Update

Hi Everyone,

I am waiting to hear back about a Specialist appointment regarding my "low" vitamin D and the effect it has had on my Calcium. I talked with my Dietician this week and she assures me that the reason I have to see this specialist is because they want to make sure I don't have Hyperparathyroidism. Ok, I understand that they have to check everything to make sure that I am ok for surgery, but now I have to wait for the Specialist's appointment. When I called the hospital to find out when that would be, I asked if it would be "weeks" or "months" until I was able to see the specialist. She said, "months". I have to get this sorted out before I even get to see the surgeon for bariatric surgery. I am guessing at this rate, I will be lucky to have my surgery by next year! Sorry for sounding so dramatic. I just wanted to share this info, because so many of you have been very supportive and are probably wondering what's going on.

Take care everyone.

Barb

Hi Barb,

I was thinking about you yesterday and wondering how your journey is progressing. I admit this is not the update I hoped to get from you.

I am genuinely disappointed to read this and really understand how frustrated you must feel. I hope a specialist appointment comes available very quickly for you.

*hugs*

Thanks oneatatime. I really appreciate your support. Quite honestly, the only thing I can do right now is practise patience (like never before). I am going to see my counsellor this afternoon. Maybe she will be able to give me some hints on how to do that!!

Thanks again,

Barb

I, too, am disappointed for you and agree completely with Oneatatime's comments. If you are able, call for a cancellation for this appointment as well. My G.P. was able to deal with my thyroid issue when the blood work showed it as being high. I follow-up on the blood work was all that was needed to let him know I had no ongoing issues. I'd check with my G.P. to see what he or she could do to either hurry on the appointment or deal with it themselves.

Keep on truckin' - you will get there!

Thanks Linda. The receptionist I talked with on the phone told me to definitely call for cancellations once I got my appointment...but the problem is getting the appointment. They said I would have it at the beginning of the week, but have been calling them and they still don't have an appointment for me. Anyway talking with my family doctor is like talking to a deer in the headlights. She has no idea about bariatric surgery and has yet to comment one way or the other on it. Anyway, I shall carry on...

Thanks,

Barb

...sorry, I forgot to mention that the specialist is an Endocrinologist.

Hi Barb,

I am sorry to hear your news, it must be so frustrating. I second everything Oneatatime wrote.

Hi Barb,

I'm so sorry to hear this; it's so disappointing, I know.

The same thing happened with me; I needed an OK from an asthma specialist and my specialist left town for a year so I had to wait for a visiting specialist, which took a year. Then I had to do orientation and blood work all over again, and the people in Sudbury (my regional centre, 4 hours away, that set everything up for me in Toronto) said that I must not really want surgery since I'm taking so long to see the specialist. As if it was up to me. That sucked, but in the end, the time passed and I got my surgery. The pre op hurdles can seem crazy but just keep at them and eventually you'll get there.

Maybe see if you can get a referral to other specialists who have shorter wait times if possible?

Hi Kathy,

Thanks for your reply. There is only one specialist in all of Hamilton, which is where I'm at. I know I will get the surgery eventually, but waiting when you are so close is hard...as you know. Thanks again.

Barb

Hi

I am sorry about the delay in progressing through your journey....

My question is how low is your Vitamin D level? What is your Calcium level? What is your parathyroid level. Most people have low vitamin D.

Who has referred you? Your GP or weight management team?

A blood calcium level that is too HIGH, and is associated with a HIGH parathyroid hormone.

All the advice given here is good.

I would call the specialist, get friendly with the receptionist. Ask about their cancellation list. Tell her that you are available short notice. I have begged once or twice. Endear yourself to them.

Good luck!

Temember... Think positive & believe... Things will work out in the end!

Take care

Sandra.

Mahalo.