After the most distressing call from my GP yesterday I am preparing a letter to him.
Should I tell him I saw Dr BDP or just that I had a private consultation with a thyroid and adrenal specialist? Would it be OK to tell him about Dr BDP? I don't want to cause problems for him.
I did tell him during the call, but he had no idea who he was and suggested he could be a Martian for all I know! Does this mean he will not remember what I said??
I am on the horns of a dilemma here. If you are a bullfighter please feel free to comment. And, of course, anyone else as well.
Thanks.
Written by
marram
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Just read your other post. I would just say that you saw a private doctor who specialises in thyroid disease (the medical profession are never going to accept BDP's way of treating adrenals so there's probably no point in even going there).
I'd make it clear in your letter that you attribute your TIAs and rising cholesterol to the poor treatment you were provided by the GP and felt that you were left with no option but to seek private care. I'd also make it clear that you have seen objective improvements in your healthcare since you started on T3 (list any improvements/signs on your body).
I might also state that the GP's unreasonable, doctor-centred behaviour makes it difficult for you to discuss issues with him/her and that you are an adult, not a schoolkid!!
If you have any journal articles on T3 or on cholesterol/TIAs and hypothyroidism, I'd attach them to the letter.
Also on a side note - I'm wondering if you might want to see an endo as you have TIAs. Though it might be better to find one yourself.
Hi Marie, I know you are furious with him, but I'm concerned that you are writing to him at all. We went through the same thing 10 years ago, and it ended up with us even more upset, as they will not be moved in their attitudes, however polite and reasonable we were. They (all the doctors in the practice) were patronising, arrogant and extremely ignorant, but would not listen, despite all the information we sent them. We had the same dire warnings about Caroline taking T3 (after we had explained to them what it is!!!).
I don't want you to be upset further. They will go about their business and have a great Christmas without any concerns for you or your welfare, and I'm concerned that you may well make matters worse for yourself. Our experience was that once you are out of sight you are out of mind, except that we were clearly discussed at some point behind the scenes and blacklisted by all the doctors.
I wonder if it would be better to write to the practice manager with a complaint about the way your doctor spoke to you and about someone who you trust and that he knows nothing about, and copy it to the Trust (I've lost the plot as to who is on overall charge these days!!).
I'd say change doctors and put this behind you, but I know that's sometimes not possible, or any improvement. There's not a doctor in N. Devon who thinks differently from the ones in our practice.
All I'm saying really is that in our experience writing to the doctor did not help us or change his mind, but the way he spoke to you was totally out of order and unacceptable, and maybe his "bosses" need to know that.
If you write to the practice why not copy it to Caroline Spelman MP who seems to have taken us thyroid sufferers on as a project? She's MP for Meriden. This is exactly the sort of fuel that should make her case.
I think Janeb makes a good point. I was under the impression that you'd said you'd write to him but if you don't have to write to him then I wouldn't bother as it may end up stirring up more trouble.
How did you leave things with this GP? Did you say you were going to write or did he tell you to write?
Perhaps if you don't need anything from the surgery right now, let sleeping dogs lie. As Janeb says, they only care about themselves (covering their backs) and it's unlikely that you will be able to change his mind, so unless he starts something up, then you may have nothing to gain by communicating with this man at present.
Also this doctor sounds very unpleasant. It's not right to accuse you of "wasting resources" or shouting down the phone at you - that's very unprofessional. So maybe see if there are any others you can see.
It was left that I have an appointment with him on Monday which I had already made before he rang with the express intention of putting him in the picture and giving him as much information as I deem necessary to enable him to look after me in ways other than the thyroid. I will probably keep that appointment and simply hand over the information and tell him I am happy to continue following the advice of my private endo for the thyroid. He was also angry that he had not had a letter from Dr P - although I did point out that he is no longer practicing and only advises.
Is there anybody you could take with you to your appointment on Monday? A friend or relative or neighbour? It may be easier if you have a witness there - the doctor won't be able to act so angrily.
I use my iPhone to record my medical consultations, it can do so without no one knowing it's doing it, the phone looks like it's switched off as its recording so I can even put it on the doctor's desk and he does not know I am recording
Hi marram ...I now record everything my doctor says as ongoing complaint against practice ....I got mine argos 14 pound I think sits in my handbag switched on and picks it all up beautifully ...dont let them grind us down good luck xx
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Jane speaks sense. Make a complaint about his poor attitude and rudeness. You owe him nothing. Keep quiet about your alternative practitioner and just use the NHS when it suits you.
Ditto cinnamon girl. Thanks for your support to all
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Great advice, that's what i do
Nhs gps are arrogant beyond words. They don't care and nothing you say will make a difference. They specialise in covering up their mistakes,they are rewarded for failure by thesystem. I had to go private to prove my self diagnosis of several conditions was correct. It made no impression whatsoever. My nhs gp even gets away with refusing to prescribe critical meds when told to do so by specialists. I wasted alot of energy fighting the system, all the way to the ombudsman. Others warned me i would get nowhere and they were right. Now i put my energy into self medication and when i have the time and energy,i enjoy being a thorn in the side of incompetent nhs gps. Yes you should record the conversation.
My dear, It's your body and your condition, just tell him the truth, give him the Dr's details and say to him that if he has any questions, to direct them to him. It is likely that a report will be sent to him as your GP anyway. Also say you require a copy or sight of any correspondence that entails yourself and any health issues you have (your are entitled to this, I have copies of all correspondence from professionals) . Be assertive, do not be intimidated by a doctor. He is there to care for you and your health-that is what he is paid for. If you went privately to see this other Dr, it is only because you are concerned for your health. If he gets iffy about it, state that it is not about personality or one-up-manship but about your health and the worry it is causing you. This should be at the forefront of his care and attention. If he gets really iffy about it, change doctors!!!!
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