Why would an Endro not want to run blood tests?

[kidsnchicks]

My Endro doesn't want to run blood tests, only the scan/uptake.  Why?

As you may know by my other threads, my Endro didn't want to run any blood work but to go straight to the scan & uptake test to determine whether or not I have treatment (RAI).  Anybody know why he would go this route?  He only had previous tests that were 3 months old to go by and I couldn't remember exactly how long my symptoms had been going on.  Since he won't order the tests, I will try to get my gen. prac. to do it.

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Thyroid-Disorders/I-went-to-the-Endro-for-the-first-time-today-this-is-what-he-said-/show/945668

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Thyroid-Disorders/Should-I-have-RAI-treatment/show/946294

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Thyroid-Disorders/Hyperthyroidism--does-it-just-happen/show/947631

[stella5349]

read..................read.................. read.

If I could go back from the beginning - that is what I found out would have benefited me the most!

[kidsnchicks]

I think I mentioned it but I will be going to my general practicioner on Friday for another issue (lower back pain & leg numbness).  I will get that office to run the blood tests for me.  I'm still waiting on the uptake/scan appointment.  When they call, I plan to ask if he/Endro is to run blood tests after the scan/uptake results.  Trust me, no RAI treatment until I know more of what is going on.

[Smilerdeb]

oops should read ...hyper lol
I have a new mouse that has buttons galore on it and has a mind of its own :)

[Smilerdeb]

It makes me angry that the Endo wont run labs as if he/she does RAI on you and you are hyer , it can be very dangerous.
Demand labs.......no labs, no uptake...full stop.

[stella5349]

Somtimes doctors are just runing protacol treatments and tests and can miss ( as all humans can) things.

I think a doctor who truly is therefor the patient, would find it refreshing, that a patient would take the time to look up things - and if they find "something" that sounds like how they feel - they would openly discuss the situations with them and "consider" these issues.

I suppose I am asking too much in the "perfect world" of thyroid :)

[kidsnchicks]

Hi Stella5349!  Thanks for the input.  I looked up Hashitoxicosis and found a very interesting read.  I'm not ruling anything out, nor trying to self diagnose, but that Hashitoxicosis would make great sense!  The nurse practicioner that I will see of Friday is very good at working with me and listening to me.  She actually is the one who first ran the intial thyroid blood test, ultra sound and uptake/scan.  I believe she would listen to me and have these tests ran.  Some days I am very racey inside, nervous/edgie, and oh my at the heat.  Then other days, things are almost normal.  Overall, this has been going on for a while but the heat intolerance and restless sleep has been noticeable since just before the holidays.  I've been taking notes and will take them in with me on Friday to make sure we get the right tests ran.  I just don't understand why the Endro wouldn't want to run the blood work.  I'm assuming he would if the scan/uptake results were less than expected but I don't know.

I'm sorry you had to go through what you did but I am greatful you have helped me.

[stella5349]

If Graves labs were not done - then I would tell him you want them done no matter what!!.

The reason is  -- you are going to want to know what your counts are prior to the radio active iodine  ( I131) - if that is what you choose to have done.

TSI - Graves
TPOab / Tgab- Hashimoto immune



Also it is wise to have all antibody tests done along with the I-123 scan - PRIOR - to RAI - b/c there could be a chance ( small) you have Hashitoxcosis.

If you have that condition and it is found out after RAI - you could be headed into a very difficult situation trying to regulate on meds - until the thyroid dies off after the ablation take place.

This is common of endos - but I feel not wise at all. This is where you need to be a bit forceful and tell them your needs. What the purpose of NOT running them - it's just a few tests?? right?

I went through very shotty treatment like this and after I learned more about what took place. I certainly regret now - that I didn't learn about everything prior to my ablation/

RAI is like a tatoo. Once done - it's there (gone) for life.

You certainly want to make sure there is nothing lingering in the shadows - prior to an ablation.