View Full Version : That was an intersting doctor's visit...
This internist is just plain crazy!! Yet, I really liked him or at least took comfort in his level of assurance. I gave him a detailed list of all the things that happened since ds was born. He basically yawned and said it was all normal and talked about evolution and how it was intended that women were suppose to be able to hold on to weight for child rearing. He thought there was probably some post-pregnancy hormonal imbalance, maybe even Sheehan's syndrome (though I didn't hemmorage), but nothing you can do about it. He said I could go on birth control pills-acck...
The episode that happened last week said it sounded like a gallblader attack. I looked it up and it DID sound like it. Definitely not what I was thinking.
We are doing bloodwork, though he expects everything to come back normal and didn't think I had hypothyroidism, but gave me the blood test anyways.
As for this freaking weight gain, he said he guarantee'd me that I could loose weight if I paid someone to do it (ie. weigh watchers, Jenny Craig and etc) He said it doesn't matter WHAT I have, if I were on an 1000 calorie diet I would HAVE to loose weight. I argued that I knew how to loose weight and that I was exercising everyday and he challenged me to show him a food journal. Ouch! LOL His "alarms" didn't ring when I only gained 15lbs in 8 years. As for the bloating, he thought I should see my OB/GYN also.
One thing that he took notice of is my blood pressure. It was only 78/40. I have always had low blood pressure, but this was LOW. With the dizziness and headache, he thought I could be anemic and the blood tests would show that.
My family doctor shoves x-rays, anti-biotics and samples at me everytime I went in there. This one tells me life can suck, having babies can ruin you and move on. Crazy S.O.B.!!
angie r
09-27-2006, 12:59 PM
Man, that truth will get ya every time! lol I'm glad it wasn't something major, be sure to let us know when you get your bloodwork back. How soon will you hear something?
Dnk119
09-27-2006, 01:34 PM
wow what a quack. I stay away from pa's and interns that act like that.
He sounds arrogant. I had a dr like that(young arrogant type) once. I made sure I didn't see him anymore. Then I tried a new dr that shoved all kinds of meds to me when he couldn't find out what was wrong.Need I say I never went back there.
I would for sure find a new family dr.
I know it is hard to find a new dr. I think they are hard to come by. My 3 kiddo's ped. is now 1.5 hrs away and their ped. dentist is 1hr away. I cannot make myself get their records and find a new dr. We have been here since April. I have drove out to the dentist for them 2x and ped 2x too since we moved.For well visits of course. We did try a new ped here last week for a sick visit. It was nice but not the same.
Anyways hang in there. I hope everything turns out well. :newwink:
Nicole
Interesting, lol...thanks for the update. Hope you get your blood work back soon.
Mickey
09-27-2006, 02:48 PM
Your blood pressure really is low! Wow!
I've had a doctor seem a bit dismissive and it's annoying. I told him I had a hard time losing weight and felt very lethargic. I asked him if I could have a thyroid problem and he told me "no" and told me to eat less and exercise. :rolleyes: I asked for a test and it came back normal. Well I ended up going to a weight loss doctor who did a more detailed/accurate test and he referred me to an endocrinologist. The endocrinologist asked me how I even got out of bed--he told me my thyroid was pretty much non-functioning and that I had to feel like absolute crap.
If you don't feel comfortable with what this doctor said, I'd seek another opinion.
Your blood pressure really is low! Wow!
I've had a doctor seem a bit dismissive and it's annoying. I told him I had a hard time losing weight and felt very lethargic. I asked him if I could have a thyroid problem and he told me "no" and told me to eat less and exercise. :rolleyes: I asked for a test and it came back normal. Well I ended up going to a weight loss doctor who did a more detailed/accurate test and he referred me to an endocrinologist. The endocrinologist asked me how I even got out of bed--he told me my thyroid was pretty much non-functioning and that I had to feel like absolute crap.
If you don't feel comfortable with what this doctor said, I'd seek another opinion.
HOw did the first test come out normal if it was basically non-existent? That is wild!
When the doctor first met me, he gave me his viewpoint. He deals with honesty only. If alarms don't go off in his head when people list their symptoms, he said he states his truth based on his medical knowledge. He didn't want to diagnois me with anything or prescribe me anything until he read my bloodwork and then we could go from there. From what I told him, he said most falls into the normal range. He was concerned about the low blood pressure, dizziness and continuing headache-thought it could be anemia (but won't know until results come back). I have no idea when the bloodwork will be back. He said he will call me as soon as he gets them.
I didn't think he was arrogant and much as I was thinking he has heard it all and he was going to separate fact from fiction and lay it on the table. I hope the OB/GYN will help fill in the rest of the puzzle, but I think I will wait until the results are.
Diane
09-27-2006, 03:35 PM
I like that he's honest with you and that he's not shoving pills down your throat... (like so many doctor's seem to do now adays) at least not until your test results come back first. I hope you'll be able to find out a little more from your OB/GYN. Let us know...
Melody
09-27-2006, 04:12 PM
Glad he's sending you for bloodwork and no major alarms were going off. Hope the results come in soon.
