Need to vent

[Tiredteach]

I have just returned from the gp surgery and am so angry.

The surgery rang to discuss my latest blood results. Today I saw a gp I'd never met before. She told me that I had to reduce my meds as I was hyper. I am taking 2 1/2grains of thyroid s. I explained that this was probably why the TSH was low and my physical wellbeing was fine- still tired but resting HR is ok (62) At this point she accused me of being disrespectful. When I asked about taking symptoms and my type of meds into account, she said that if I didn't reduce I would develop goitre issues and would have to deal with the problems. I asked if she was trained in Hashimotos/hypo and she got very angry. She said I was making judgements about her medical background and that she has trained with *various name drops of people I have never heard of* she is a dr and has a degree. ( I also have a degree. Plus I'm living with it and have done my research) At this, she accused me of being sarcastic. She didnt like my tone (I really wasn't. I was just firm and informed) she was so rude and in the end I said, to cover her back, write whatever she wanted on my notes. When I came out, I complained to the receptionist who said that I wasn't the only one to have said how rude she was.

Sorry for the rant. I just had to get it off my chest.

Thanks for listening

[MissGrace]

How awful - she may have a degree (as have many many people) but she has zero people skills. Aren’t GPs supposed to listen?

Maybe her defensiveness is because you clearly knew more than her? Attack is often the best form of defence to shield ignorance! Look at your T4! If that’s over-medicated I’m a ballerina performing in Swan Lake at Sadlers Wells all week! (Maybe if I said that to your GP, she’d be thick enough to buy tickets to see me as she’s so sure she’s right!)

You have to complain and you must see someone else if you can. I would also advise taking someone with you. I wonder if her reaction would have been so bloody rude in the presence of a third party who can also be your witness to what happened. I would also advise taking notes - it can be very disturbing for professionals when someone writes down everything they say!

You cannot allow her to reduce your dose - you haven’t even had your T3 tested or any physical tests to see if you are over-medicated. Being over-medicated is a physical state with clear symptoms - not a number on a piece of paper. Having been over medicated, I can tell you you’d know if you were and you’d want a reduction - it’s very unpleasant!

What pants. I feel bloody annoyed for you. It’s bad enough being unwell without having to put up with this ignorance and attitude. 🤸🏿‍♀️🥛

[Tiredteach in reply to MissGrace]

Thank you. I needed to hear that. She tried to make me feel ignorant and then when it was clear that I wasn't, she tried to make me feel like a bully. So rude! She wouldn't test my t3. She also dismissed my symptoms and said they go on blood test results!

[Tiredteach in reply to MissGrace]

Can I just ask you, do you have any helpful advice on how I can up my T4? As you said, it's near to the bottom end of the range.

[NWA6 in reply to Tiredteach]

Take more Levo thyroxine 😬

[helvella]

I am not aware that high thyroid hormone can EVER cause a goitre (or "goitre issues").

Does this person believe otherwise? If so, she would deserve sarcasm and disrespect. (Not saying you gave them.)

[Tiredteach in reply to helvella]

Think she was trying to scare me into doing as I was told!

[helvella in reply to Tiredteach]

I have an inkling that isn't going to work.

[Tiredteach in reply to helvella]

🤣

[vocalEK in reply to helvella]

LOL. I suspect you are right.

[NWA6]

Oooo good for you! A woman after my own heart! I too have had many a ‘conversation’ like this with my Gp. Her referral letter to my Endocrinologist said something like ‘ we have never been able to see eye to eye’😂

[Greekchick]

Dear Tired Teach,

Sadly, I am no longer surprised by such arrogance after reading of the experiences shared on this forum - something is clearly missing in the training of these physicians. It is also a sign of insecurity and lack of basic compassion for patients. Good for you for speaking up and standing your ground! 👏

Wishing you well and sending positive thoughts!

[vocalEK in reply to Greekchick]

You'd feel insecure, too, if you found yourself dealing with a disease for which you had almost no training whatsoever.

[m7-cola]

You weren’t going to be bullied by someone so manifestly ignorant. Good for you!!

[Hidden]

Hi I don't rant I just never visit the GP or Endos. I have been using thyroid s for three years now without a thyroid and feel OK. I post my private blood test results on here and just get all the answers I require on this site. I haven't the stress of visiting the doctor and feel so much better at my age of 72 I don't want fights but just to get on with my life.

[Tiredteach in reply to Hidden]

That's a very good idea. I think I'll do that in future

[MissGrace in reply to Tiredteach]

You need to raise your Levo to increase your T4. But I think you’re right - you need your conversion investigating. 🤸🏿‍♀️🥛

[serenfach]

Amongst the many brilliant things about this forum is the abilty to rant, and be understood. Many of us have had to deal with this sort of thing, and it still makes me cross on your behalf.

The first thing to do is get your notes. You are entitled to them and they are free. See what the GP has written - it can be shocking! If there are factual inaccuracies or slurs on you, then write to the Practice Manager and ask for a meeting. They cannot delete what the GP has written, but they can add notes to explain the conflict. If enough patients actually complain like this, then the GP comes up for review and can be made to undertake further training.

They are supposed to be professional - and quite often they think arrogance is good enough!

Sending you a hug.

[Tiredteach in reply to serenfach]

Thank you. I will do that

[jkars]

I am no longer shocked by these arrogant, ignorant people. I have had another one actually lie to me but this is what I expect from diabetes consultants with an agenda.

[Miffie]

I hope you have written to the Practice Manager so it’s on record and you are not required to see her again. I wouldn’t mention your conversation with the receptionist, no need to get her into trouble. Reception staff are not ment to speak badly about staff with patients.

You should also have a copy of your notes.

Go and see the GP who prescribed the Thyroid S as they seem to have been helpful by not keeping you on levothyroxine as so many of us are at present.

Good luck.