Still Trying
- My doctor prescribe all thyroid medications but does not understand that I need an increase. His blood draw was a surprise to me, as I had taken my medication in the morning. Most likely he drew the blood at the peak because now he wants me to lower my dose. So he thinks I am hyper when I am still a slug. When I told him my symptoms, he told me he did not believe me, and I answered, "are you calling me a liar?" and he backed down. Now he wants to reduce my medication when I need an increase. I have all hypo symptoms. No other doctors around. I am still fighting and trying. Thank you, Mary.
- —Guest Bluebird
Finally Found Open-Minded Endo
- After my diagnosis of hypothyroidism, I was referred to an endocrinologist in my medical plan. I am a nurse with 20 years experience in an ICU, and I feel that I am very knowledgeable. However, this doctor answered my questions by putting his hand up in a "stop" motion and shaking his head. He never let me complete a question, and never looked up from his computer to address me. My disgust with him lead me to a different doctor. "Dr. Mac" has been an endocrinologist for over 35 years. He was open to all forms of treatment and commented that after all his years of practice, he has learned that we do not know fully understand the function of the thyroid. Furthermore, treatment that works for some patients may not work for others. He even turned to his computer and pulled up this web site because I mentioned that I used it to locate him. He will soon be retiring, and he wanted to help me find a new doctor that shares his philosophy. For 2 years, I have been under his treatment with a T3/T4 combo. I look and feel great!
- —gbunches
The Negative and Positive Doctors
- My doctor is a very nice person as well as a wonderful doctor, but regarding treatment for Hashimoto's, he doesn't seem to understand. I've medicated myself for the past 6 years and have gone through 4 doctors. In the past I could go by my TSH test results as to either lower or increase medication. Now for some reason I cannot go by the TSH. My doctor wants to protect my bones and heart by not prescribing too much Synthroid with a TSH of 0.89. I had hypo symptoms with a TSH of 0.89. I felt better with a TSH at 0.39. So I begged my doctor to slightly increase my dose, and he did very reluctantly. I believe he thinks I want to lose weight and of course in taking high dosages then I would lose weight. I would never do that! Anyway, to make a long story short, I just can't get over how many "good" doctors are still missing the boat when it comes to treating thyroid patients. I've never understood why all of a sudden the TSH changes as far as having hypo symptoms.
- —Guest sanang
Following Blood Work Only!
- My family doctor diagnosed me with Hashimoto's Disease at the age of 15 after my mom pushed him to get my blood work done. Every time I would see my doctor, I would tell him how I felt and his only response was, "Well we will do your blood work and see." It was frustrating. I then went to an endocrinologist who laughed at me when I was explaining my symptoms to her saying that's not what she asked. She also told me that what I was saying was not a symptom of thyroid issues. What is not an issue that thyroid problems cause?! I felt humiliated and not listened to. She again relied on my blood work instead of what I was telling her. I am now going to Dr. Kay Gannon and I absolutely love her. Yes she looks at my labs but she also listens to what I am saying and even if my labs say normal she knows that I still need an adjustment. She has now inspired me to look at becoming a thyroid doctor!
- —Guest Miranda De Kruyff
Endo Treated Me Like I Was 5 Years Old
- My family doctor sent me to an endocrinologist for evaluation, and he treated me like a 5 year old. When I asked intelligent questions, he became very defensive. I mentioned Mary Shomon's books and what I've learned from her. He shrugged it off and said she was just trying to sell books. I never went back and told my family doctor about him. She wasn't happy with him either. I had 7/8 of my thyroid removed 30 years ago and have been on Synthroid ever since with a diagnosis of Hashimoto's. She said she'd try me on Armour once it becomes available again. Maybe this is as good as I'll feel.
- —Guest BJHam
Google Led Me to Mary Shomon
- The first thing I did when my doctor diagnosed my Hashimoto's Thyroiditis was to look it up on Google. Wouldn't anyone? And practically the first thing I came across was the name Mary Shomon. Mary, if it wasn't for you, I would be frustrated and in the dark about my own condition. And whereas my doctor did tell me that the condition is easy to treat, at least she's open to tweaking my medicine and hearing a bit about what I read. In fact, she told me that it's a good idea to learn about my own condition. I'm very thankful to have a good doctor. I'm also very thankful for Mary Shomon who does such a lot of work on our behalf. Thanks to you, I know what to try to help myself out, such as vitamins (my doctor never mentioned them), exercise, drinking water and supplements. After all, I'm the one who has to learn to live with this condition, not my doctor. Thank you for all you do Mary, you are helping me to live well with hypothyroidism.
- —Guest A. H.
Power of Research & Educating Oneself
- Mary, sending for your book on hypothyrodism was a godsend. It armed me with the proper questions to ask my doctor regarding my high TSH level. Your research helped me understand the functions of the thyroid and to work in conjunction with my doctor for the best treatment. I went for my consult with six pages of printed material from the internet. My doctor smiled and was interested in what I had found out. He was also ready for all my questions. To be honest, I was quite surprised at his knowledge of the thyroid and recommendations which were the same recommendations I researched. I am only six weeks into my regime of Armour Thyroid, proper supplementation, exercise and healthy eating. My TSH levels have gone from 13 to normal. I have experienced very little symptoms of hypothyryoidism so I can only attribute that to early diagnosis. Thank you Mary, for your writings. I refer to "Living Well with Hypothyroidism" and "The Thyroid Diet" often.