Is he aware that the normal ranges for thyroid disease has changed?
many docs just look at the TSH number and have no clue what else they should be looking at.
hope you get some answers. i think the guy sounds like a jerk, sorry alarms didn't go off in his head, but maybe he hit the snooze button!
i think the guy sounds like a jerk, sorry alarms didn't go off in his head, but maybe he hit the snooze button!
ROFLPMP!!!! :lol: Maybe you should ask him that, Amy! :newwink:
Mickey
09-27-2006, 06:50 PM
HOw did the first test come out normal if it was basically non-existent? That is wild!...
If memory serves me right (this was 15 years or so ago), the endocrinologist said that the first test was likely an older type of test that doesn't always detect problems, but since my thyroid was so bad, he thought that there was a possibility that my thyroid had deteriorated quickly between the two tests (I think there was about a year between the two tests).
Good luck with the testing!
well, I hope the blood work comes in quickly.
As for the doctor, I agree that you should see your OBGYN....I don't think what your have been experiencing is normal after childbirth stuff...but that is just me....
Hang in there honey...
littlesista06
09-27-2006, 08:35 PM
Well good luck. I don't know what to make of your dr...?
Keep us posted.
The Dr. sent me a copy of my bloodwork result and I'm perfectly normal. There was only on question area and that was for GFR Caucasion. It is some calculation for kidneys. The normal range is 64-149 and I am 59.
For those who are thyroid savvy, does any of the following results sound suspicious?
Bili, Total=0.6
Free T4=1.0
TSH=2.12
The Dr. sent me a copy of my bloodwork result and I'm perfectly normal. There was only on question area and that was for GFR Caucasion. It is some calculation for kidneys. The normal range is 64-149 and I am 59.
For those who are thyroid savvy, does any of the following results sound suspicious?
Bili, Total=0.6
Free T4=1.0
TSH=2.12
I don't know about the numbers, but I just had to say... that avatar is creepy!!! :lol:
I don't know about the numbers, but I just had to say... that avatar is creepy!!! :lol:
I don't know about the numbers either, but Amy is normal? Who'da thunk it :goofy:
Glad to hear it's all well.
Amy, what were your T3 and T4?
Diane
09-29-2006, 03:33 PM
but I just had to say... that avatar is creepy!!! :lol:
It is... isn't it? LOL
Amy, what were your T3 and T4?
He didn't do T3, but Free T4 is 1.0
here's a great article and site.
***********
. The first step for you is knowing your exact TSH level, and other key thyroid levels such as T4 and T3. These levels allow you to help gauge where your doctor is in terms of treatment, and give you a common point of discussion.
Knowledgeable doctors know that a TSH of around 1 - 2 --- in the low end of the normal range -- is the normal level for people without thyroid disease, and they aim for this range in treating thyroid patients. Keep in mind that a doctor telling you your TSH is "fine" is not enough, because if your doctor is using the standard normal range of .5 to 5 , you could have a TSH of 4 and be told that you are "normal." (Note, some doctors are following a new, recommended TSH range of 0.3 to 3.0). In my own situation, I know I feel terrible at a TSH of 3.0 or above, and I get hyperthyroid symptoms at .1, but I feel well at around 1.5 or so. (NOTE: this TSH is usually kept even lower than 1-2 for thyroid cancer survivors to help prevent recurrence.)
note from Ann..my doc wants me at 1
ASK THE DOCTOR IF A NEW TARGET TSH MIGHT BE APPROPRIATE FOR YOU.
. For some people, even if the TSH level is normal, or even in some bases, low normal, there may still be a situation where one is functionally hypothyroid, due to the body's inability to move convert circulating T4 thyroid hormone into the active T3 hormone at the cellular level, inadequate T3 hormone levels in general, or other factors. Inability to properly convert T4 to T3 can also result in fluctuating TSH, as the system struggles to keep balancing an out of whack T4 and T3 level, sending TSH levels up and down to compensate. For these patients, supplemental T3 may help them to feel well.
Some patients find that adding T3 in the form of Cytomel or via compounded, time-released T3, to their levothyroxine, resolves symptoms. Others have had success with the another approach: synthetic T4/T3 drug Thyrolar, and a subset of patients seem to feel best on the natural desiccated T4/T3 drug Armour Thyroid, which has been available by prescription for more than 100 years.
note from Ann...I don't convert T4 to T3 so I take Armour Thyroid (T3) in a addition to synthroid
If you've optimized your thyroid treatment, the next step is to consider complementing your conventional thyroid treatment with additional approaches. These may include dietary changes, herbs/vitamins/supplements to help alleviate specific symptoms, adrenal support, metabolism-boosting techniques, stress reduction approaches, and other integrative efforts. To help develop your own integrated thyroid plan, there are various books that provide in-depth information. See information on thyroid-related books for ideas.
INTEGRATE ALTERNATIVE AND HOLISTIC APPROACHES INTO YOUR TREATMENT.
