NVR--Thyroid Results--at last!!
I went back to the clinic for the result of the tests for anti-thyroid antibodies (Hashimoto's).
It was obvious that at the first visit the specialist hadn't taken the trouble to read my medical history at all! This time she had her computer on, and my file open. The test results for antibodies have caused her to admit that I DO have hypothyroid, that the excema on my face is caused by that, and that the lack of energy, hair loss and weight gain is directly linked. Suddenly, yes, there IS a family-genetic link between my mother's hypothyroid at the age I am now, and my own. You wouldn't believe the doctor was even the same person! She was polite, at least, and suddenly my veggie diet isn't so silly. (I get the feeling that she's one of those people, if they're having a bad day, they take it out on everyone. September's visit must have fallen on the wrong day.)
Sooo...she doubled the dose of thyroxine and says I need new bloodwork every 6 mos but that my GP (who is very nice and always has been) can take care of that. I've taken the first 2 big doses and feel miles better. Energetic but not coffee-nervous. And I'm hoping to get my "real face" back soon.
I want to thank all my VegWeb friends for their support, good vibes and prayers. I know they made a difference because the change in her attitude was startling, even to DH.
Well, congratulations of sorts are required here ;)--certainly not that you have thyroid problems but that your doctor finally acknowleged it. Some doctors don't realize there ARE people out there that understand their bodies and their family histories and have done their research. She was probably embarrassed and now has a new-found respect for you (not that she shouldn't have had it all along). Some people...
That's good to hear yabbit.
yabbit, you'll be amazed at how much better you feel. It took me about a week for my body to adjust but once I did, I was a new woman ;)
boo to your doctor. She needs to learn some people skills >:(
I'm so glad she came around. Good for you for having perseverance to hang in there and the ability to share with your VegWeb friends here so we could support you!
I'm really sorry about doubting you, and I'm glad the problem has been identified!
It sounds like the doctor might've just been having a bad day (like you mentioned). Sometimes doctors are under a lot of pressure and there'll be a lot of people trying to pull them in various directions. I have several friends who are residents, and they say it's insane how terribly some of the nurses and patients treat them. It doesn't make it alright, but it might make it more understandable.
Again... sorry.
I'm glad it worked out.
That's great news Yabbit. I agree with Jessesmum, though. She needs to learn some bed-side manners >:( It doesn't matter if she is having a bad day. She shouldn't take it out on her patients, period.
I'm really sorry about doubting you, and I'm glad the problem has been identified!
It sounds like the doctor might've just been having a bad day (like you mentioned). Sometimes doctors are under a lot of pressure and there'll be a lot of people trying to pull them in various directions. I have several friends who are residents, and they say it's insane how terribly some of the nurses and patients treat them. It doesn't make it alright, but it might make it more understandable.
Again... sorry.
I'm glad it worked out.
Thanks, DK. I appreciate that. If you pay a doctor cash (or check) up front, they treat you better...but geez, we're ALL paying this person's salary with our tax dollars. And the specialists get paid boocoos! Spanish Drs.(especially in this region) often act like they think they're God...there's even a word for it: "endiosado"--gods unto themselves. It's a whole social class thing...the only thing worse is notary publics...which here is a salaried position that requires a law degree and a lot of political pull. Oh, the joys of a Mideval legal system! :P
I, too, have Hashimoto's (for 15 years) and you're going to feel so much better after a couple of weeks. :)
As a vegan, here is something to keep in mind: there is apparently some evidence to suggest that soy may inhibit the absorption of synthroid. Here's a little reading for you.
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=17011
It basically recommends soy in moderation when taking thyroxine drugs. This might be something you want to double check with your doctor.
I, too, have Hashimoto's (for 15 years) and you're going to feel so much better after a couple of weeks. :)
As a vegan, here is something to keep in mind: there is apparently some evidence to suggest that soy may inhibit the absorption of synthroid. Here's a little reading for you.
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=17011
It basically recommends soy in moderation when taking thyroxine drugs. This might be something you want to double check with your doctor.
Dear Storm, thank you. I just spent the morning wondering about this. The prospectus in the pill box says "soy inhibits", the endocrinologist and GP both said, "No problem." (But a lot of Spanish doctors can be very offhand with things they don't understand.) The pharmacist (also a qualified herbalist) said, "Moderation." He thinks that miso, being fermented, is different than say regular TVP and tofu and other straight-soy products.
In any case, my GP *admits* she knows sod-all about veg*n nutrition (she says she's not sure you can lose weight on a veggie diet!) and she says that endocrinologists are NOT nutritionists here. Apparently in S. Spain it's a relatively new speciality. So off I trudge to find a qualified nutritionist, for whom I shall probably pay; handsomely.
They won't check my levels for another 6 mos, so we shall see. I shall have to tread gently.
I, too, have Hashimoto's (for 15 years) and you're going to feel so much better after a couple of weeks. :)
As a vegan, here is something to keep in mind: there is apparently some evidence to suggest that soy may inhibit the absorption of synthroid. Here's a little reading for you.
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=17011
It basically recommends soy in moderation when taking thyroxine drugs. This might be something you want to double check with your doctor.
Dear Storm, thank you. I just spent the morning wondering about this. The prospectus in the pill box says "soy inhibits", the endocrinologist and GP both said, "No problem." (But a lot of Spanish doctors can be very offhand with things they don't understand.) The pharmacist (also a qualified herbalist) said, "Moderation." He thinks that miso, being fermented, is different than say regular TVP and tofu and other straight-soy products.
In any case, my GP *admits* she knows sod-all about veg*n nutrition (she says she's not sure you can lose weight on a veggie diet!) and she says that endocrinologists are NOT nutritionists here. Apparently in S. Spain it's a relatively new speciality. So off I trudge to find a qualified nutritionist, for whom I shall probably pay; handsomely.
They won't check my levels for another 6 mos, so we shall see. I shall have to tread gently.
But didn't you say it was hereditary? Isn't there a difference though? I don't know really. I think to me there's a difference on the cause of it if it's that way.