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Any tips on finding decent doctor?

Posted: Jul 8, 2010

Went to a new doc after many years of not going. As I was speaking of a series of upsetting deaths and started to cry a tiny bit, he just kept clicking away on his lap top (and maybe nodded a couple times). Aside from that, my TSH was in the normal range (but near one end) and no free T3 or T4 were done, but I have had numerous thyroid symptoms for 12 years or so (didn't realize they correlated for several years and never had it assessed). He said my TSH was VERY normal so no problem and never even asked what symptoms I have.

This is just a small sample of my frustration, and a good reminder why I usually avoid doctors. Just wondering if anyone knows how to pick a good one. The paper he gives his patients says all the right things about listening and explaining, etc., but I didn't feel that way with him and ended up feeling very exposed and misunderstood.

Also, are any of you experienced with thyroid issues? I keep reading how the tests aren't accurate (especially TSH alone), but he said that's not true. There is always so much conflicting info, how does one find the truth ... and actually get help?

Thanks for listening and any opinions.

;

I have never been diagnosed with thyroid problems, but I have sm - yochana

[ In Reply To ..]
heard that it was best to go to an endocrinologist. I also have heard that a TSH test alone was not necessarily accurate. Last summer I was feeling so dragged out and could not move so I went and had my TSH (only) tested which was normal. But I was convinced something was amiss. Did a research and have taken 2 bottles of Nascent iodine over the past year and feel like a new woman. The reason I was especially concerned is my fingernails had developed ridges in them which can be a sign of something lacking in your body. My fingernails are beginning to become smooth again.
I feel much much better.
http://www.magneticclay.com/store/nascent-iodine-supplement-1.aspx

http://iodine.imva.info/

As far as a good doctor....they are few and far between. Best bet is to ask friends and family who they use and if they are happy with them. Blessings to ya!

OP - nowonder... : ) - OP

[ In Reply To ..]
Thanks for the info. I too have developed ridges in most of my fingernails (but had read that can also be from aging ... almost 50, so figured it was from that).

I'm not exactly sure what to think, as I seem to have both hypo and hyper symptoms at various times. Might be hard to treat on my own. I will check around for an endocrinologist. I hear many are more educated on diabetes and not so much for thyroid. It's all a crap shoot, no?

Thanks so much for your info! : )

Thyroid tests - MT130

[ In Reply To ..]
There is disagreement between some docs on the range of values with the TSH and whether or not a certain value requires medication. Some docs still go by the old normals and some docs go by the new lower normals. I personally think your thyroid can be in the normal range and you can still have symptoms and my doc agrees with me. He goes by the new values. You need to find a physician that will listen to what you are telling him/her and one that will give you what you need in order to feel better. You might have to go through a few before you find the right one. You can google this subject regarding the normals because I have before and got lots of information. Then you will be able to talk to the next physician you go to and feel like you are informed and can make an informed decision. I definitely would not go back to the last guy. And one more thing, thyroid problems can really mess with you and make you feel terrible, so good luck and I hope you get the right doc and feel better.

Thyroid issues.... - Duchess

[ In Reply To ..]
Boy, do I hear ya? :) I have had almost all of the thyroid symptoms for years and years. All the tests have come back normal....now for 15 years, I have taken the ball myself for my healthcare. I finally went to a naturopath who has helped more than any doctor in the AMA. Look up Wilson's Thyroid syndrome. You might find some of your answers there....Typical AMA response is he is a quack. I, however, have come to the opinion that AMA docs are the quacks. My naturopath has helped me more in the last two years of my medical issues than all of the AMA docs that I have been to all of my life. I am almost fifty too.

Additional comments.... - Duchess

[ In Reply To ..]
I also wanted to say I find it very frustrating that we have insurance and yet, I can't use it with my naturopath. I can use it to go to docs who keep avoiding the real issue and want to just treat symptoms. I quit going to the doctors after my last child at age 33, having mood swings, hot flashes, etc., etc. and they wanted to put me on anti-depressants. I am getting ready to start the Wilson's thyroid protocol treatment with my naturopath. It's scary...and it's frustrating because it's not cheap and I have insurance but can't use it!

The best care so far has been from a RE not a regular endo - mtstudent

[ In Reply To ..]
The best care I have received was from a reproductive endocrinologist. I am sure I would be in much better health right now if I could have stayed under his care. I've seen two regular endocrinologist since him and the care isn't good IMO.

I had a difficult time getting my thyroid problem diagnosed too. I had Grave's disease and they assume you are a drug addict. I went to the health department twice after my symptoms started and they gave me these drug abuse pamphlets. When I was pregnant a few months later the OB attributed all my symptoms to being pregnant. I was so fustrated as I knew I had these symptoms before I was pregnant. I made an apt with a family practice doctor.. had to argue with the nurse that it was not for OB but for my other symptoms. I was 22 and did not understand how to navigate the healthcare system. Fortunately he felt my thyroid, drew labs and immediately sent me to a perinatologist. I received excellent care there. The nurses at her office that took your blood pressure were all nurse practioners.

I remember though even after being diangosed with Grave's disease, having a Rx for PTU going and to the ER for a miscarriage the physician wanted to know what drugs I was taking to make my pusle so high...so ridiculous.

I would recommend see if you can see a RE for gyn and ask him to check your thyroid. I'm Catholic and don't agree with IVF but they give excellent care. I wish I had insurance or cash and could see one now. I gained 100 lbs after having RAI 8 years ago.

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