adrenal, and the conversation with her left me

feeling quite sad, but resolved in my choice to go and see

.

Maybe in the future we can plan to go together!

Best wishes--

Courtenay.

Courtenay:

That's so exciting! I'm glad to hear it, as I believe he is

an

excellent doctor. Please let us know how it goes! (Maybe

we should

start carpooling/flying together, hehe.) Are you driving or

flying? Where are you staying?

:-)

[Guest guest]

The hotel is not super, but it is OK, cheap and close to the doc's office. I always fly to Lubbock. But if I had a car there, I might look for a better place to stay.

Actually, if you wanted to see a doc in Wisconsin, I know of a GP who might give you better treatment than the endos at the Mayo. . . . .

Courtenay wrote:

Dear --

I have to tell you how this came about, because it's kind of funny. My kooky stepmother-in-law has been trying to strong-arm me into visiting her in Wisconsin, but I've been too sick to go. She then mentioned that they could take me to the Mayo clinic, at which point, I told her, "well, if I am going anywhere, I am going to go to Lubbock to see this great doctor." (It's not as if she's offering to pay for a Mayo clinic visit, but that's her way of being supportive.)

Later, I was kvetching to my husband about the conversation with my MIL, and I mentioned Dr. . At which point, my husband said, "why didn't you mention him BEFORE?"

"'Cause it's expensive, and far."

"Well, call him and make an appointment TOMORROW. We'll go on a road trip."

My husband is putting together the money, and we're going. I've got to make reservations at the motel (hotel?) Jan recommended tomorrow, and my husband wants to hang out a couple of days there, together. Then, he's going on to Wisconsin to visit his remaining parents, and I will fly home. At least, that's how I think it's going to go for the moment.

The only fly in the ointment has been my mother, who has been AC/DC since I got sick, and thinks this is a terrible idea and that I should just stay home and order an adrenal test, and then try to find a doctor who will actually work with me. I don't even know for certain my problem is adrenal, and the conversation with her left me feeling quite sad, but resolved in my choice to go and see .

Maybe in the future we can plan to go together!

Best wishes--

Courtenay.

Courtenay:That's so exciting! I'm glad to hear it, as I believe he is anexcellent doctor. Please let us know how it goes! (Maybe we shouldstart carpooling/flying together, hehe.) Are you driving orflying? Where are you staying?

:-)__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hey, Courtenay:

You've got an amazingly supportive hubby. You're very lucky. As for

the AC/DC (? - I don't know what that is egg-zactly) mom, but it's

your body and your health and you do what you think is best for

yourself.

I'm in agreement with Jan. I'm not sure the Mayo clinic would be

able to help you.

:-)

> Dear --

>

> I have to tell you how this came about, because it's kind of funny.

> My kooky stepmother-in-law has been trying to strong-arm me into

> visiting her in Wisconsin, but I've been too sick to go. She then

> mentioned that they could take me to the Mayo clinic, at which

point,

> I told her, " well, if I am going anywhere, I am going to go to

> Lubbock to see this great doctor. " (It's not as if she's offering

to

> pay for a Mayo clinic visit, but that's her way of being

supportive.)

>

> Later, I was kvetching to my husband about the conversation with my

> MIL, and I mentioned Dr. . At which point, my husband

said,

> " why didn't you mention him BEFORE? "

>

> " 'Cause it's expensive, and far. "

>

> " Well, call him and make an appointment TOMORROW. We'll go on a

road trip. "

>

> My husband is putting together the money, and we're going. I've

got

> to make reservations at the motel (hotel?) Jan recommended

tomorrow,

> and my husband wants to hang out a couple of days there, together.

> Then, he's going on to Wisconsin to visit his remaining parents,

and

> I will fly home. At least, that's how I think it's going to go for

> the moment.

>

> The only fly in the ointment has been my mother, who has been AC/DC

> since I got sick, and thinks this is a terrible idea and that I

> should just stay home and order an adrenal test, and then try to

find

> a doctor who will actually work with me. I don't even know for

> certain my problem is adrenal, and the conversation with her left

me

> feeling quite sad, but resolved in my choice to go and see .

