When i went to my specialist for the first time it was probably about 2 hours. They ask you how you feel etc, and go over a bunch of history and then testing. It should only be one time that they draw blood (they may take a few viles), but they can send it out to be tested for everything.

I had the same issues, they couldn't get my dosage right and it takes 2 months for the meds to take effect, so it sucks b/c you feel shitty till they get it right. I actually stopped taking my meds for almost a year and my doctor got so mad at me, but I just didn't want to feel like shit all the time. I was diagnosed about 7 years ago and now things are better. Part of it was I wasn't responding to the generics they prescribed and now I'm on Levoxyl, which has made all the difference. They say most people are fine on generics, but a few people need the name brand.

Good luck