kpk
05-21-2004, 06:32 AM
Anyone experiencing skin rash from medication?
I am taking levoxyl 88mcg once a day.
Originally diagnosed as hyperthyroid. Thyroid removed Oct 2003 (cancer) but understand I am still in adjustment period.
I can't afford to change doctors (HMO) and he doesn't seem to be open to this rash as thyroid related.
:wave: Note: I'd appreciate easy to understand replies as I am not into medical terminology.
By the way, I found this welcoming site by a search engine but the skin rash thread which led me here was apparently discontinued.
I am taking levoxyl 88mcg once a day.
Originally diagnosed as hyperthyroid. Thyroid removed Oct 2003 (cancer) but understand I am still in adjustment period.
I can't afford to change doctors (HMO) and he doesn't seem to be open to this rash as thyroid related.
:wave: Note: I'd appreciate easy to understand replies as I am not into medical terminology.
By the way, I found this welcoming site by a search engine but the skin rash thread which led me here was apparently discontinued.
Sponsor
patience 50
05-21-2004, 09:45 AM
Hello KPK, Nice to have U here. I have only been here a couple of months but this board and the people on it are just wonderful. They R full of info and encouragement.
You didn't mention where your rash is or if it is the bumpy to the feel kind or the smoothe to the touch kind. Maybe I should just tell U about mine and you can sort yours out from that.
I have skin discoloration under my jaw line and running down my neck to my collar bone. I also have a rash type problem on my chest where the sun hits and on my arms and legs. I know a few other hypo T people and none of them have these symptoms. When I asked the board they didn't seem to have them either. So I just asked my Dr. about them last week and she said this would tend to indicate some form of auto-immune disease. We know I have some arthritis since I was a child but the rash only developed in my late 30s. Dr. at the time said it was a hormone deficiency of some sort and not to worry about it. Now, new Dr. says we need to find out what it is. I am being tested for 27 auto-immune diseases from arthritis to Lupus and M.S. It is a little scarry but I recently found out I had a hidden heart problem so at this point I feel not knowing is worse than knowing. All things are worth asking about. According to my Dr. many things that are potentially serious begin with mild skin rash. Ask about it. I can't say that your rash isn't asst. with the thyroid but my Dr. says no.
Good luck and God Bless.
Patience 50
You didn't mention where your rash is or if it is the bumpy to the feel kind or the smoothe to the touch kind. Maybe I should just tell U about mine and you can sort yours out from that.
I have skin discoloration under my jaw line and running down my neck to my collar bone. I also have a rash type problem on my chest where the sun hits and on my arms and legs. I know a few other hypo T people and none of them have these symptoms. When I asked the board they didn't seem to have them either. So I just asked my Dr. about them last week and she said this would tend to indicate some form of auto-immune disease. We know I have some arthritis since I was a child but the rash only developed in my late 30s. Dr. at the time said it was a hormone deficiency of some sort and not to worry about it. Now, new Dr. says we need to find out what it is. I am being tested for 27 auto-immune diseases from arthritis to Lupus and M.S. It is a little scarry but I recently found out I had a hidden heart problem so at this point I feel not knowing is worse than knowing. All things are worth asking about. According to my Dr. many things that are potentially serious begin with mild skin rash. Ask about it. I can't say that your rash isn't asst. with the thyroid but my Dr. says no.
Good luck and God Bless.
Patience 50
midwest1
05-21-2004, 09:51 AM
Most of the thyroid meds contain fillers, binders, and dye - the stuff that holds the active ingredients together and creates enough bulk to make a pill. It wouldn't be the active ingredient that you're allergic to; but if you're sensitive to one or more of the other things, you might experience a rash or other allergic reaction.
If you can definitely connect the onset of your rash with the start of your med, this is probably what's happening to you. Many people in the same situation benefit from switching brands.
If you can definitely connect the onset of your rash with the start of your med, this is probably what's happening to you. Many people in the same situation benefit from switching brands.
kpk
05-22-2004, 11:19 AM
ANYONE want to share some STORIES about BRAND CHANGE?
midwest1 and patience 50
I will definitely inquire about brand change. I'm confident my primary care physician will support my asking thyroid doctor to consider change. Non-active ingredient info helpful.
Midwest1, it's a bit scarry thinking I might be "jumping from the frying pan into the fire" and also being reminded "You asked for it."- especially, when it apparently takes a long time for changes to appear in thyroid blood tests, etc.
