Mrs. Pat Henderson

Pituitary Foundation Endocrine Nurse

Pre-Consultation

Note date and time of appointment somewhere visible – it is easy to forget an appointment, especially if it is some time ahead. Don’t be a “DNA” (Did Not Attend) and if you cannot attend, ensure that you let the clinic know as soon as you are able.

Pre-appointment blood work tests – your GP can arrange for you to have blood tests in advance of your appointment so this may save time when you do see your consultant.

Transportation – if you need transportation to your appointment, often the hospital can assist with this. There are also other organisations, such as the WRVS ( www.wrvs.org.uk ), who have volunteer drivers. Ensure that you book this well in advance and check again 24 hours before your appointment.

Make a note of questions – write down all of the questions you want to ask in advance as it’s very easy to forget during the consultation the things you need to know.

List symptoms / bring photographs – list all of your symptoms, however insignificant they may seem and ensure that you also write down any emotional / psychological effects too. It’s sometimes useful to keep a diary. And if your physical appearance has changed, take along any photos that may detail the differences perhaps from 3-5 years before your symptoms started.

Medications – write down all of the medications you are currently taking, including any herbal remedies. This is very important!

Consultation

Be punctual – we all know that hospital appointments are never on time but don’t be tempted to turn up later than your allotted time.

Support – it is often useful to take somebody with you to an appointment, as it can be quite a difficult experience psychologically. Having someone with you can often help calm your nerves!

Be non-judgemental about your consultation – often we already have an idea of how our appointments are going to manifest and we’ve already convinced ourselves that we’re not going to get what we need. Keep an open mind; it may not be as bad as you think!

Mutual respect – you have the right to be treated with respect by your consultant and the same holds equally for your consultant. It can sometimes be the case that you don’t always see the same consultant but if we are lucky enough to do so, you can start to build a good relationship with them.

Be clear and specific about symptoms – when describing your symptoms, try to be as clear as possible. It sometimes helps to draw up a graph of when your symptoms first appeared and if they have any peaks or troughs, this way your consultant can get a very clear picture of how you are being affected.

Results – if you’ve had blood tests done by the GP, don’t forget to ask for the results of your tests.

Diagnosis – don’t be afraid to ask if you don’t understand something. And if you think of something after your appointment that you don’t understand you can always contact your consultant and ask for an explanation later.

Treatment – explore all treatment options with your consultant and ask about alternatives. That way you can make an informed choice.

Medication – always ask about the benefits & risks of taking any medication that has been prescribed and ensure that you fully understand the side effects and the logistics of taking the medication.

Follow up appointment – make sure you get a follow up appointment within a reasonable timeframe from your initial appointment. Chase the hospital / clinic if you don’t hear anything!

Contact details – get to know the people responsible for running the clinics…there might be an endocrine nurse or consultant’s secretary that you can contact for enquiries or any concerns if you aren’t able to get in touch with the consultant. Always explore the alternatives!

Post-Consultation

If in doubt, ask – never be afraid to go back and ask questions later!

Support agencies – there are numerous organisations who are there to help you. The Foundation can provide leaflets and information, the help-line, access to an endocrine nurse, the local support groups and the telephone buddies. Use the resources available to you. (Try our Online Resource Links Page)

Medication – list all and any side effects and ensure you give feedback at your next appointment. Ensure you also check your medication for an expiry date. And never deviate from your prescribed dosages unless by prior arrangement with your consultant.

Consider a talisman – consider something like a MedicAlert bracelet. There is also a pituitary patient care card available from the Foundation in the new Pituitary Patient Fact File.

Remember!

It’s your health & your well-being…

So look after yourself!

Useful Information

Second opinions - all patients have the right to ask for a second opinion, however your GP also has the right to refuse. If you are unhappy with your GP's diagnosis there are three courses of action.

• Ask to see another GP, in the same practice.
• Register with another GP practice. Bear in mind that other practices may refuse to take you on if you are not in their catchment area or they are at full capacity.
• See a specialist. This is a grey area as you have a right to be referred to a consultant only when your GP believes it's necessary. The Patients Association says "GP's have great autonomy and it's Catch 22 for patients who want to see a specialist against their GP's advice, it may help to go private for a specialist referral, because it will not be coming out of the GP's practice budget."

Source: Daily Mail, 23rd March 2004

Viewing letters - Patients can ask to view letters written about them by National Health Service doctors. This is to encourage greater openness in the NHS and to enable people to make informed choices.

Source: Newcastle Evening Chronicle, March 2004

You are welcome to contact the Pituitary Foundation Helpline on 0845 450 0375 or email helpline@pituitary.org.uk if you have any questions.