Found a doctor who said all my other doctors were WRONG!
- Thread starter Charli
- Start date
Charli
cool little "title"
Chip - another irony? I had my Blue Cross packet with me when I moved but hadn't applied yet. Cost $2500 just to be admitted to St. John's (without insurance)
and then I had special care after that which cost us over 3 months rent - 10k.
By that time there was no turning back. The hospital stated I didn't qualify for medi-Cal so I didn't bother to apply. So for the next year every single doctor's
visit at $90-$150 a pop came out of my credit card.
The worse was Naturopathic at $350 who said, "sure I can fix your anxieities" - she gave me a one-treatment fits all and the irony? I found a supplement that
helps with headaches (had them because my body wasn't used to meds). She did nothing for me.
Seeing a Neurologist without insurance - $480.
The first Psychiatrist (who was a total dud and wanted to build her patient list, she didn't listen to anything I said and my Endo regrets sending me there) -
her price tag - $380
Not to mention drugs I've spent money on that didn't work. I have now applied for Medi-Cal and am on second round of applications (even though hospital
said in no way I would qualify).
Graves Disease is an auto-immune disorder that falls under the American Disability Act amended by George Bush.
Famous people with Graves
John F. Kennedy Jr. (his dad had Addison's)
President George Bush
First Lady Barbra Bush
Oprah
Trainer Jillian on "biggest loser" also had an auto immune disorder she had to work through. Millions of Americans walk around with fatigue which is due to a
subclinical condition of auto immune disorder.
My experience believe it or not is not uncommon among Grave's patients all over the world. Looking for answers and they can't figure out what to do.
So for me, 4 hospital visits later within a year, maxed out cards, in the hole but here is what I say to everyone who is in a hole of some type.
Debts can be paid.
Bank accounts can once again be filled.
Health however, you have to get there for the rest to fall in place. If you are struggling with the debts and lack of funds, it's alright. At least you have the
energy to get back out there.
****
ZaZa - I'm currently working a short about an infection disease that wipes out a whole region - you know, something "light" - ha ha
and then I had special care after that which cost us over 3 months rent - 10k.
By that time there was no turning back. The hospital stated I didn't qualify for medi-Cal so I didn't bother to apply. So for the next year every single doctor's
visit at $90-$150 a pop came out of my credit card.
The worse was Naturopathic at $350 who said, "sure I can fix your anxieities" - she gave me a one-treatment fits all and the irony? I found a supplement that
helps with headaches (had them because my body wasn't used to meds). She did nothing for me.
Seeing a Neurologist without insurance - $480.
The first Psychiatrist (who was a total dud and wanted to build her patient list, she didn't listen to anything I said and my Endo regrets sending me there) -
her price tag - $380
Not to mention drugs I've spent money on that didn't work. I have now applied for Medi-Cal and am on second round of applications (even though hospital
said in no way I would qualify).
Graves Disease is an auto-immune disorder that falls under the American Disability Act amended by George Bush.
Famous people with Graves
John F. Kennedy Jr. (his dad had Addison's)
President George Bush
First Lady Barbra Bush
Oprah
Trainer Jillian on "biggest loser" also had an auto immune disorder she had to work through. Millions of Americans walk around with fatigue which is due to a
subclinical condition of auto immune disorder.
My experience believe it or not is not uncommon among Grave's patients all over the world. Looking for answers and they can't figure out what to do.
So for me, 4 hospital visits later within a year, maxed out cards, in the hole but here is what I say to everyone who is in a hole of some type.
Debts can be paid.
Bank accounts can once again be filled.
Health however, you have to get there for the rest to fall in place. If you are struggling with the debts and lack of funds, it's alright. At least you have the
energy to get back out there.
****
ZaZa - I'm currently working a short about an infection disease that wipes out a whole region - you know, something "light" - ha ha
Charli
cool little "title"
Vgur - Yes, 100mg PTU pills (2 pills) a day for the last 6 months. I started out with taking 9 a day plus Propanonol which is to lower the heart rate. My heart rate back when I first contracted this disease was at 135 beats per minute.
