Hello everyone,

I have been a part of this list serve for a couple of months now basically
just observing and trying to learn as much as I could.  I want to thank
everyone for sharing their situation.  I'll try to make this as consice as
possible but may be long.

Roughly 8 years ago I was diagnosed with a thyroid condition.  It should be
stated that I never had any symptons and the only reason I was tested was
because one of my co-workers noticed a lump in my throat. The reason I am
vague with my diagnosis is because when they were trying to extract some
tissue samples (of my thyroid) they were never able to come to an exact
determination- but prescribed Synthroid and told me to take it and stay on
it, and that I would have to have annual blood tests.  So I did what the
doctors told me and basically I did not have a lot of problems - although I
did notice a big change in my hair (loss), skin (grainy and prone to
breakouts), and weight (gain).  I didn't complain because these changes
weren't dramatic to anyone else but me.  I remained on the medication for
about 7 years without a lot of problems.

Finally, a year ago December I went to have my annual blood tests and my
internist at the time (not the original doctor who diagnosed my
condition)decided to take me off of Synthroid altogether.  I was told since
the original findings were inconclusive, he was not sure what I had, if
anything, and wanted to see how I would respond without the meds.  Needless
to say I was not that lucky to be reaction free.  I had a ton of symptons
that I hear about all of the time from other sufferers.  I was tired,
hungry, gained a lot of weight, my muscles and joints ached and I was
totally symptomatic.  That doctor prescribed Synthroid .125 and I was on
that for a little over a year.

About 3 mos ago I had another set of lab test for my thyroid (new doctor due
to geography and new HMO)and this doctor said I was over medicated and
lowered my dose to .1.  The results haven't been dramatic but the point is,
that since I have been subscribing to this newsgroup, I have learned so much
that I never knew and was never informed of by any of my doctors.  I wasn't
aware of alot of the relational disorders associated with Hypothyroid, such
as the long term affects of being over medicated which can lead to
osteoperosis as well as the other autoimmune diseases discussed on this list
serve.  I too had mono when I was in high school (2x).  I also have
vitiligo, noticed some skin tags and an increased sensativity to the
sun...just to name a few. As a result of this newsgroup and past experiences
of being seriously misdiagnosed I decided to become more proactive in my own
health care.

Last Friday I had a dr's. appt and planned to discuss some of my findings
with him.  I wanted to learn more about some of the other meds (i.e.armour),
foods I should stay away from (soy products), and what if anything should I
expect from this new dose of Synthroid.  This was not a discussion of Rocket
Science but just wanted him to confirm/dispute any of my findings.  I
thought at the most it would take 15 minutes.  What I learned was that this
doctor who I thought I could trust and respect turned out to be the doctor
from Hell.  When I began to ask my questions (I had about 4-6 questions
written on a piece of paper) he stopped me in my tracks took the piece of
paper out of my hand and began to humiliate, embaress and treat me with a
total lack of respect and professionalism.  He told me it was Friday
afternoon and that I should be considerate of his other patients in the
waiting room (this is after he kept me waiting 45 mins.).  When I asked a
question regarding my blood tests, his comment was that he would never again
send me my results.  Of course when he found out that some of my questions
were originated from my findings on the internet I thought he was going to
kick me out of his office.  I am not exaggerating in the least.  What I
should have done was to just get up and leave but I was so shocked, I felt
like someone punched me in the stomache and was unable to defend myself at
the time.

However, I realize now I am able to defend myself and plan to do as much as
possible.  I am in the process of sending a letter to my x-doctor letting
him know how I feel as well as sending copies to all of the local insurance
companies/HMO's as well as the Director responsible for choosing the
providers.  In addition, I am requesting that my company consider switching
insurance companies- since I as an individual may not get great results,
perhaps the loss of a couple hundred thousand dollars a year will get some
attention.  Finally I am also sending a copy to the American Medical
Association.  I truly do not know what will happen.  I know it will make me
feel better but the only thing I really hope to get out of my actions is for
this "Dr. Jekyl" to think twice before treating anyone else in that manner.

I'm sorry this was so long but I felt it necessary to share this
information.  I guess my real point is that you can never let your guard
down when it comes to your own healthcare.  We are our own best healthcare
professionals and even though doctors have godlike complexes they make
mistakes (many) and are only human and must be watched closely and constantly.

If anyone is interested to know who this doctor is (located in the
Washington, DC metro area)so you can be on your guard, feel free to e-mail
me at [log in to unmask]

:)El