List of Questions for a new Doctor

[Buddy Scott]

Okay, I finally got an appointment to see an Endo Doctor at the end of November, I did get the medical info from my other doc, the last blood work was done in April 2013, I now need to make sure I have a good list of questions to ask the new doc.


Top of the list is to make sure he gives me a hard copy of the blood work, but what else should I be asking? One thing is to see if he can figure out why the weight gain?

 

[Nelson Vergel]

That is a very general question with little background information.

 

[Buddy Scott]

Yes, sorry about that, what other information is needed? I am going to see a doctor at the Endocrine and Diabetes group of Washington DC. I started trt about a year ago, the first blood work came back at 139, the family med doc put me on Androgel 1.62% two pumps, one each upper arm. Three months later, the numbers came back at 259, so he increased it to two pumps each arm once a day _staying on the Androgel 1.62%, three months later the numbers were 880, the doc said to cut back to 3 pumps of Androgel once a day.. and followed it up with BTW, I no longer can take your Blue Cross / Blue shield, but will in about 6 months, so here is a script for 6 months. - Six months pass, I take the time to educate myself - and realize gel alone is not going to cut it, and NOT ever seeing ANY lab reports also won't cut it.

So, in preparing to see the new doc, I am now gathering a list of questions, one issue for me, is that since I started the Androgel about a year ago, I have gained 50 pounds, the family med doc said to back away from the table. I know my eating habits and know I am not taking in any more than before the Androgel, but he said weight gain is not a side effect and I need to cut back on the food.

 

[powerlifterty16]

trt will cause weight gain..mostly muscle, some water

 

[robs2nd75]

Do you have an underlying condition that was at least partially resolved by T or resolved at the same time as starting T? I too put on a significant amount of weight but that was b/c my diabetes finally got under control. I think many if not most men experience a gain of about 10-15lbs when starting T. 50 is a significant gain however and you probably should dig deeper. In terms of lab work make sure they test Prolactin, GH, IGF-1, TSH, T4, T3, and E2.

 

[Nelson Vergel]

I have listed some questions in this post: https://www.excelmale.com/forum/thr...Prescribes-Testosterone?highlight=find+doctor

 

[Gene Devine]

The first question I would ask is: "How trained are you in diagnosing Hypogonadism, latest treatment protocols and ongoing management"? "Are you trained in the latest drug treatment protocols and subsequent blood work analysis"?

If you read any of the content on this site you know what type of response you should get that would confirm you have the right Physician to care for you.

If there is any hesitation in the Physician's response it should signal a flag of caution.

 

[Nelson Vergel]

I would not ask that kind of general questions. They will always say they are trained.

I think asking them what they think about the use of HCG, anastrozole, therapeutic phlebotomies and their use of compounding pharmacies is enough to know if they are progressive or not.

Be careful not to come across abruptly or rude. Doctors are human beings that also get turned off my pushy patients. Be diplomatic and just ask their opinions about things I listed.

They do not have to be part of A4M or any anti-aging group either.

 

[Gene Devine]

I would not ask that kind of general questions. They will always say they are trained.

I think asking them what they think about the use of HCG, anastrozole, therapeutic phlebotomies and their use of compounding pharmacies is enough to know if they are progressive or not.

Be careful not to come across abruptly or rude. Doctors are human beings that also get turned off my pushy patients. Be diplomatic and just ask their opinions about things I listed.

They do not have to be part of A4M or any anti-aging group either.

I like your questions Nelson; but I think most Physician's will be honest with their patients when asked these types of questions as it opens the door to possible litigation down the road if they are dishonest.

Nevertheless, qualifying a Doctor is critical for any patient seeking proper care; remember, it's "buyer beware" even for medical care!

 

[powerlifterty16]

gene, it's not a question of being honest. I agree with nelson's questions. Most doctors believe they know it all, and think they are trained. they dont know what they dont know bro!
btw it doesn't seem the traffic is high as the fb group