My rash is basically red and smooth and covers chest and front of neck. I usually get welts from insect bites and the rash sometimes has welts, particularly if I scratch. It does not usually itch but hurts if scratched.
Was sent to dermatologist who took biopsy - benign. I recall talking about pet, mold, etc. but not auto-immune diseases. I moved to this basement apartment in 2002 (economics) and it may have triggerred diagnosis of asthma later that year. (Asthma was diagnosed early on and no attacks. A daily puff of Advair has worked fine.)
As I have a follow-up appointment with dermatologist and will definitely inquire about auto-immune disease aspect. Gee, Patience 50, I hope your tests prove helpful.
midwest1 and patience 50
I will definitely inquire about brand change. I'm confident my primary care physician will support my asking thyroid doctor to consider change. Non-active ingredient info helpful.
Midwest1, it's a bit scarry thinking I might be "jumping from the frying pan into the fire" and also being reminded "You asked for it."- especially, when it apparently takes a long time for changes to appear in thyroid blood tests, etc.
My rash is basically red and smooth and covers chest and front of neck. I usually get welts from insect bites and the rash sometimes has welts, particularly if I scratch. It does not usually itch but hurts if scratched.
Was sent to dermatologist who took biopsy - benign. I recall talking about pet, mold, etc. but not auto-immune diseases. I moved to this basement apartment in 2002 (economics) and it may have triggerred diagnosis of asthma later that year. (Asthma was diagnosed early on and no attacks. A daily puff of Advair has worked fine.)
As I have a follow-up appointment with dermatologist and will definitely inquire about auto-immune disease aspect. Gee, Patience 50, I hope your tests prove helpful.
Blessed4Life
05-22-2004, 12:33 PM
I have a skin rash that won't go away. It gets better but never goes away. I was just (this past Wednesday) dx with hyerT but I have been followed by a rheumy for 2 years because of high risk and symptoms for Lupus. Well my rash is on my face (cheeks, nose, forehead), back of neck, and sometimes on my arms (top near my shoulders) during the summer. I am very sensitive to direct sunlight. The rash for the most part is fine, small bumps but on my nose they are bigger. The rash is very dry. My daughter asked me this morning why i have dandruff on my face. :eek:
I also discovered a few weeks ago a dry "patch" on my pelvis (well on the side at the line where pubic hair ends and my leg begins. It only itches sometimes. I showed my gyn but she said she didn't know what it was and give me a prescription for cortisone. It isn't flaky. It is just very dark and dry around the edges.
Well, if anyone has some answers or has a similar rash, please let me know.
Blessed
I also discovered a few weeks ago a dry "patch" on my pelvis (well on the side at the line where pubic hair ends and my leg begins. It only itches sometimes. I showed my gyn but she said she didn't know what it was and give me a prescription for cortisone. It isn't flaky. It is just very dark and dry around the edges.
Well, if anyone has some answers or has a similar rash, please let me know.
Blessed
patience 50
05-22-2004, 06:33 PM
Hello kpk,
I don't know any other name for my meds except synthroid. Mine come from Abbot labs. At least that's what the bottle says. I have had the rash on my chest, neck and legs before I went on meds though so mine cannot possibly be an alergic reaction to any fillers. This is why Dr. is now testing for auto-immune diseases. Before, when it was just the rash and it only itched once in a while, they said don't worry about it. Now with the heart problem and the pain in the joints they suspect Lupus and say they really need to get a definitive answer because if I would have some sort of crisis the diagnosis would affect treatment. My rash looks much like irregular to circular shaped discs that can be red to lt.brown in color. They R promenent on the area the light hits on the chest and neck and on the lower legs. I stopped wearing shorts some years ago to protect the lower legs thinking it might me a sun thing buttttttt it hasn't really made any difference. Sometimes it itches quite a bit and when I scratch it burns. I wear heavy duty sun screen when ever I am outside for more than a minute or two. This is pretty much all I know. If the auto-immune tests reveal anything I'll post it but I am not looking for results for a couple of weeks. One of the tests they told me takes 10 days. I don't know what else to tell U. Oh,, Dr. did give me a cream for it this week, it's ELIDEL. I've used many skin lotions in the past to try to make this better including Miderma, and nothing has really had any effect on it. Right now I'm not sure what to wish for, a positive antibody test on something or nothing at all. Guess I'll take it the way it comes like everyone else has to and count my blessings in spite of it.