If your doctor won't discuss options, then you'll need to find a doctor, one who is familiar with thyroid conditions, who will be your partner in wellness. If you want to find the doctor to help, you can search for a good doctor recommended by our fellow thyroid patients at my Top Docs Directory. The Directory features US and international doctors by state or country.
GET A NEW DOCTOR.
Mary Shomon, About.com's Thyroid Guide since 1997, is a nationally-known patient advocate and best-selling author of 10 books on health, including "The Thyroid Diet: Manage Your Metabolism for Lasting Weight Loss," "Living Well With Hypothyroidism: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You...That You Need to Know," "Living Well With Graves' Disease and Hyperthyroidism," "Living Well With Autoimmune Disease," "Living Well With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia," and the "Thyroid Guide to Fertility, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Success." Click here for more information on Mary Shomon.
Melody
09-29-2006, 06:55 PM
I don't know about the numbers either, but Amy is normal? Who'da thunk it :goofy:
.
Huh.............
;) Glad to hear it Amy.
here's an interesting site for you
http://thyroid.about.com/cs/endocrinology/a/adrenalfatigue.htm?nl=1
http://www.drrind.com/scorecardmatrix.asp
So.... i am normal?
The adrenal article is interesting. The doc brought up Addison's, but didn't think I fit the bill, but the fatigue aspect is cool. I also had previously searched Wilson's syndrome. The doctor lost his license and can't even practise and the thyroid foundation refuted his syndrome as a real problem.
Since I went on this diet/exercise (yes this is a new one on the Sparkspeople.com website), I know I have lost quickly. I am afraid to weigh myself because I place too much emphasis on the numbers. I have been pleased that my clothes fit looser, so that is a start! I just had to get honest with how much food I was putting in my mouth and how it tallies up!
Diane
09-30-2006, 10:14 AM
So.... i am normal?
The adrenal article is interesting. The doc brought up Addison's, but didn't think I fit the bill, but the fatigue aspect is cool. I also had previously searched Wilson's syndrome. The doctor lost his license and can't even practise and the thyroid foundation refuted his syndrome as a real problem.
Since I went on this diet/exercise (yes this is a new one on the Sparkspeople.com website), I know I have lost quickly. I am afraid to weigh myself because I place too much emphasis on the numbers. I have been pleased that my clothes fit looser, so that is a start! I just had to get honest with how much food I was putting in my mouth and how it tallies up!
Glad the diet is working for you. :) I make it a point to NEVER get on the scale while I'm dieting... as long as I "feel" good/like I'm loosing weight, I stay off from it. :) I use to get so depressed when I'd get on the scale and see I had hardly lost anything, if anything at all, then get discouraged and quit. LOL I won't get on it until I get my first compliment... and by that tiime I'm pretty pleased at what I see. :)
Good luck...
Oh Amy, I am so glad you have found an eating regime that works...that is have the battle, I didn't weigh in for over two weeks when I first started on my new eating lifestyle.....amazing how well you start to feel, and how you can get into those clothes that once felt like I would rip out the sems.....
CONGRATULATIONS and keep up the getting in the gym, that is one area, I just haven't been able to find the time for......You GO GIRL!
I also had previously searched Wilson's syndrome. The doctor lost his license and can't even practise and the thyroid foundation refuted his syndrome as a real problem.
8o I have a friend who would adamently disagree and is doing very well with a doctor following Wilson's guidelines! 8o I'm surprised.
Melody
09-30-2006, 12:18 PM
Glad the diet is working for you. :) I make it a point to NEVER get on the scale while I'm dieting... as long as I "feel" good/like I'm loosing weight, I stay off from it. :) I use to get so depressed when I'd get on the scale and see I had hardly lost anything, if anything at all, then get discouraged and quit. LOL I won't get on it until I get my first compliment... and by that tiime I'm pretty pleased at what I see. :)
Good luck...
The only time I ever get on a scale is when I am pregnant. If the doc needs to know my weight, she can look, I won't. It's not because I feel big by numbers or anything, that was never a case with me. But I never wanted to get caught up in a numbers battle with myself thinking, oh just a few founds more to lose or whatever. As a teen, I did get all caught up in it and stopped eating for a while so I swore never again after I got healthy again. If this baby is a girl, dh's scale is being tossed.
Amy, glad you found something that works for you. I think excercise is key.
Pam, this is where I read the info.
http://www.thyroid.org/professionals/publications/statements/99_11_16_wilsons.html
There is alot of controversy about T3. The natural supplement being Armour Thyroid. The synthetic being Cytomel. Most old fashsioned docs think that taking T4 which is Synthroid (Levoxcl) alone is fine. Many endocrinologists are realizing that T4 alone isn't always enough to make someone feel better. So they prescribe a low dose of T3 too. That's what my doc does. If you want to see controvery just google Armour Thyroid! LOL Wilson believed that T3 alone was enough. So you have a double edged controversy..the docs that will not ever acknowledge that T3 is necessary even with T4 and the docs that do believe in adding T3 but didn't find it helpful alone.
There are many patients who swear they are only better with T3 alone. In fact they refer to docs who only prescribe T4 as 'synthroid nazis'! LOL
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