>

> Maybe in the future we can plan to go together!

>

> Best wishes--

>

> Courtenay.

>

>

[Guest guest]

My hubby is learning how to be supportive, he's ignored the problems for years

as he simply didn't know anything about TD, the pit tumor, etc. so he pretended

they didn't exist and as I got sicker and sicker, it got harder to pretend they

didn't. We nearly split up this year and in counseling he has learned that he

can't ignore it and make it go away - he needs to learn about it and help me get

better and part of that involves go with me to appts. to back me up with docs

when they try to blow me off.

So he it going with me to the next appt. - maybe I'll get somewhere - he's a big

guy with a very deep voice, hard to overlook. And docs do take men more

serious.

As for other family - My mom and younger sister are completely convinced my

solution lies with seeing a Naturlopathic doctors - I see one and Oh what a

miracle I will be cured, cured I tell you - I keep trying to tell them there is

no way on God's green earth I can afford it. Insurance here doesn't cover it -

so no way in h%## can I pay hundreds for an office visit then thousands for lab

work. I just don't have the money. I have to go with docs on my insurance, I

am happy that my sister can afford to see one and she feels good (she doesn't

have TD) and she also doesn't have kids, she has her own company, her husband is

also a professional, she has a lot of shall we say disponsable income. So good

for her, but those of us that live within budgets, just can't spend thousands

out of pocket for a holistic doctor. It's really getting on my nerves as they

are not letting up and starting the if you really wanted to get well then you

would spend the money. UGH!!!! Oh yeah I choose to be sick, yep that's the

ticket, I choose this, I wanted to feel like crap for the last 7 or 8 years.

BS!!!! It's gotten to the point when I see their numbers on the caller ID, I

haven't answered the phone as I just don't want to go through it all again.

It's gotten to where my eldest sister now is asking about my health when I talk

to her - she never has before. The only sister that understands - is the one

who is an RN, FCSA. I will be seeing my Mom (north of Dallas) this weekend and

having a stern talk with her - basically telling her, I don't chose your doctors

and your choice of medical treatments or give you an opionion on how you should

be handling your health, kindly respect me and my choices and if you can't,

still keep it to yourself.

My brother is the only who never says anything - other then how are you doing

and is there anything I can do. He at least has a clue.

