Three years after my thyroid surgery, the struggle to find a good endocrinologist is real. If you are a fellow thyroid patient, perhaps you can relate. The first time I heard the word endocrinologist I had no idea what kind of doctor they were, or what they treated. No one in my family had ever had a thyroid problem, so there was never a need for one. I didn’t have any friends who went to one either, so I asked my primary care doctor for a recommendation. He referred me to someone local, and advised me to make an appointment as soon as possible, as they tend to book up fast.
I started seeing an endocrinologist shortly after a lump on my thyroid was discovered in 2013 — even before I knew it was cancer. He prescribed my first dose of Synthroid, and advised me about the next step — a fine needle aspiration biopsy. At first I was in awe of the time he took with me; answering my questions and listening as my voice shook while I fought back tears. He was compassionate and seemed to understand my reluctance to start on Synthroid before I had an official diagnosis.
After the biopsy, when it came time to deliver the news, he called me into his office rather than tell me over the phone. I knew then and there that it wasn’t good. He kept me in his office for over an hour, speaking slowly and methodically about the surgery, recovery, and what I should expect.
But after my surgery it all changed. My surgeon prescribed my new dose of Synthroid — a slight increase from the dosage I had been on before. And I went for post-surgical follow-ups in New York City, where I had my surgery performed. The need to see my endocrinologist at that time seemed like overkill. I was happily adjusting well to 100 mcg of Synthroid, and my scar was healing nicely.
I returned to my endocrinologist a month after my surgery, and to my surprise found that he wanted to increase my dose even further. Here’s where the confusion began. I had a surgeon who wanted to keep me on the lowest dose that would still treat my symptoms, and an endocrinologist who felt that it needed to be higher. What’s a patient to do? Which doctor do you listen to?
I’ve always believed that my body was the best doctor, and would tell me what it needed. Over the last three years, my dose has been increased and decreased by various people with MD’s, and I’ve never felt much of a difference — for better or worse. I tend to think that the lowest dose that still treats your symptoms is best…at least, for me.
Today I am on my way to see a new endocrinologist, one who came highly recommended, and who will with any luck listen to my concerns.
To be continued…
good luck today! I know finding a doctor is hard but it must be so much more stressful when you are going through all of this xo
Christina :: Simple and Delish
Thanks, Christina! It’s been a tough road, but I’m feeling hopeful about this new doctor.
Hello there!! I have read your posts and saw the pictures you posted. and I just wanted to tell you that, It’s AMAZING!
I was thinking that we could be blogging friend or even real life friend?! I followed your blog so would you follow mine too? We could be friends!! Nice to know you! ^^
xoxo, G. Harlequin
Thanks, Grace! I’m glad you enjoyed this post.
Good luck and all the best, Vanessa. Keep fighting! I admire your strength to share this. God bless.
Thank you so much, Cara!
I seriously wish you all the best health possible Vanessa. Don’t give up and keep us updated on yoru progress! Get some rest and eat well 🙂
p/s We are taking on the ‘5 Piece French Wardrobe Challenge’. Insane idea to begin with but do stop by our latest post and let us know what you think!
Real Life Nerd
Thanks, Viviene! I really appreciate your support. I’ll definitely keep you updated on my progress.
oh geeze im sorry girl! I hope all goes well today! wishing you the best and crossing my fingers that this is a good doc!
XO JNESS
jenessasheffield
Thanks, Jenessa! I really appreciate your support.
I can completely relate! I’ve been to a couple endocrinologists and they all say something different. I have hyperthryroid, so finding the right balance of medication can be difficult like you were saying. I agree that how you feel is the best indicator. Best of luck today!
Jamie
http://www.treatsandtrendsblog.com/
Thanks, Jamie! It really has been a challenge finding the right doctor — and dosage! Sorry to hear you have been through this, too.
So sorry for all the ups and downs with your thyroid. I agree that less is more but hopefully this new doctor will give you some clarity. Saying prayers for you. XO
http://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you so much, Kathrine! I really appreciate all of the prayers, and support.
Good luck lady! I know that its hard to know who to trust and with doctors it just shouldn’t be that way! Definitely trust yourself!
Heidi || Wishes & Reality
I completely agree with you, Heidi!
I’m sorry for everything that’s going on my love. It’ll get better. My mother and best friend have severe thyroid problems but slowly they’re getting better.
You’ll be in my prayers!
monacristo.com
http://www.instagram.com/monacristo
Thank you so much! Sending my love to your mom and friend.
LOvely post honey..
kiss from MM
P:S: lets follow?
http://maysesmodamour.blogspot.it/2016/03/pink-day.html
Thank you!
I can totally see the struggle of different doctors telling you different things. I hope today goes well, and you’re happy with what the new Dr tells you!
xo, jill
http://www.BornFancy.com
Thanks so much, Jill!
Really great post, thank you for sharing. I love the skirt! I think your blog is lovely, let me know if you would like to follow each other!
adelelydia.blogspot.com
Thank you, Adele!
I wish you all the best dear! Good luck! I hope all goes well! ❤❤❤❤
Have a great day! 🙂
xx ❤
http://www.inlovewithmyclothes.com
Thank you so much, Pisa!
I got nothing but good vibes from your consultation with the new Endocrinologist. Fingers, toes and eyes crossed that she does the right thing for you.
Thanks, Vlad!
Good luck! I’m a firm believer, too, that you are your body’s best doctor. This is why I hate going in for anything.
Connie | Sponsored by Coffee | Etsy
Thanks, Connie! I completely agree with you.
Oh, I feel for you. In a prior life as a drug rep, I sold Levoxyl.
They are all such complicated medicines. And I’ve met many edocrinoligists. Also complicated. …
So you know exactly what I’ve been dealing with, Elinor! And here I thought the surgery would have been the worst part. You wouldn’t think seeing a doctor would be so complicated! Here’s hoping all of the drama is behind me now.
I hope so, too! I know it can take really long to get things settled. Take care!
Thanks, Elinor!