My heart rate is normal in 70s now and my blood pressure, no problems. Everything is normal but my nervous system which is effects my breathing, believe it or not, fatigue and tremors.
Complete Blood Panel - normal. I have liver, kidneys that are in great condition because I don't drink alcohol or caffeine, don't smoke. If only I could replace my entire central nervous system, I think I'd be fine!
My heart rate is normal in 70s now and my blood pressure, no problems. Everything is normal but my nervous system which is effects my breathing, believe it or not, fatigue and tremors.
Complete Blood Panel - normal. I have liver, kidneys that are in great condition because I don't drink alcohol or caffeine, don't smoke. If only I could replace my entire central nervous system, I think I'd be fine!
Evan S
Veteran
So you were seeing regular doctors? Where at? A clinic? It's just so hard to figure out what you're feeling inside your body because it's not objective pain. It's all subjective. If someone says, "My stomach hurts." It's subjective, but if someone got stabbed we could look and say "yeah that probably hurts!"
It's that the doctors are not listening to what you're telling them, they don't want to dig any deeper, and most likely they want to get to their next patient and go home. Some doctors get bonuses for seeing a certain amount of patients. My mom is a OB/GYN, and she gets bonuses for seeing a certain amount of patients! Crazy huh?
As a student in pre-hospital care, I don't know much about anything. However, I do know that if you're not listening to your patient and you ignore them, and try to treat them without really digging deep into to the problem, than you may as well not help them. They'd most likely be better off.
If they say, give you pain meds with Tylenol in it, it's going to destroy your liver. If you don't have pain why should they give you pain medication!? They shouldn't. Thats why what everyone else said is right. Get 6 opinions if you have too. Although I do recommend getting insurance. I have none at the moment and would be terrified if something happened to me. The peace of mind is worth it. It just sucks that it wont cover your pre-existing condition!
It's that the doctors are not listening to what you're telling them, they don't want to dig any deeper, and most likely they want to get to their next patient and go home. Some doctors get bonuses for seeing a certain amount of patients. My mom is a OB/GYN, and she gets bonuses for seeing a certain amount of patients! Crazy huh?
As a student in pre-hospital care, I don't know much about anything. However, I do know that if you're not listening to your patient and you ignore them, and try to treat them without really digging deep into to the problem, than you may as well not help them. They'd most likely be better off.
If they say, give you pain meds with Tylenol in it, it's going to destroy your liver. If you don't have pain why should they give you pain medication!? They shouldn't. Thats why what everyone else said is right. Get 6 opinions if you have too. Although I do recommend getting insurance. I have none at the moment and would be terrified if something happened to me. The peace of mind is worth it. It just sucks that it wont cover your pre-existing condition!
Charli
cool little "title"
Evan - I saw 4 doctors with private practices, you know the kind, you wait 30 minutes and you get a 5 minute consultation and they give you enough prescription
to ensure you have to come back and see them.
1st Doctor told me he had only two Graves patients before but he felt sure he could help me, he also overcharged my visit from $150 to $200 for 3 minutes of his time.
2nd Doctor also in private practice and into acupuncture (he charges $200 for that) and I never saw him long either and he told me sick patients 'imagine' things.
3rd Doctor was buried in work and she prescribed me meds and then left, her head mostly down looking at monitor on laptop, hardly one look at me.
4th Doctor Naturopathic gave me a free 15 minute consultation and my one and only visit with her lasted an hour of TALKING and her jotting notes.
Psychiatrist I saw to help me get off anti-anxiety meds looked at her pad more than she looked at me and she talked "at me" not "to me" - she needed to build
her clientele from what my Endo said.
The Neurologist I saw, Dr. Andrew Woo was the BOMB! I saw him for an hour and he conducted all sort of neurological test on me to see if I was neurologically
sound and the moment he entered the room the room was bright. Best doctor ever!
But that was before my blood levels were normal and all my symptoms were leveling out.
What I've learned is that doctors treat you like an assembly line of people with aches and pains but they don't LOOK AT YOU or really, really pay mind to what
you are trying to convey.
You tell them you're jittery or have restless legs they want you on a bucket load of meds not understanding your spinal column is whacked.
