Should I be seeing an endocrinoligist??

Question

I have been diagnosed with Graves Disease.  I am experiencing a variety of symptoms related to this.  It is affecting my day to day life.  My physician doubled my dose of the medication I am taking.  At first I felt a difference in how I was feeling.  Now, I feel like my body is used to the medication and my symptoms are back again.  My symptoms are constantly feeling irritated, depressed, lack of energy, lack of caring about anything.  I love my doctor, and people close to me tell me I should see an endocrinologist.  My doctor says I don't need to see one.  Please advise>

cbread · Answer

Hang in there Mary!

MarywithGraves · Answer

I was diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism 6 mos ago and sent to the Endo. A month ago when there, she told me I have Graves w/ one eye starting to bulge and a nodule on my gland they will watch. I was put on Tapasole and sceduled I-131 treatment. I had that last week. Who knows how long I have had this since I have been emotional for a long time. I always thought my severe PMS and bouts of other erratic behavior, rages or breakdowns was something I would just have to live with. At times I had been put on prozac but then I replaced it with St. John's wort instead of a chemical not really working either. Now, after being diagnosed, I am thinking all this is making sense. I am wondering how long it will be before I get my emotional issues under control. Just last night I had a meltdown and am wondering if now 5 days after the iodine pill if it can increase my symptoms making them worse before they can get better. Anyone have any idea or relate?

MarianGirl · Answer

Hey,
I was also diagnosed with Graves about a month and a half ago. I have had the symptoms for at least four months prior. Its a horrible feeling when its not controlled thats why its so important to go to a Endo. Once I was on a beta blocker that helped a lot! Make sure you go to the eye doctor also because the Graves can cause you to have an eye disease....

With the depression and things like that those things happen to some people. It happened to me I had sooo many break downs even in the doctors office. I have a really good Endo and her nurses would call me on my bad days to talk to me...

skeeterknitwit · Answer

A second opinion is ALWAYS a good idea.
I had 4 different Drs. refer me to the same endo for a hyper hot nodule.  This endo is the only one within 350 miles.  He was not a good match for me. So I fired him and found an MD to manage my thyroid issues.
You are in this for the long haul.  Find a Dr. that you have confidence in.  It may take some shopping around.

ann4512 · Answer

AS THE GIRLS SAID GRAVE'S IS VERY HARD TO MANAGE SOME TIME'S,U SHOULD GO TO ENDO DOC THEY NO THEIR STUFF TAKE CARE XX

cbread · Answer

I would say schedule an appointment. Many GP's think they can treat thyroid disorders...but this disease affects everyone differently so it's best to see a specialist as soon as possible.

Totie · Answer

What is your TSH level? Are you hyper? If so doubling your dosage was a wrong move.....

goolarra · Answer

My personal opinion is that once you are diagnosed with a chronic condition (especially one expected to last the rest of your life), you should start seeing a specialist.  With so much medical information out there these days, it's just plain impossible for a PCP to stay current on the info available in hundreds of different specialties.  Grave's can be hard to manage...I'd definitely see an endo.