Convincing my dr.

Wiggleynose · 07-19-2004, 05:07 PM

Okay, I have about 12 articles and checklists and various reports about hypothyroidism to take to my dr. I am going to ask that he run extensive tests regarding my thyroid to be reconsidered for treatment.

As much as I like my dr. and feel comfortable with him I'm concerned that I'll get the typical "I'm the dr. and you don't tell me what to do" attitude. How should I present this to him? I don't want to make him feel like I don't trust his diagnosis since he's been wonderful in listening to me and helping me with most PCOS symptoms but I feel that since there's a family history of thyroid problems I have underlying issues.

As in one of the articles states, PCOS symptoms are often hard to control because the thyroid problems are not being treated. And a woman could probably control many of the symptoms through diet by being treated for thyroid alone.

I just don't know how to present it.
Should I go in saying "someone told me ...."
or "i have been researching and found out...."

I have been on and off anti-depressants and they made me feel better but for a short time and in one of the articles I read it states that women are often misdiagnosed - given anti-depressants for them to not work after awhile and then given a different brand - when all along they are suffering from hypothyroidism and not clinical depression.

Sorry, i know this was longer than you expected.

Thanks for any advice - extra info, etc.

prunepie · 07-20-2004, 06:35 AM

well ..if he does the ..i am the doc ..nothing is wrong with you..dont worry..no need for these tests..

then say to him...well prove me wrong k?? ( smiling..with the gee i am simple minded sweet girl look..sigh...grrr..but drs seem to love it )

drs seem to love to prove patients wrong..and the only way to do it is with blood work.

i hope you dont have to go through that ..and i hope he just says yes..but i think the prove me wrong or lets just set my mind at ease by running these tests should work . if not. new dr time!! xo jenn

Wiggleynose · 07-20-2004, 04:38 PM

Well I woke up this morning all set to have this discussion with my dr.
On my way there I was going over everything I would say and then realized I left my articles and stuff at home.
Didn't matter though, the dr. wasn't even there. the NP had to do my ultrasound because he had an emergency with his son or something.

So I am waiting on my bloodwork copies today so I can look at it first. Then I will make another appt. *sigh*

shenacat · 07-21-2004, 05:26 AM

I found the easiest way to do it is just to ask for the specific tests you want, come armed with information coming out your ears, and use it in conversation. Show him your knowledge. If he is the kind of doctor to get angry about that, he deserves to be fired.

If all else fails you can get the tests you need independently.

http://www.healthcheckusa.com/

VIP Profile Plus II does TSH, Free T3, and Free T4. I think they also have a more detailed thyroid panel that does antibodies and such - look around and contact them to ask if necessary. It's spendier but sometimes you can get your insurance to reimburse you.