- —Guest Ronnie
Threatened Endocrinologists
- I went to two endocrinologists for the first time this year. I have had hypothyroidism since I was sixteen. I started reading about hypothyroidism in Kenneth Blanchard's book and became excited that I could be relieved of this disease. I went to the first endocrinologist with my book and suggested the idea of the 2% solution in the book. He agreed to at the end to put me on Cytomel after quizzing me on what the cause is of hypothyroidism. I left the office feeling unheard and ashamed. Awhile after that I decided to pick myself back up and try again with another endocrinologist who told me to burn that book that I've been reading because it's dangerous and full of lies. He also told me to start looking at other possible health problems in connection with my symptoms. As he was speaking, I put head down and started crying as the doctor didn't offer a tissue or anything and continued rambling about how right he was. There was a puddle of black mascara tears on his floor that I left behind.
- —Guest Jos
My Doctor Lied to Me
- I walked into this idiot's office hopeful that I had found an endocrinologist that was willing to prescribe Cytomel along with Synthroid because, despite "normal" lab numbers, I was having my menstrual cycle every 2 weeks, was still depressed, was losing significant patches of hair, having trouble going to the restroom, maintaining concentration, and retaining information from class lectures. After telling me how T3 supplementation will cause me an enlarged heart, she finally conceded that she will think about supplementing my current Synthroid with it. When I went to the pharmacy, they informed me that the doctor decided only to fill my Synthroid prescription. When I called her she refused to take any of my calls or inquiries. The point is I do research drugs and have access to medical trials due to being a biology student. I have never seen anywhere in my research or trials that T3 supplementation causes an enlarged heart. I would advise others to steer clear of Jayanthi Suppiah.
- —Guest Julie Ubadigbo
Mary's Book Saved Me
- I suffered with Synthroid and the crappy TSH test for 4-5 years before I purchased The Thyroid Diet by Mary. I immediately took the book, dog eared, highlighted and sticky noted to my doctor. He promptly rolled his eyes but to his credit, listened. I asked about Armour & was told it was inferior & outdated but I could try it. To his surprise, it worked. Long story short, I knew I there was room for more improvement so I found a doctor on Mary's Top Doc directory and am now feeling pretty darn good. ( I take compounded dessicated thyroid instead of Armour now). I would never have known I had options if not for Crazy Mary & her Crazy Book. To her, I owe an enormous debt of gratitude. Thank you Mary for all you do! You truly make a difference in so many lives.
- —Guest Tami42
Thank You Mary
- Mary, I thank you. Because of your work, I found a wonderful doctor. Because of your work, I was able to leave two doctors who basically "patted me on the head" about my symptoms. Because of reading your work, I was able to take my thyroid and search for a doctor who would listen. I cry sometimes when I read your articles. Without your work I am afraid to think of where I would be now. You are a life-saver. Proud to be a Petits Papiers Patient, Carolyn I thank you
- —Guest Carolyn Collen-DuBose
Doctor experience
- One doctor literally could not get me out of her office fast enough when I pulled out a file with my information, then a list of questions. She would not listen to my questions and said she could prescribe antidepressants. She had diagnosed me with Graves' disease, but my symptoms would not go away. After researching my test results, I found another doctor that was excited when I opened my file to give him a table with my test results going back 10 years. Being new, I thought it would be easier then explaining everything. He was wonderful! Turns out I had silent thyroiditis, a second reoccurance, which is kinda rare. This occurred during menopause which was causing other symptoms. I hate to think what would have happened if I had listened to the first doctor and stayed on the drugs she prescribed. I highly recommend keeping all records yourself, getting copies of everything, and educating yourself.
- —Guest LBW
Internist & Endo Disagree with Eye Doc
- I was treated for Graves' and hyperthyroidism for one year by my internist and referred to an endocrinologist. I continued complaining about my eyes and they just ignored me. My regular eye doctor told me I had the beginning signs of GED, but the endocrinologist and internist disagreed. After a year of of pain and swelling, I went to another endocrinologist out of state. On our initial visit he ask what he could do for me. I told him my eyes were really hurting and that the doctors had told me there was nothing wrong. He told me it was obvious to him I had GED. He sent me to an eye specialist who confirmed the condition. I was so relieved to know I wasn't crazy and they have worked with me for over a year now. I have good days and bad days with my eyes, but I think we are making progress. I am almost two years into the "hot phase" They told me normally 18 to 24 months is the length of the hot phase. If all goes well I should have some relief within a couple of months. Find a doctor who will listen to you.
- —mythyroid2010
My "Threatened" Doctor
- Mary, for 7 months I kept telling my doctor my medicine was too strong (Synthroid - I will not settle for Levothyroxine). I had all symptoms again of my medicine not working. He wouldn't listen. I finally got a 2nd doctor to call him and tell him that something was wrong. My doctor finally relented and reduced my med from .110 to .0888. I had more energy, my hair quit falling out, my appetite returned (Thank God for that) I had already lost 30 pounds from 128 to 98!!!!! and he still kept denying my opinion. I am feeling a bit better and I sincerely hope he listens next time. I have had thyroid problems for 22 years. They used radiation and killed the gland, so I am hypo, and he doesn't seem to understand that. But when I start losing weight and hair I know something is wrong and have been proven right over and over again. Thanks so much for your column. I forward it to my granddaughter. She has problems also.
- —Guest Frankie Baxter
"Face It, You're Just Depressed."
- I have had thyroid problems for 20 years. I was hyper at the start and ended up having a thyroidectomy. That was the start of my troubles. A year later, I had a full hysterectomy. My doctor after 18 years struck me off his list and said "You need to get it in your head you are depressed." Give him top marks for that depression diagnosis. My new doctor is no better. I have to monitor my own medicine and purchase them from Mexico as our NHS in the U.K. won't provide it. My problem was I couldn't convert thyroxine. I was getting sicker. After seeing well known Dr. Peatfield who saved me, I am now happily on T3 only and doing well. Most doctors and endocrinologists in the U.K. are ignorant when it comes to treating thyroid.
- —Guest gilian broughton