Patience 50
I don't know any other name for my meds except synthroid. Mine come from Abbot labs. At least that's what the bottle says. I have had the rash on my chest, neck and legs before I went on meds though so mine cannot possibly be an alergic reaction to any fillers. This is why Dr. is now testing for auto-immune diseases. Before, when it was just the rash and it only itched once in a while, they said don't worry about it. Now with the heart problem and the pain in the joints they suspect Lupus and say they really need to get a definitive answer because if I would have some sort of crisis the diagnosis would affect treatment. My rash looks much like irregular to circular shaped discs that can be red to lt.brown in color. They R promenent on the area the light hits on the chest and neck and on the lower legs. I stopped wearing shorts some years ago to protect the lower legs thinking it might me a sun thing buttttttt it hasn't really made any difference. Sometimes it itches quite a bit and when I scratch it burns. I wear heavy duty sun screen when ever I am outside for more than a minute or two. This is pretty much all I know. If the auto-immune tests reveal anything I'll post it but I am not looking for results for a couple of weeks. One of the tests they told me takes 10 days. I don't know what else to tell U. Oh,, Dr. did give me a cream for it this week, it's ELIDEL. I've used many skin lotions in the past to try to make this better including Miderma, and nothing has really had any effect on it. Right now I'm not sure what to wish for, a positive antibody test on something or nothing at all. Guess I'll take it the way it comes like everyone else has to and count my blessings in spite of it.
Patience 50
kpk
05-25-2004, 06:21 AM
I'm going to ask board adminstrator if the old URL (below and last dated 6-23-2003), which I found on a search engine and which brought me here, had any follow-ups. If those persons are still members maybe they have more input by now.
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/Forum118/HTML/003203.html
Patience 50
Looking forward with you to hearing the results of tests. Best wishes. I think you're right about going with the flow.
Blessed4Life
Thanks for sharing the comment from your daughter. Whatever else is involved, dandruff is a funny take!
Did your doctor suggest seeing a dermatologist? Personally, I think it might be a good idea.
I didn't check to see if there is a general thread: rashes or rashes of unknown origin. If not, maybe you might start one?
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/Forum118/HTML/003203.html
Patience 50
Looking forward with you to hearing the results of tests. Best wishes. I think you're right about going with the flow.
Blessed4Life
Thanks for sharing the comment from your daughter. Whatever else is involved, dandruff is a funny take!
Did your doctor suggest seeing a dermatologist? Personally, I think it might be a good idea.
I didn't check to see if there is a general thread: rashes or rashes of unknown origin. If not, maybe you might start one?
kpk
06-07-2004, 02:25 AM
Midwest1 - in particular.
In going through the board, I noticed people asking about their blood tests. Encouraged by this (I am not inclined toward medical terminology.) I will join those who ask for a printout of their tests. Just maybe, I will begin to be a bit more articulate and understanding in that area.
Note: I don't have an appointment with the dermatologist until June 23 and my endocrinologist until June 30. Not until July 15 am I scheduled to meet with my oncologist (A wonderful doctor who has done all my surgeries: breast lumpectomies, total hysterectomy. removal of a large benign tumor which necessitated removal of secum part of intestine, and, finally, my thyroid.) I have been very blessed because other than the surgeries, I have only had to have radiation of the breast only. No chemo, etc.
At this time, I am prompted to post for three reasons. (I'd rather hear from a veteran like yourself and others before notifying my primary care physician of the following.)
1) RASH. My rash is steadily spreading, covering chest and encroaching on arm near shoulder and more of neck. Furthermore, earlier this evening, I noticed a rash has broken out on my inner right elbow. It looks different in that pimples are larger and more spaced.
2) CRAMPS and diarrhea. Cramps are most unusual for me. I have had several instances over the weekend. These cramps were not severe.
3) DEPRESSED or close to it. I experience a lot of stress at work but I think for the past few weeks I may be experiencing a marked decrease in doing things I am truly interested in because of thyroid medication, Levoxyl.
Sorry, but :rolleyes: I did not know how to send an e-mail instead of a post.
Thanks.
In going through the board, I noticed people asking about their blood tests. Encouraged by this (I am not inclined toward medical terminology.) I will join those who ask for a printout of their tests. Just maybe, I will begin to be a bit more articulate and understanding in that area.
