Deciphering Doctor Intentions

[waitingtopounce]

Okay so I posted earlier about needing to see a specialist.

I got in with one, but not until Wednesday.

I decided to call the clinic and see if I should go in for any labs before hand just to get the ball rolling. They ignored my call at first then called me back and asked why I thought I needed more labs (yay for new doctor's actually caring), I explained my new symptoms and they immediately ordered a slew of tests.

They transferred me to the lab to set up appointments for tomorrow before the lab closed. They didn't give ME a list of all the labs they were ordering. Talked to the lab person and she gave me an appointment for tomorrow morning and told me I could fast "if i wanted to" ???

She said that the doctor was still putting in lab orders and that she couldn't see all of the ones that he wanted.

My big question is that they could be ordering an Endoscopy that quickly could they? I mean I would have to sign papers and things right? So i shouldn't worry about trying to eat gluten before hand or anything?

Anybody have any insight

[Roda]

My bet is that the doctor can put in the lab orders via computer to the lab. I would say they are ordering just blood tests. For the scope fasting is a requirement and I doubt they would put you in for a scope without telling you ahead of time to prepare. I would fast just in case the doctor put in lab tests that require that. Take a snack with you for afterwords. I hope you get some answers.

[rosetapper23]

No, the scope takes preparation. As for the fasting, that probably dealt with a thyroid blood test. You just have to tell the lab person if you fasted or not--then they know how to run the test.

[Gemini]

No, the scope takes preparation. As for the fasting, that probably dealt with a thyroid blood test. You just have to tell the lab person if you fasted or not--then they know how to run the test.

Why would you need to fast before a thyroid blood test? I've never heard of that before and I have had Hashi's for almost 20 years now. The only thing that's important to know is when you took your last dose of thyroid meds, if already diagnosed and treated.

[ravenwoodglass]

I would fast for 12 hours before the blood draw just to be on the safe side since you don't know what tests are being ordered. Otherwise you might have to make two trips if the doctor has ordered any fasting tests. I would also mention to the doctor the remark of the lab person who told you to 'fast if you want to'. IMHO that was an irresponsible answer and not helpful at all. Better for them to say 'I don't know, call the doctors office and ask' if they were not sure.

[waitingtopounce]

Well I fasted and ended up passing out while they took my blood and had to be held in the ER while they filled me up with an IV and decided whether or not to scope me right then and there. It was just oh so fun. I was supposed to be fasting, so at least I followed directions.

They aren't winning any points with me. I am seriously considering driving the extra hour and a half to get better care from a larger hospital in a larger city.