Why Your Doctor Thinks I'm Crazy: Part 2

by Mary J. Shomon

It appears that last week's article, "Why Your Doctor Thinks I'm Crazy," hit a nerve. I've never had more mail in response to an article!

In the article, I discussed why some mainstream endocrinologists go around saying that "Mary Shomon is crazy." I've shared that one very well-known East Coast endocrinologist even started off an endocrinology meeting with a David Letterman "Top 10" style list of "The Top Ten Signs You Have a Crazy Thyroid Patient on Your Hands." Number 2 on the list was "She walks in carrying a copy of Mary Shomon's book!" As I mentioned, hearing that doctors say I'm "crazy," and that they dread patients who walk in carrying copies of my book is the BEST thing anyone could tell me. Because that means that I'm doing my job as a patient advocate...and the endocrinologists are taking notice!! Check out my article now to see some of the reasons why some doctors say I'm crazy...

But in the meantime, here are some excerpts from some of the hundreds of emails and forums posts that have been made regarding the subject!! And if you want to jump into the discussion and visit the forum now.

CRAZY?? THEY ARE SCARED!

...So they think you are crazy. That translates to that they are scared. You are taking their patients outside the box and I thank you!

Cari

PATIENTS ARE NEVER GOING BACK

We aren't the passive observers to our health care we used to be -- we are involved partners who have earned the right to particpate in decision making. Patients are never going back to the way they were so those endos better find a way to adapt and adjust their attitudes or find themselves extinct... It is not our problem. It is theirs and they had better find a way to deal with the new, informed patient because we are here to stay. We are going to demand adequate, no more than adequate -- substantial health care with respect! If they can't provide that, they may find themselves with empty waiting rooms.

Debra

THANK YOU FOR BEING CRAZY

Thank you for being crazy! This forum & your book have helped me become a "petit papier" woman. I don't take the word of any MD as gospel anymore....I've learned to become assertive. I am now an involved, participating patient. I ask questions, and I do my research. I'm a lot better off than I was a few months ago, thanks to you.

LET THE LUNACY CONTINUE!!!!!!!

Susan

CRAZY MARY'S FAN CLUB

Hi Mary,

Just wanted to let you know I have dismissed 2 of the supposedly best endos in [my] county, and some of my other physician specialists were concerned about potential repercussions to their reputations by my decision!

I occasionally get "quiet" calls from physician friends whose patients, especially females, need an expert on thyroid issues and are not satisfied with the same endos I tried out.

So, YOU GO GIRL!!! ...my current physician treating my thyroid cancer ...handles all my endo issues. I am so grateful to have finally made it to him after suffering for so long and jeopardizing my life with the "prima donnas" who didn't like being questioned.

Kristy

I THINK IT'S CRAZY...

I think it's crazy that there are so many of us out here totally miserable and this - this "Doctor" has the nerve to make fun of others who are in pain and still call himself a doctor.

Ang

WHAT IS CRAZY IS THAT THEY DON'T TEST CHILDREN!!

I read with interest your "I think it's crazy" section of your recent article about why doctors think YOU are crazy. I have one to add. I think it's crazy that doctors don't test children for thyroid disease.

My son suffered through countless medical diagnostic procedures from the time he was seven years old because of a myriad of symptoms (stomach ailments, headaches, virtually no growth, fatigue, wt. gain, academic decline). The doctors essentially told me there was nothing wrong with him, that his symptoms were psychological in nature. I am a developmental psychologist and did not believe this for an instant. However, I knew nothing about thyroid disease. When he was nearly 11, he had some orthopedic problems. He was diagnosed with bilateral slipped capital femoral epiphyses, which required surgery. After the pediatric orthopedist gave me the bad news, he asked me what I was doing for my son's hypothyroidism. I was stunned. He was stunned that he hadn't been diagnosed and treated. He saw an endocrinologist the next week, was diagnosed and treatment began. The endo turned out to be a total jerk, of the type you regularly discuss in your column -- nothing but synthroid, change the dose, come back in a year without any monitoring (and yes, he hates you for informing patients), but at least treatment was under way.