Note: I don't have an appointment with the dermatologist until June 23 and my endocrinologist until June 30. Not until July 15 am I scheduled to meet with my oncologist (A wonderful doctor who has done all my surgeries: breast lumpectomies, total hysterectomy. removal of a large benign tumor which necessitated removal of secum part of intestine, and, finally, my thyroid.) I have been very blessed because other than the surgeries, I have only had to have radiation of the breast only. No chemo, etc.
At this time, I am prompted to post for three reasons. (I'd rather hear from a veteran like yourself and others before notifying my primary care physician of the following.)
1) RASH. My rash is steadily spreading, covering chest and encroaching on arm near shoulder and more of neck. Furthermore, earlier this evening, I noticed a rash has broken out on my inner right elbow. It looks different in that pimples are larger and more spaced.
2) CRAMPS and diarrhea. Cramps are most unusual for me. I have had several instances over the weekend. These cramps were not severe.
3) DEPRESSED or close to it. I experience a lot of stress at work but I think for the past few weeks I may be experiencing a marked decrease in doing things I am truly interested in because of thyroid medication, Levoxyl.
Sorry, but :rolleyes: I did not know how to send an e-mail instead of a post.
Thanks.
midwest1
06-07-2004, 10:16 AM
You still haven't said if the rash has been present only since you started taking the Levoxyl. I'll assume that's true; please correct me if I'm wrong.
The rash and welts sound very much like hives resulting from an allergic reaction to the med. The cramps, diarrhea, and depression could mean the dose is too high, or you're hypersensitive to it. (For example, I could not take Synthroid; the smallest dose made caused my blood hormone levels to become hyper. The doctor said I was "hypersensitive" to it, even though I was clearly hypoT before taking it. I now take Armour natural thyroid and have not experienced the hyper problem again.)
Haven't you yet asked your endo about the rash, nor asked for a change in brand? The prescribing information for Levoxyl says in no uncertain terms that it can cause rash and urticaria (hives) and you should consult your doctor if it happens. Here's a quote from the prescribing info for doctors at Levoxyl's website ~ (The red and blue emphases are mine.)
"Adverse reactions are primarily those of hyperthyroidism due to overdose, such as palpitations, arrhythmias, heat intolerance, weight loss, tremors, nervousness, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fatigue, headache, and menstrual irregularities. Reactions to product excipients, such as rash or urticaria, may occur."
("Product exipients" means the binders, fillers, or dyes used to make the tablets, aside from the active ingredient, T4.)
And here's a quote from the prescribing info written for patients at Walgreen's website:
"SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include headache, nervousness, trembling, sweating, increased appetite, diarrhea, weight loss or insomnia. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor as your dose may need to be adjusted. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but if you experience difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist."
You can see from this information that your rash is not normal, could be from the Levoxyl, and should be reported.
Please do post your test results when you have them. We'll try to help further.
[BTW, personal contacts through e-mail are prohibited on this board. Be sure to read the guidelines so you'll know what is permitted and what is not.]
The rash and welts sound very much like hives resulting from an allergic reaction to the med. The cramps, diarrhea, and depression could mean the dose is too high, or you're hypersensitive to it. (For example, I could not take Synthroid; the smallest dose made caused my blood hormone levels to become hyper. The doctor said I was "hypersensitive" to it, even though I was clearly hypoT before taking it. I now take Armour natural thyroid and have not experienced the hyper problem again.)
Haven't you yet asked your endo about the rash, nor asked for a change in brand? The prescribing information for Levoxyl says in no uncertain terms that it can cause rash and urticaria (hives) and you should consult your doctor if it happens. Here's a quote from the prescribing info for doctors at Levoxyl's website ~ (The red and blue emphases are mine.)
"Adverse reactions are primarily those of hyperthyroidism due to overdose, such as palpitations, arrhythmias, heat intolerance, weight loss, tremors, nervousness, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fatigue, headache, and menstrual irregularities. Reactions to product excipients, such as rash or urticaria, may occur."
("Product exipients" means the binders, fillers, or dyes used to make the tablets, aside from the active ingredient, T4.)
And here's a quote from the prescribing info written for patients at Walgreen's website:
"SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include headache, nervousness, trembling, sweating, increased appetite, diarrhea, weight loss or insomnia. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor as your dose may need to be adjusted. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but if you experience difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist."
You can see from this information that your rash is not normal, could be from the Levoxyl, and should be reported.
Please do post your test results when you have them. We'll try to help further.
[BTW, personal contacts through e-mail are prohibited on this board. Be sure to read the guidelines so you'll know what is permitted and what is not.]
