Few doctors warn Hashimoto's or Graves' disease patients that they face a higher risk of developing other autoimmune conditions such as Sjogren's Syndrome (dry eyes and mouth), or Raynaud's Syndrome (tingling, numb hands and feet), or rheumatoid arthritis (aching, painful joints and muscles). There are almost 100 different autoimmune conditions, and there are things we can do to help prevent, avoid, heal and even cure some autoimmune conditions.
2. Providing little support or guidance for weight loss.
Some physicians will tell you that hypothyroidism has nothing to do with weight gain, and that after RAI or thyroid surgery, or after a hypothyroidism diagnosis, you won't gain weight. This is absolutely wrong, and has even been proven by respected research. If your doctor can't help, we can!
See Weight Loss Information Center
1. Failing to be a caring partner who believes you can and should feel truly well again.
You can't make the wrong doctor into one who cares, is open-minded, and who is your partner in
wellness. So there's a time when it's best to make a decision to move on to a practitioner who is right
for you. Your first stop? The
Thyroid Top Doctors Directory.
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.
This article was last reviewed and updated by Thyroid Guide Mary Shomon on November 3, 2005.