Listening is what I have discovered is missing.
Caring, and I mean really caring is also missing. We're just a patient, that's all.
to ensure you have to come back and see them.
1st Doctor told me he had only two Graves patients before but he felt sure he could help me, he also overcharged my visit from $150 to $200 for 3 minutes of his time.
2nd Doctor also in private practice and into acupuncture (he charges $200 for that) and I never saw him long either and he told me sick patients 'imagine' things.
3rd Doctor was buried in work and she prescribed me meds and then left, her head mostly down looking at monitor on laptop, hardly one look at me.
4th Doctor Naturopathic gave me a free 15 minute consultation and my one and only visit with her lasted an hour of TALKING and her jotting notes.
Psychiatrist I saw to help me get off anti-anxiety meds looked at her pad more than she looked at me and she talked "at me" not "to me" - she needed to build
her clientele from what my Endo said.
The Neurologist I saw, Dr. Andrew Woo was the BOMB! I saw him for an hour and he conducted all sort of neurological test on me to see if I was neurologically
sound and the moment he entered the room the room was bright. Best doctor ever!
But that was before my blood levels were normal and all my symptoms were leveling out.
What I've learned is that doctors treat you like an assembly line of people with aches and pains but they don't LOOK AT YOU or really, really pay mind to what
you are trying to convey.
You tell them you're jittery or have restless legs they want you on a bucket load of meds not understanding your spinal column is whacked.
Listening is what I have discovered is missing.
Caring, and I mean really caring is also missing. We're just a patient, that's all.
Charli
cool little "title"
Bos - I've seen an Endocrinologist (same one at hospital) for a year to treat the thyroid, but she does not treat the SYMPTOMS of Graves.
Symptoms like the jitters and insomnia. For that I had to get a General Physician and that's when the hunt for a good doctor became a nightmare.
Symptoms like the jitters and insomnia. For that I had to get a General Physician and that's when the hunt for a good doctor became a nightmare.
VGurcu
Well-known member
Charli,
Treating symptoms of any disease is the curse of western medicine. Documented over 100000 deaths/per year in US from medicine side effects is the symptom of a failing system
Actually doctors you visited did everything according to book: They gave you a beta blocker (Propranonol; which is normally prescribed for hypertension patients to lower high blood pressure) to treat one of the symptoms of your thyroid imbalance: They simply wanted to lower your heart beat rate, which is a result of your thyroid imbalance. Sad part is Beta blockers are famous for creating dizziness & fatigue & further depression as a side effect.
Reason why you are receiving frequent full blood test is most probably to ensure that you are not having hepatotoxicity(liver injury) by PTU(Propylthiouracil) usage.
Here is the FDA warning:
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety...mationforHeathcareProfessionals/ucm162701.htm
What is disturbing is the approach of doctors who prescribed you anxiety/stress drugs, while they had full knowledge of your thyroid imbalance. Once you are treated for Grave's, related emotional/stress issues may be resolved, as thyroid imbalance is a true biological cause of anxiety/depression.
I hope doctors also pointed out the radical dietary changes you need to make for a permanent solution. There are many books out there providing information about how to cure hyperthyroidism naturally and permanently. As long as you stay on medication you'll save the day for grave's and your mental problems will(may) go worse.
May I ask your free T4, T3, and TSH levels (once you are diagnosed and now)? You have seen an endocrinologist, you must have these test results.
Treating symptoms of any disease is the curse of western medicine. Documented over 100000 deaths/per year in US from medicine side effects is the symptom of a failing system
Actually doctors you visited did everything according to book: They gave you a beta blocker (Propranonol; which is normally prescribed for hypertension patients to lower high blood pressure) to treat one of the symptoms of your thyroid imbalance: They simply wanted to lower your heart beat rate, which is a result of your thyroid imbalance. Sad part is Beta blockers are famous for creating dizziness & fatigue & further depression as a side effect.
Reason why you are receiving frequent full blood test is most probably to ensure that you are not having hepatotoxicity(liver injury) by PTU(Propylthiouracil) usage.