Janie

Re: endo interview questions

<html><body>

<tt>

<BR>

Hey, Courtenay:<BR>

<BR>

You've got an amazingly supportive hubby.  You're very lucky.  As for <BR>

the AC/DC (? - I don't know what that is egg-zactly) mom, but it's <BR>

your body and your health and you do what you think is best for <BR>

yourself.<BR>

<BR>

I'm in agreement with Jan.  I'm not sure the Mayo clinic would be <BR>

able to help you.<BR>

<BR>

:-)<BR>

<BR>

<BR>

> Dear --<BR>

> <BR>

> I have to tell you how this came about, because it's kind of funny. <BR>

> My kooky stepmother-in-law has been trying to strong-arm me into <BR>

> visiting her in Wisconsin, but I've been too sick to go.  She then <BR>

> mentioned that they could take me to the Mayo clinic, at which <BR>

point, <BR>

> I told her, " well, if I am going anywhere, I am going to go to <BR>

> Lubbock to see this great doctor. "   (It's not as if she's offering <BR>

to <BR>

> pay for a Mayo clinic visit, but that's her way of being <BR>

supportive.)<BR>

> <BR>

> Later, I was kvetching to my husband about the conversation with my <BR>

> MIL, and I mentioned Dr. .  At which point, my husband <BR>

said, <BR>

> " why didn't you mention him BEFORE? " <BR>

> <BR>

> " 'Cause it's expensive, and far. " <BR>

> <BR>

> " Well, call him and make an appointment TOMORROW.  We'll go on a <BR>

road trip. " <BR>

> <BR>

> My husband is putting together the money, and we're going.  I've <BR>

got <BR>

> to make reservations at the motel (hotel?) Jan recommended <BR>

tomorrow, <BR>

> and my husband wants to hang out a couple of days there, together. <BR>

> Then, he's going on to Wisconsin to visit his remaining parents, <BR>

and <BR>

> I will fly home.  At least, that's how I think it's going to go for <BR>

> the moment.<BR>

> <BR>

> The only fly in the ointment has been my mother, who has been AC/DC <BR>

> since I got sick, and thinks this is a terrible idea and that I <BR>

> should just stay home and order an adrenal test, and then try to <BR>

find <BR>

> a doctor who will actually work with me.  I don't even know for <BR>

> certain my problem is adrenal, and the conversation with her left <BR>

me <BR>

> feeling quite sad, but resolved in my choice to go and see .<BR>

> <BR>

> Maybe in the future we can plan to go together!<BR>

> <BR>

> Best wishes--<BR>

> <BR>

> Courtenay.<BR>

> <BR>

><BR>

<BR>

<BR>

<BR>

</tt>

<br>

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<b>

[Guest guest]

I have also not heard great things about the Mayo clinic, but that is mostly

from the pit tumor patients that went there - most were very unhappy with it.

Very few found solutions there and had to go elsewhere. I think their

reputation is probably better then they are.

Janie

Re: Re: endo interview questions

<html><body>

<DIV><FONT face= " comic sans ms " color=#0000bf>The hotel is not super, but it is

OK, cheap and close to the doc's office. I always fly to Lubbock. But if I had a

car there, I might look for a better place to stay. </FONT></DIV>

<P><FONT face= " comic sans ms " color=#0000bf>Actually, if you wanted to see a doc

in Wisconsin, I know of a GP who might give you better treatment than the endos

at the Mayo. . . . .</P>

<DIV></FONT><FONT size=1><B><I>Courtenay

</I></B> wrote:</FONT></DIV>

<BLOCKQUOTE class=replbq style= " PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px;

BORDER-LEFT: #1010ff 2px solid " >

<STYLE type=text/css><!--

blockquote, dl, ul, ol, li { padding-top: 0 ; padding-bottom: 0 }

--></STYLE>

<DIV><FONT size=1>Dear --</FONT></DIV>

<DIV><FONT size=1><BR></FONT></DIV>

<DIV><FONT size=1>I have to tell you how this came about, because it's kind of

funny.  My kooky stepmother-in-law has been trying to strong-arm me into

visiting her in Wisconsin, but I've been too sick to go.  She then mentioned

that they could take me to the Mayo clinic, at which point, I told her, " well,

if I am going anywhere, I am going to go to Lubbock to see this great doctor. "  

(It's not as if she's offering to pay for a Mayo clinic visit, but that's her

way of being supportive.)</FONT></DIV>

<DIV><FONT size=1><BR></FONT></DIV>

<DIV><FONT size=1>Later, I was kvetching to my husband about the conversation

with my MIL, and I mentioned Dr. .  At which point, my husband said,

" why didn't you mention him BEFORE? " </FONT></DIV>

<DIV><FONT size=1><BR></FONT></DIV>

<DIV><FONT size=1> " 'Cause it's expensive, and far. " </FONT></DIV>

<DIV><FONT size=1><BR></FONT></DIV>

<DIV><FONT size=1> " Well, call him and make an appointment TOMORROW.  We'll go on

a road trip. " </FONT></DIV>

<DIV><FONT size=1><BR></FONT></DIV>

<DIV><FONT size=1>My husband is putting together the money, and we're going. 

