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Strange But True Thyroid Doctor Stories: Wanda and The Hippie Endo |
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Even the Groovy Owls Couldn't Save This Doctor Visit
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Tell YOUR Story!
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"Does anyone have any strange but true doctor stories to share? Jump into the discussion at the Thyroid Top Doctors Forum now!"
Mary
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Brought to you by Mary J. Shomon
The following "Strange But True Thyroid Doctor Story" was submitted by Wanda! The opinions are her own, and if you have comments, please feel free to share them at the forum!) To share your own story, send Mary Shomon an email at thyroid.guide@about.com.
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, after being treated for a pituitary tumor. The doctor told me that if I take my medication properly at the same time daily, I should have no problem. The most he could do is tell me that I must have Hashimoto's disease because I never felt regulated and that's what is to be expected with this disease/disorder.
After a few years and going around on this carousel ride of never
quite
reaching the brass ring I decided to seek advice elsewhere. (Even though my
GYN was also an endocrinologist, and listed as one of the few Md. in this area
by the national thyroid board or something like that). I felt that I could
stand to be seen by someone that deals with this exclusively. So I asked
for
a referral to an endo specialist. He sent me to this woman.
My first clue that I should rethink this appointment was when I was
asked what time I would like to be seen, on the very next day! I had my
choice, I felt like someone was telling me go ahead pick a card any
card.....and no matter which one I chose it would be OK ..
My second clue was when I entered into what appeared to be out of a
time warp or an episode of the Twilight Zone. You could almost hear the
theme
sound/song. I truly expected Rod Serling to enter and give a narrative at
any given moment...The office was decorated in orange, brown and plaid
Herculean furniture, owls, owls, everywhere...big ones small ones, string art
owls, an owl made out of shells, you name a craft of the 70's and I bet
there
was an owl there made in that method. Mind you this appointment was in the
90's.
Thirdly, there was an article on the wall framed about thyroid
disease
and the "new" treatment...written also in the 70's.
Next I was called into the examining room (and I use that term loosely) and
was asked to be seated and I waited. This woman who appeared to be a throw
back from the 70's entered.. Her entire demeanor and dress was as if she
never left that decade. The only thing missing was incense burning and
chanting music in the background.
She asked me to tell her why I was there. I did..I told her that I
was
tired of feeling tired. My hair was still thinning, my skin looked like
alligator hide, and my weight continued to gain no matter what I did. I
told
her I did take my medication and that I was at the end of my rope. She
asked
to see my latest blood tests I complied and gave them to her.
Next, she lightly, (as I barely felt her) supposedly palpated my
neck.
It was as if she was afraid to touch me. Afterward, I attempted to ask her
a
question and I was told to just sit there and she would speak to me after
she
was done. I did. Hey...I received my primary education in a Catholic
school
taught by Felicians...that ought to explain my naivete with authority,
such
as doctors.
TWENTY MINUTES........20 long minutes I sat there while she, using
her
two index fingers,slowly and methodically typed on her typewriter. I
thought
that she was writing a report to my GYN for me to give to him, or a
prescription or a referral of some sort. What was to follow was a
Shocker.
She handed me this paper and told me to read it. It was a letter to
me! Yep that's right a letter to moi.
It said that through the use of positive thinking I could..now get
this....CURE my thyroid disease. I kid you not! That I had a negative
outlook
and that if I began to face my life in a more positive way I could
overcome
my condition. This was blocking my healing and well being!
She also suggested that I decrease the amount of Synthroid I was
taking, and I could accomplish this by skipping my Sunday pill.
Needless to say that I felt awkward and helpless as this was the
second endo I had seen. The basic message was that I was ok, my levels
were
ok and that I was complaining too much.
There were only two times since that time, which I can sincerely
say
I felt ok.....The time the doctor gave me a double dose of Synthroid for 4
weeks to shrink my thyroid (It was enlarged and I was having difficulty
breathing and talking) and shortly afterwards, when I went to an
Oncologist (head and neck) and had 9 lymphnodes and my left lobe removed. That only
lasted 3 months. I am back to the same ol' symptoms...and not alot of
faith in the medical profession. The crazy thing is I am in the profession
myself as an occupational therapist.
I saw an article in Woman's World in which you, your book and the
web site were mentioned. Thanks to you I am on my way to find another doctor
and I am feeling hopeful again. Thanks!
I hope that you too can have a good laugh at this ridiculous
story....Maybe the next time I e-mail you it will be a joyous and
victorious testimonial.
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