Posted by Larry Hoover on December 15, 2005, at 9:04:46
In reply to eating disorder complications- advice needed, posted by Shelley on December 14, 2005, at 15:04:43
> Hi
>
> My brother has an eating disorder and has lost a lot of weight over the past years. He denies having a problem and is terrified of anything that has to do with conventional treatment, meds, etc.
>
> Several years ago blood tests revealed that his pituitary hormones are not functioning. The endocrinologist suspected a brain tumor and ordered a CT scan which my brother refused to have done. Now he went to another endo and was told to do an MRI for the same reason.A person with anorexia/bulimia (or other eating disorder) develops disturbance in more than just pituitary hormone levels. But even with an eating disorder, it simply must be determined whether there are any physical abnormalities visible in the gland. He needs the imaging study.
The endo cannot discuss his case with you, without your brother's consent. But that does not mean that the doctor cannot receive supplemental information from other sources. You could write a letter to the endo, laying this all out for his consideration. Your only downside is that the doctor might try to discuss it with your brother before the imaging is done, and you're nowhere, if it scares him off. And your brother doesn't trust you anymore, either.
I think that if you spend some time on how you present the subject in a letter, I think you can ensure that the endo deals with the matter with sensitivity and understanding.
That's all I can think of to do, other than offering to go with your brother, if the company would be welcomed.
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:589050
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/health/20051214/msgs/589299.html