LK77
06-07-2004, 12:56 PM
Hello!
I was recently switched from 25mcg Levoxyl to 50mcg. The color of the pill changed (obviously) when I was switched to the 50mcg. I broke out in a rash (welt, acne type) during this same time. I broke out on my back, my sides, a little on my chest and down the back of my legs. It looked absolutely horrible. I called my endo about it last week. She said I was probably having an allergic reaction to the fillers in the new pill. She kept me on the same dose but is having me take 25mcg x 2 instead of 1 50mcg. I have been doing this for just under a week now. It appears that the breakouts are clearing up. I still have a couple of areas that don't look too good, but overall, I think it is getting better.
I was recently switched from 25mcg Levoxyl to 50mcg. The color of the pill changed (obviously) when I was switched to the 50mcg. I broke out in a rash (welt, acne type) during this same time. I broke out on my back, my sides, a little on my chest and down the back of my legs. It looked absolutely horrible. I called my endo about it last week. She said I was probably having an allergic reaction to the fillers in the new pill. She kept me on the same dose but is having me take 25mcg x 2 instead of 1 50mcg. I have been doing this for just under a week now. It appears that the breakouts are clearing up. I still have a couple of areas that don't look too good, but overall, I think it is getting better.
kpk
06-09-2004, 09:14 AM
Update.
Thanks to the info supplied here and via surfing, I am of the opinion thyroid medication is most likely biggest factor in my symptoms. Mild cramping which occurred over the weekend and diarrhea or loose stools, which had been going on for at least a week, prompted me to email my primary care doctor.
If you can, please plow through the following, as I think it revealed to me some organizational difficulties of medical centers I'm not sure how to navigate.
When the nurse phoned me at work on Monday, I stated that the cramping and diarrhea had stopped. I reiterrated that the cramping had been mild but of particular concern since cramping is quite unusual for me.
I was informed that my primary care doctor (Internal Medicine Department) had no available appointments and to my surprise had not recommended I attempt to contact either my endocrinologist (also located in Internal Medicine Department) or my oncologist (who has performed surgeries on my thyroid, abdomen and breast) but rather to come in for appt with doctor on duty in acute care unit of Internal Medicine (I suspect I am referred to acute care unit because of my med history but speculate that this may also be the route of using my med history as leverage to squeeze me into a crowded schedule.).
As the cramping and diarrhea had stopped and the rash has a long history, possibly associated pre-surgical hyper thyroid condition, I stated that I didn't think visiting a doctor unfamiliar with the history would be necessary.
After work that evening, I opened my e-mail to find a directive from my primary care doctor to make an appointment with on duty acute care physician. Tuesday saw me take off work early to keep the acute care appointment I was able to obtain.
1) Nothing demanding immediate attention and clearly an unnecessary visit. My endocrinologist will need to address my symptoms.
2) I pointed out that I had come only because I was directed to come.
3) We both ended up aplogizing: the doctor, for not being able to do anything of substance and I, for not knowing why my primary care physician had directed me to set up an urgent appointment. What an experience the attending intern also had! (My medical center is that of a university.)
WHERE I AM NOW.
ENDOCRINOLOGIST. Regular appt is end of June.
Am going to continue to refrain from using topical medication so that he will see full, uncomprimised extent of rash.
Will ask him to spell out opinion as to symptoms and possible medicine adjustments with their pros and cons. Included will be the QUESTION:
Do my current Levoctyl medication (HYPO because of thyroid removal by surgery.) and my privious, Methamezole/tapazole (HYPER) medicines have things in common, e.g., binders?
Suspect my blood work will raise questions. Will ask for printout of current and at least 2 previous blood work results.
If I don't get printouts, I will contact my primary physician for these printouts.
When I get the printouts, I will take up the offer of this board to help me better understand how I might be using this blood work ino to my advantage, at an appropriate level.
HEALTHBOARD FRIENDS:
??? Does anyone have knowledge regarding the relationship of the above mentioned medcines to each other?
***Recall: this doctor has been aware of the rash but has been of the opinion that it is not related to thyroid or thyroid medication. To my knowledge he is the only endocrinologist normally available under my HMO plan, which I must maintain for economical reasons. I will inquire if the plan covers a second opinion.
DERMATOLOGIST Regular appoinment is June 23.
Thanks to input from folks on this Healthboard, I will inquire about allergies relative to immune diseases as well as to my medication.