Here is the FDA warning:
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety...mationforHeathcareProfessionals/ucm162701.htm
What is disturbing is the approach of doctors who prescribed you anxiety/stress drugs, while they had full knowledge of your thyroid imbalance. Once you are treated for Grave's, related emotional/stress issues may be resolved, as thyroid imbalance is a true biological cause of anxiety/depression.
I hope doctors also pointed out the radical dietary changes you need to make for a permanent solution. There are many books out there providing information about how to cure hyperthyroidism naturally and permanently. As long as you stay on medication you'll save the day for grave's and your mental problems will(may) go worse.
May I ask your free T4, T3, and TSH levels (once you are diagnosed and now)? You have seen an endocrinologist, you must have these test results.
Chris Barcellos
New member
Funny, I came here to take a look at tips for my film making "habit", and I see this thread about thyroidism, basically the same battle I have been having for the last year. While my T3, and T4 were close to normal, my TSH was .03 making my GP very nervous. I was experiencing lows mostly puntuated by occasional highly active days. Had the scan, and had a hot nodule which was irradiated. Scan 6 months later show it gone, but still had low TSH. Got to December, and I saw Endo again, TSH still very low, Endo said likely still Hyper, or Graves, but said treatment is same. Took another test weeks later when I suddenly felt good, it showed normal readings. Three days after that I went into a major system blast where I was shaking and everything running in high speed. Saw my GP, referred to second endo, new test showed thyroid levels good all around, but I am still having shaking incidents. Diagnosis-- the good ole anxiety thing... told me " see your GP for some valium or something for anxiety". Just that simple. Officially branded now, and everything I report will be judge with that diagnosis as background. Just like the Sienfeld episode where Elaine is designated as a "difficult" patient in her chart...
Charli
cool little "title"
Vgur - my Endocrinologist prescribed the beta blocker Propanonol, not a General Physician.
I saw a General Physician same week after I got out of the hospital. He told me to run really, really, fast, exercise,
sweat and to keep the PTU pills at 9 a day and the Propanonol at 2 a day.
Everything he said the Endocrinologist at the hospital (who stayed my Endo) told me NOT TO DO. She said I need to rest, rest,
rest that I was very sick and to keep away from stress and exercise - for months I was not allowed by my Endo to do any type of exercise.
That General Physician above mentioned prescribed anti-phychotic drugs (which I didn't fill), three different sleeping meds
and two different anti-anxiety meds - now remember, he saw me for only 3 minutes at his private practice but
he assured me he could help me and the truckload of pills was the way to go.
I got a hold of the Endo at the hospital and got an emergency meet with her that same week and she prescribed 3 less PTU pill
and lessened the Propanonol the exact opposite of the GPhysician. This was the start of a downhill battle with General Physicians.
The "anxieties" felt by Graves are all about the central nervous system as the thyroid controls all of this crap. Reason why Graves has irritability, jitters, etc.
**
Bos - all of my current symptoms: Jitters, insomnia, fatigue, shortness of breath, tremors are all common Grave's symptoms. What's NOT common is that my t4, t3, TSH levels are all within the normal range for the last six months and my symptoms are WORSENING.
My Endocrinologist got concerned and referred me to see a Neurologist. This is an A-Typical case, not something she's seen before. My tremors before November just my ring finger on my left hand shifted, it was nothing.
You should see my tremors now. If I put my hands out in front (which the Endo makes you do) and both palm and top side, my hands
shake like Parkinson's. No reason for it and they have never been that bad since I contracted this disease.
So my Endo said - goeth to the Neuro (well, something like that). I've actually never seen her concerned before. Her brows furrowed and she flinched, never a good sign.
My Endo is concerned, me? As long as there is voice activated software, I'm good.
I saw a General Physician same week after I got out of the hospital. He told me to run really, really, fast, exercise,
sweat and to keep the PTU pills at 9 a day and the Propanonol at 2 a day.
Everything he said the Endocrinologist at the hospital (who stayed my Endo) told me NOT TO DO. She said I need to rest, rest,
rest that I was very sick and to keep away from stress and exercise - for months I was not allowed by my Endo to do any type of exercise.
