1. < Diabetes & Endocrine System

Type 2 Diabetes and Low Free T 4

Posted by lewin @lewin, May 23 3:44pm

I cannot find a good endo in Pittsburgh. I have tested positive for small fiber neuropathy and last endo I saw was terrible. She didn't even know diabetes is number one cause of neuropathy. Also found out from last doctor who I stopped seeing after she wanted to give me hormones for sweating (74) which is autonomic neuropathy. I have IBS and want to see a endocrine specialist who is competent. I called ADA and got no where. Mother was gestational diabetic with me and went on to develop diabetes and other autoimmune diseases.Aunt had type 1. Very dissatisfied with medical care system. Also have bad arthritis.

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Mentor
Cheryl, Volunteer Mentor | @cehunt57 | May 23 7:02pm

@lewin I’m so sorry for all the bad medical issues you are experiencing! This is probably way too obvious but do you have a primary doc that you are satisfied with? If so perhaps you could ask that doc for a referral to or recommendation for an endocrinologist. Sometimes a good internal medicine doc can be helpful. Could you try that?

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lewin | @lewin | Jun 25 4:57am

It takes 5-6 months to see endo. I waited for four months to see one who could not see previous records and didn't take a medical hsitory. Said I was prediabetic when I have small giver neuropathy, high HDL and overweight with stringent diet and walking,

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1 reply
matt2024 | @matt2024 | Jun 25 8:31am
In reply to @lewin "It takes 5-6 months to see endo. I waited for four months to see one who..." + (show)
@lewin

It takes 5-6 months to see endo. I waited for four months to see one who could not see previous records and didn't take a medical hsitory. Said I was prediabetic when I have small giver neuropathy, high HDL and overweight with stringent diet and walking,

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Hi @lewin - I live near Pittsburgh and am a diabetic due to pancreatectomy. I have seen endocrinologists in Cleveland at both Cleveland Clinic and University Health and found both to be really great resources. It is about a 2 hour drive for us and might be something to consider.

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1 reply
lewin | @lewin | Aug 27 4:19am
In reply to @matt2024 "Hi @lewin - I live near Pittsburgh and am a diabetic due to pancreatectomy. I have..." + (show)
@matt2024

Hi @lewin - I live near Pittsburgh and am a diabetic due to pancreatectomy. I have seen endocrinologists in Cleveland at both Cleveland Clinic and University Health and found both to be really great resources. It is about a 2 hour drive for us and might be something to consider.

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Thank you for your suggestion. Long waits and bad care at UPMC. I have very bad sweating. Know I have neuropathy. May I ask who you saw and what kind of insurance you have. I have UPMC for Life (Medicare Advantage) and I don't think they will accept it w/out referral which I am having trouble getting.

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1 reply
matt2024 | @matt2024 | Aug 27 7:50am
In reply to @lewin "Thank you for your suggestion. Long waits and bad care at UPMC. I have very bad..." + (show)
@lewin

Thank you for your suggestion. Long waits and bad care at UPMC. I have very bad sweating. Know I have neuropathy. May I ask who you saw and what kind of insurance you have. I have UPMC for Life (Medicare Advantage) and I don't think they will accept it w/out referral which I am having trouble getting.

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Hi @lewin - I have Highmark coverage and have not experienced any trouble with acceptance. It might be worth making a call to each of them to see if they accept your plan without referral?

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lewin | @lewin | Aug 27 6:31pm

Thank you so much but it would never be approved under UPMC's medicare advantage plan. I appreciate all of your help.

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1 reply
matt2024 | @matt2024 | Aug 28 7:23am
In reply to @lewin "Thank you so much but it would never be approved under UPMC's medicare advantage plan. I..." + (show)
@lewin

Thank you so much but it would never be approved under UPMC's medicare advantage plan. I appreciate all of your help.

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Hi @lewin - Sure thing. I think it still might be worthwhile asking. I checked the provider list for UPMC for Life and at least Cleveland Clinic is listed. I have often found that what I believed to be true for coverage and what I found out to be true after digging in to it can be quite different. Just a thought.
https://www.upmchealthplan.com/pdf-directory/pdf.aspx

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lewin | @lewin | Aug 28 8:05pm

Thanks so much , I will still need to get a referral which is presenting to be a problem. I thought I had checked before and my medicare advantage didn't cover. Remember medicare advantage programs are much more restrictive. I will check again. But it is so kind of you to do this. I really appreciate all your help.

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