I've got to make reservations at the motel (hotel?) Jan recommended tomorrow,

and my husband wants to hang out a couple of days there, together.  Then, he's

going on to Wisconsin to visit his remaining parents, and I will fly home.  At

least, that's how I think it's going to go for the moment.</FONT></DIV>

<DIV><FONT size=1><BR></FONT></DIV>

<DIV><FONT size=1>The only fly in the ointment has been my mother, who has been

AC/DC since I got sick, and thinks this is a terrible idea and that I should

just stay home and order an adrenal test, and then try to find a doctor who will

actually work with me.  I don't even know for certain my problem is adrenal, and

the conversation with her left me feeling quite sad, but resolved in my choice

to go and see .</FONT></DIV>

<DIV><FONT size=1><BR></FONT></DIV>

<DIV><FONT size=1>Maybe in the future we can plan to go together!</FONT></DIV>

<DIV><FONT size=1><BR></FONT></DIV>

<DIV><FONT size=1>Best wishes--</FONT></DIV>

<DIV><FONT size=1><BR></FONT></DIV>

<DIV><FONT size=1>Courtenay.</FONT></DIV>

<DIV><FONT size=1><BR></FONT></DIV>

<DIV><FONT size=1><BR></FONT></DIV>

<DIV><FONT size=1><BR></FONT></DIV>

<DIV><FONT size=1><BR></FONT></DIV>

<BLOCKQUOTE cite= " " type= " cite " ><FONT size=1><TT>Courtenay:<BR><BR>That's so

exciting!  I'm glad to hear it, as I believe he is an<BR>excellent doctor. 

Please let us know how it goes!  (Maybe we should<BR>start carpooling/flying

together, hehe.)  Are you driving or<BR>flying?  Where are you

staying?</TT><BR><TT></TT></FONT></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE cite= " " type= " cite " ><FONT size=1><TT> 

:-)</TT></FONT></BLOCKQUOTE></BLOCKQUOTE><p>____________________________________\

______________<br>

[Guest guest]

I think that the " older " generation thinks highly of the Mayo

clinic. Maybe because they were the first to

do so much for cancer patients?

My parents are the same way. They think if you can't get fixed, go to the

Mayo clinic. They have taken

two trips to the one in Arizona. They were thorough with my parents, but I

think both of them have so many

other issues, that a two week trip is not enough. My Mom has lupus, and

they couldn't find it. Told her either

she's in remission, or that it's MS (she has CMT too) instead. Quite a

difference. Just can't always count on one place

to help when you have SO many issues.

LYNN

At 03:06 PM 12/1/2004, you wrote:

>I have also not heard great things about the Mayo clinic, but that is

>mostly from the pit tumor patients that went there - most were very

>unhappy with it. Very few found solutions there and had to go

>elsewhere. I think their reputation is probably better then they are.

>

>Janie

>

>-

[Guest guest]

I really hope it doesn't come to that. When I do finally

visit my step-MIL, I would like it to be under pleasant circumstances,

as I will need all of my faculties to, er, enjoy her hospitality.

Thanks for the offer. I had a feeling that the Mayo clinic was

not the answer unless I was looking for standard care.

Best--

Courtenay.

The hotel is not super, but it is OK, cheap and close

to the doc's office. I always fly to Lubbock. But if I had a car

there, I might look for a better place to stay.

Actually, if you wanted to see a doc in Wisconsin, I

know of a GP who might give you better treatment than the endos at the

Mayo. . . . .

[Guest guest]

I really hope it doesn't come to that. When I do finally

visit my step-MIL, I would like it to be under pleasant circumstances,

as I will need all of my faculties to, er, enjoy her hospitality.

Thanks for the offer. I had a feeling that the Mayo clinic was

not the answer unless I was looking for standard care.

Best--

Courtenay.

The hotel is not super, but it is OK, cheap and close

to the doc's office. I always fly to Lubbock. But if I had a car

there, I might look for a better place to stay.

Actually, if you wanted to see a doc in Wisconsin, I

know of a GP who might give you better treatment than the endos at the

Mayo. . . . .

[Guest guest]

Dear --

The only person I knew who had success at the Mayo clinic was a

person who had such abnormal disorders that he was taken on as a case

study. Here's an interesting fact: my husband's grandfather

helped to start the Mayo clinic. I'm not fond of

hospitals.

What I mean by AC/DC is that sometimes my mother is very helpful

and supportive, and other times she lacks in maternal instinct.

It's just her nature.

I've been feeling so doggone rotten for the last few days that I

cannot WAIT to go to Lubbock.

Best--

Courtenay.

Hey, Courtenay:

You've got an amazingly supportive hubby. You're very lucky.

As for

the AC/DC (? - I don't know what that is egg-zactly) mom, but it's

your body and your health and you do what you think is best for

yourself.

I'm in agreement with Jan. I'm not sure the Mayo clinic would

be

able to help you.

:-)