That General Physician above mentioned prescribed anti-phychotic drugs (which I didn't fill), three different sleeping meds
and two different anti-anxiety meds - now remember, he saw me for only 3 minutes at his private practice but
he assured me he could help me and the truckload of pills was the way to go.
I got a hold of the Endo at the hospital and got an emergency meet with her that same week and she prescribed 3 less PTU pill
and lessened the Propanonol the exact opposite of the GPhysician. This was the start of a downhill battle with General Physicians.
The "anxieties" felt by Graves are all about the central nervous system as the thyroid controls all of this crap. Reason why Graves has irritability, jitters, etc.
**
Bos - all of my current symptoms: Jitters, insomnia, fatigue, shortness of breath, tremors are all common Grave's symptoms. What's NOT common is that my t4, t3, TSH levels are all within the normal range for the last six months and my symptoms are WORSENING.
My Endocrinologist got concerned and referred me to see a Neurologist. This is an A-Typical case, not something she's seen before. My tremors before November just my ring finger on my left hand shifted, it was nothing.
You should see my tremors now. If I put my hands out in front (which the Endo makes you do) and both palm and top side, my hands
shake like Parkinson's. No reason for it and they have never been that bad since I contracted this disease.
So my Endo said - goeth to the Neuro (well, something like that). I've actually never seen her concerned before. Her brows furrowed and she flinched, never a good sign.
My Endo is concerned, me? As long as there is voice activated software, I'm good.
Last edited:
VGurcu
Well-known member
I think it is the logical step as tremors are usually associated with neurological disorders, hopefully he/she' ll have an idea of what kind of tremor it is. I still think it may be thyroid related, though you mentioned that your t4, t3, TSH levels are all within the normal range.
Whatever the reason it is a good idea to have more knowledge on thyroid in your case; there are 2 well recognized camps on the subject:
First one is Dr Ridha Arem's, (quite the conventional medicine approach):
http://www.thyroidwellness.com/
Other one is a bit more holistic approach; Broda Barnes Foundation: (Check out Dr David Brownstein's book)
http://www.brodabarnes.org/index.html
Good luck in your search.
Charli
cool little "title"
Vgur - thank for those links, but been there done that. As a screenwriter the moment I got out of the hospital I researched everything I could possibly find
on Grave's. I changed my diet - gluten free, eat carrots/cauliflower/broccoli/peaches/pears and took our diary, all of which help stop the hormone over production.
I cut down my jitters by 80% by changing diet completely. The other 20% never could do because of the nervous system. No GP or Endo could help me because
they misdiagnosed a neurological disorder as anxieties.
Grave's patients know more about their disease than their doctors. My Endocrinologist asked me to send her my diet plan even though she's been an
Endo for years. She had no idea that nutrition could help with irritability.
That's another beef I have with doctors. They don't keep learning after they've become doctors. They take what they know and apply it.
So the Psychiatrist that I saw stated in order to treat Grave's correctly, you must see Endocrinologist, General Physican to make sure the rest of you is okay, and
a Neurologist to help with the neurological discomfort Grave's brings about.
Physicians however have told me THEY know what to do and that I don't need to see anyone else. Interesting.
on Grave's. I changed my diet - gluten free, eat carrots/cauliflower/broccoli/peaches/pears and took our diary, all of which help stop the hormone over production.
I cut down my jitters by 80% by changing diet completely. The other 20% never could do because of the nervous system. No GP or Endo could help me because
they misdiagnosed a neurological disorder as anxieties.
Grave's patients know more about their disease than their doctors. My Endocrinologist asked me to send her my diet plan even though she's been an
Endo for years. She had no idea that nutrition could help with irritability.
That's another beef I have with doctors. They don't keep learning after they've become doctors. They take what they know and apply it.
So the Psychiatrist that I saw stated in order to treat Grave's correctly, you must see Endocrinologist, General Physican to make sure the rest of you is okay, and
a Neurologist to help with the neurological discomfort Grave's brings about.
Physicians however have told me THEY know what to do and that I don't need to see anyone else. Interesting.