The Parathyroid Forum

[Admin]

Hello Marijke,

Thanks for the blood test results!
Your results are the kind that even a first year medical student should be able to tell you you have Primary Hyperparathyroidism - so if it were me, I would avoid the detour to the local medical endocrinologist and try for a direct referral from your GP straight to a surgeon using the NHS Choose & Book system - in which you have legal the right to request be sent to whichever English hospital you wish for treatment. You can't technically choose a named surgeon, but if you chose say Wycombe General Hospital or Stoke Mandeville where Mr. McLaren is the only parathyroid surgeon, then by default you would get him as your surgeon. If you wanted to get the ball rolling then you could always drop Mr. McLaren an e-mail and ask his advice on a direct referral to him via GP - a mention of your blood results will help him out - in terms of advising direct referral or not - he's very pleasant and usually very quick on replying. mclaren@bucksendocrine.com
As a surgeon and not a medical doctor, he's interested in getting you fixed with surgery rather than hanging around until you feel more unwell.

Simon

[Marijke]

Hello Simon,
Thank you for your uplifting comments. I did see my GP today and had no problem asking him to refer me to Mr McLaren. I did speak to Mr McLaren's secretary who explained the process a bit more and the possible waiting times, which of course and understandbly, she could not guarantee (a possible first visit July/August) .
Mr McLaren is away this week but she said I should hear in a while when I could see him and if he wants to see me (ie if I am a suitable patient)!
I also phoned the Cardiff hospital and asked the waiting times there, shocking really, minimum of 26 weeks.
The GP also talked through my 1st ct scan a bit more and also told me that I have a gallstone. Wonder what else they are going to find in the 2nd scan, it may turn out to be a treasure hunt.
I'll keep you posted. Best wishes to all of you .
Marijke

[Marijke]

I forgot to say that apparently nowadays you can ask for a surgeon by name. All part of the NHS choices.
Bye
Marijke

[Admin]

Hello Marijke,

Great news! It took me about 3 months from the scan date to get surgery with Mr. McLaren - times will vary of course. The best thing is that you will now avoid all that unnecessary 3/4 month waste of time with the medical endocrinologist, telling you what you already know.
I'm sure that Mr. McLaren will take you on based on your blood results, hopefully you'll have a letter for a scan appointment/consult soon.

Best wishes,

Simon

[Marijke]

Hello Simon and all members of this forum,

I have been absent for a while for various reasons but now have an update.
I have an appointment at the High Wycombe hospital for the various scans and tests on the 10th August. Although it doesn't mention whether I will see Mr McLaren at all. So wondering whether I will have to go again to meet him for results etc. I also have an appointment at my local hospital for another kidney check as the cysts show they need regular monitoring (Bosniak level 2F, if that means anything to anyone of you).
Symptoms are becoming more and more obvious and there are days that I just don't function on any level. Not nice for me and definitely not nice for my family and friends. Bit nervous about these tests coming up but hope from there that there will be light at the end of the tunnel.
Best wishes to all of you
Marijke

[Admin]

Hello Marijke,

If you're outside the Buckinghamshire NHS PCT area then Mr. McLaren usually ensures that 'out of area' patients are seen by him personally, tested and scanned on one visit and then operated on on the next visit. He recognises that people who live 'out of area' can't afford the time or the money involved in multiple trips and so he keeps it down to a minimum of 2. If I remember rightly, I had two letters - one for the ultrasound appointment and one for the sestamibi scan. I was told by Mr. McLaren to call his secretary to ensure that I was pencilled in for a consult with him on the day so we could discus the scans/bloods and surgery. I didn't have a fixed time for the consult with him as it was a busy day with scans and all, so it's a case of fitting him in between scans.
It might be best just to give Mr. McLaren's secretary a call and ensure everything is in place for the day, she will tell you how to go on. His secretary is very pleasant to deal with and she'll help you all she can and if she can't she'll check with Mr. Mc about what to do.
Just to put your mind at rest, nothing to worry about on the scans/pre-op tests etc, everyone is extremely helpful and pleasant and the scans themselves are not in the slightest bit scary. The sestamibi scan can be boring as you have to lay there for 40min (twice) but I just drifted off in a daydream, my only gripe was the sestamibi scan room and in fact the whole hospital was very warm!
If you need Mr. McLaren's secretaries number just let me know. All the best for the 10th give my regards to Mr. McLaren.


Best wishes,

Simon

[susie]

HI Mariijke,
Have just realised that your appointment with Mr McLaren is on the same day as my operation, so we'll be in the hospital at the same time. I shall think of you as I wait nervously for my op, and hope that all goes well for you. When I went for my consultation I had my pre op on the same day, which is what Mr McLaren promises for out of area patients, but I had to ask for it as it wasn't booked for some reason. Just letting you know this as it will save you coming back another day and could also speed things up for you.
XXXXXX Susie

[Marijke]

Hello Simon, thank you very much for reassurance and tip. I phoned the secretary, who was very helpful, and its all sorted for Friday.
I let you know what happens next.
best wishes Marijke

[Marijke]

Daer Susie, what a coincidence and shame we probably will not meet but I'll be thinking of you a lot whilst being in the same place and wish you well . I have sorted the appointment with Mr McLaren and will see him in between my scans, so keep the travelling to the one day. Have started to think about what questions to ask etc. Are you in for an overnight stay? Keep us posted and best wishes for Friday.
Marijke

[susie]

Thanks Marijke,

I was told that I would be a day case by the doctor I saw in clinic. Mr McLaren was late coming, so I only got to shake his hand. He had told me in an email that I would be in overnight, so I am pretty sure the doctor I saw got it wrong. Also, the nurse in pre op said that I would definitely be in overnight as I am from a distance. The letter I got from the hospital confirming my surgery date, said it was Day Surgery, but I haven't questioned it, as I am hoping that if they are wrong, they will not try to rearrange it, as I will have travelled some distance to get there.

I will let everyone know how I am as soon as I can. Obviously the first few days I may not be up to it.

Thinking of you all.

Only 2 days to go !!!!!

XXXXXXX Susie