Suspect I will be asked to see an allergist but am hoping to at become more knowledgeable during this appointment.
ONCOLOGIST Regular appointment is in July.
Really want to gain insight from this wonderful doctor. By then, I hope to have gathered more facts and be personally more knowledgeable. By then, maybe I'll also be more adroit in dealing with medical bureaucracy?
PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN Regular appt is in August.
I suspect I may be e-mailing before the appointment or the blood tests will require contact before August.
It takes so long and so much energy to write all of this and to surf and surf the Internet. It certainly makes me appreciate all the more the generosity, energy, committment and understanding of those of you who make entries on this board.
I try to remember each of you often and not just in a general sense.
:wave: Thanks: each and everyone.
Thanks to the info supplied here and via surfing, I am of the opinion thyroid medication is most likely biggest factor in my symptoms. Mild cramping which occurred over the weekend and diarrhea or loose stools, which had been going on for at least a week, prompted me to email my primary care doctor.
If you can, please plow through the following, as I think it revealed to me some organizational difficulties of medical centers I'm not sure how to navigate.
When the nurse phoned me at work on Monday, I stated that the cramping and diarrhea had stopped. I reiterrated that the cramping had been mild but of particular concern since cramping is quite unusual for me.
I was informed that my primary care doctor (Internal Medicine Department) had no available appointments and to my surprise had not recommended I attempt to contact either my endocrinologist (also located in Internal Medicine Department) or my oncologist (who has performed surgeries on my thyroid, abdomen and breast) but rather to come in for appt with doctor on duty in acute care unit of Internal Medicine (I suspect I am referred to acute care unit because of my med history but speculate that this may also be the route of using my med history as leverage to squeeze me into a crowded schedule.).
As the cramping and diarrhea had stopped and the rash has a long history, possibly associated pre-surgical hyper thyroid condition, I stated that I didn't think visiting a doctor unfamiliar with the history would be necessary.
After work that evening, I opened my e-mail to find a directive from my primary care doctor to make an appointment with on duty acute care physician. Tuesday saw me take off work early to keep the acute care appointment I was able to obtain.
1) Nothing demanding immediate attention and clearly an unnecessary visit. My endocrinologist will need to address my symptoms.
2) I pointed out that I had come only because I was directed to come.
3) We both ended up aplogizing: the doctor, for not being able to do anything of substance and I, for not knowing why my primary care physician had directed me to set up an urgent appointment. What an experience the attending intern also had! (My medical center is that of a university.)
WHERE I AM NOW.
ENDOCRINOLOGIST. Regular appt is end of June.
Am going to continue to refrain from using topical medication so that he will see full, uncomprimised extent of rash.
Will ask him to spell out opinion as to symptoms and possible medicine adjustments with their pros and cons. Included will be the QUESTION:
Do my current Levoctyl medication (HYPO because of thyroid removal by surgery.) and my privious, Methamezole/tapazole (HYPER) medicines have things in common, e.g., binders?
Suspect my blood work will raise questions. Will ask for printout of current and at least 2 previous blood work results.
If I don't get printouts, I will contact my primary physician for these printouts.
When I get the printouts, I will take up the offer of this board to help me better understand how I might be using this blood work ino to my advantage, at an appropriate level.
HEALTHBOARD FRIENDS:
??? Does anyone have knowledge regarding the relationship of the above mentioned medcines to each other?
***Recall: this doctor has been aware of the rash but has been of the opinion that it is not related to thyroid or thyroid medication. To my knowledge he is the only endocrinologist normally available under my HMO plan, which I must maintain for economical reasons. I will inquire if the plan covers a second opinion.
DERMATOLOGIST Regular appoinment is June 23.
Thanks to input from folks on this Healthboard, I will inquire about allergies relative to immune diseases as well as to my medication.
Suspect I will be asked to see an allergist but am hoping to at become more knowledgeable during this appointment.
ONCOLOGIST Regular appointment is in July.
Really want to gain insight from this wonderful doctor. By then, I hope to have gathered more facts and be personally more knowledgeable. By then, maybe I'll also be more adroit in dealing with medical bureaucracy?
PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN Regular appt is in August.
I suspect I may be e-mailing before the appointment or the blood tests will require contact before August.
It takes so long and so much energy to write all of this and to surf and surf the Internet. It certainly makes me appreciate all the more the generosity, energy, committment and understanding of those of you who make entries on this board.
I try to remember each of you often and not just in a general sense.
:wave: Thanks: each and everyone.