Hello my thyroid family,
KUDOS to any family member who’s been able to snare an awesome thyroid doctor, for those who haven’t - keep searching. Good luck!
In past blogs, you've read about my tumultuous relationship with my Endo. I was so close to divorcing her again, however, recent events have led me to want to stick with her a little longer. She accepts me now because I have given her the one thing she truly loves most, a non-thyroid ailing patient.
Allow me to explain…
It all started one day when my Endo had grown tired of me complaining about my symptoms(I must have received 10-12 sighs during that particular office visit). You know the type, the huge loud sighs, accompanied with her hands on her hips and some eye rolls...
Because I told her many of my symptoms were exacerbated around "that time" of the month, she promptly cut me off and said. “Well this all sounds period related, you should go see your gynecologist. “
Oh the joy when specialists pawn you off onto another? Cha Ching!
Meanwhile, at the Gyno, he heard my concerns and ran a battery of tests (without the sigh’s and eye rolls).
The tests showed my progesterone was off the charts "low", almost non-existent. Progesterone is nicknamed “The feel good hormone.” You mean there is a hormone that is supposed to make you feel good? I’ll take a few cases please!
In addition, my blood sugar was high...
Fast forward to my next Endo visit, she immediately asked how my appointment with my Gyno went. I told her about my progesterone (rather lack thereof), then I told her about blood sugar.
And…amazingly, it was like I turned into a shiny new toy for her to play with! She became somewhat giddy, it was weird. She began talking 100 miles an hour about my health and all the things I should do from here on out. She wanted me to come back to see her physician assistant, who is also a registered dietician to chart out a comprehensive dietary plan. She suggested exercises, recommended books and a few websites.
I could not believe this change in her attitude, (now I’m sighing)...But ya know, I can’t even get mad anymore. Still, I’m a little frustrated. Where were the exercise tips, the dietician, the passion to treat me when I gained 20 pounds after radio-active iodine treatment? The only response I received then was…”Are you sure you are taking your medicine at the right time each day.”
Thyroid sufferers, if we aren’t treated like hypochondriacs then we are treated like five-year olds!
But alas, I am an optimist! I know one day we pioneers will not have suffered in vain. The medical community will eventually know how to treat those of us afflicted with thyroid ailments. Our future looks bright. We will have "on-call" massage therapists to work on our achy joints, round the clock maid service to keep our houses clean, and in-home chefs to cook nutrient enriched but, tasty meals-all paid by insurance companies.
Sigh
Crazy Thyroid Lady
Thanks for the post. I am looking for glimmers of hope wherever I can find them.
ReplyDeleteKeep your head up Rod!
Deleteloved it!
DeleteI love the idea of a maid service and in-home chefs! lol. That is the one thing that has made my life frustrating since "coming down" with Graves is the lack of energy to clean and cook. I am a military wife, SAHM to 4 kids. I don't have time for no energy! My endo keeps telling me that things will get better just keep taking my meds. I try to ask questions and he dismisses them all as if I was born yesterday. I haven't lost ALL of my memory and ability to think yet so don't treat me like an idiot! ;p I leave his office frustrated and unencouraged about things. I wonder if they realize that these diseases take over your entire life and affect everything from your body, mind, relationships, etc?!!? I am glad for those of you out there speaking up about thyroids. Otherwise I would have been lost in my miserableness months ago! Thank you for helping me to know I am not alone!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHah hah, giggled like mad here Carol - how you were treated like a shiny new toy by your Endo, so funny. We have to keep our sense of humour as well as trying to keep our thyroid levels stable. If we lose our sense of humour, we are doomed! I prefer your outlook......here's to a bright future all! :)
ReplyDelete