More Adventures In Medical Tests..

[Wisdom2KnowTheDifference 32]

I already posted this in my blog, but I was hoping to get more feedback in a thread.

So.. Because of my elevated cortisol, I have to collect 24 hours of pee starting on Sunday (gross!!) and come in Monday for more fasting bloodwork. I have to keep this pee jug in the fridge (did I mention we have a roommate??) Then in 2 weeks I have a follow up appointment and a thyroid ultrasound. yay.

The endocrinologist also told me some of the results from my RUQ ultrasound, that my case manager has not discussed with me yet. Turns out I have a cyst on my lower right kidney... they told me about the cyst at the ultrasound appt, but I was glad to hear it was not on my upper kidney near my adrenal gland (which produces cortisol). The endocrinologist said that it said on the report that they recommended a renal MRI. So I am going to contact my case manager at my surgeon's office to see if they are going to go ahead and refer me for that. Sigh..

I am really sad/upset/frustrated about all this additional testing that I have to have. Of course I am going to do it, but I am mad it is keeping me from scheduling my surgery date. I am also feeling preoccupied with all these health concerns and it is affecting my ability to concentrate at work.

My endocrinologist also told me that the RUQ ultrasound showed that I have fat deposits on my liver. At this point, I am not sure if this constitutes an actual fatty liver disease diagnosis or what. I'm hoping my surgeon/case manager can tell me more. But she told me I need to be following a low carb diet and should increase my exercise. So... yeeah I've heard that before... I am going to do my best but I am never able to keep any weight off which is why I need to get this surgery!! Of course all I wanted to do after this appointment was go get a GiGi's cupcake to console myself, but... I didn't.

Well, gonna have some dinner and get ready for my sleep study tonight. Hope everyone had a better day than me. If anyone has any advice/experiences to share, please do!

[elcee 3,342]

I have done a 24hr collection previously and it is a PITA! At that stage I wasn't told that the sample had to be kept in the fridge but I have since read that they now believe this to be the optimum way of doing things.

About 2 years ago I went to see a cardiologist ( I have unexplained hypertension) and he referred me for a pile of tests. When I went to the lab to have what I thought was blood drawn they told me it was a 24hr collection. I refused, went home researched on the net and discovered that it was possible to do the test from blood so phoned my specialist and requested it be done that way. He wasn't too happy but he gave me the appropriate referral.

I wasn't just being a princess. I have a bladder problem and often get up up to 10 times at night to pee. There was no way I was going to do that and then stagger through my house all the way to the fridge. I had visions of me tripping and getting it everywhere, plus I don't think that is very hygenic. The labs have separate fridges for samples, at home we don't have that luxury.

Maybe you can call your endocrinologist and see if you can have the same thing tested for via blood instead. They might tell you that the blood test isn't as accurate but it is worth a shot.