I know this is an odd question but... - Thyroid UK

Thyroid UK

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I know this is an odd question but...

flosslechops profile image
53 Replies

I had a telephone appointment this morning with an endo I had supposedly requested,a Dr A (he introduced himself as Dr A) who works at the Hallamshire in Sheffield and also a London clinic,I had previously had a face to face appointment with him in february 2020,so I knew what his voice sounds like and I'm pretty sure he didn't have an accent.I also thought he was a nice man who listened to me and seemed to know what he was talking about.The man I spoke to was really not nice, would'nt listen,kept going on about suppressed tsh(0,02-I'm taking t3 only)-heart attack-stroke-osteoporosis-I'm going to die etc-then going on about my high blood sugar-thats going to result in death too if I don't get it treated(tried to but had severe side effects to diabetic meds including insulin)It was all fearmongering but no useful suggestions or if any blood tests needed-it just didn't sound like the man I had met 3 years ago-are they swapping them out to get waiting lists down?telephone appointment very good for not seeing what someone looks like🙈,he didn't sound right -it felt very off-I could be wrong -wondering if this has happened to anyone else

he also kept calling me thyrotoxic and never asked me actually how I was feeling

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flosslechops profile image
flosslechops
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53 Replies
1tuppence profile image
1tuppence

Trust your instincts...they're there for a reason.

Delgor profile image
Delgor in reply to 1tuppence

You took the words right out of my mouth - lol!

flosslechops profile image
flosslechops in reply to 1tuppence

Thank you tuppence,I agree,it threw me immediately,I should have challenged him

1tuppence profile image
1tuppence in reply to flosslechops

Whenever I've ignored my intuition, I've regretted it.

Fruitandnutcase profile image
Fruitandnutcase

Sounds very odd doesn’t it. You can’t find a photo of him online and see if he looks the same? Although saying that I’d still trust your instinct. Agree with you about fear mongering too.

If you are T2 diabetic and want to reduce your blood sugar without drugs I can definitely recommend this book - some years ago when I was given steroids as part treatment for inflammatory arthritis I developed steroid induced T2 diabetes. I was sent home and the on,y real advice I was given was ‘not ti et more than one banana a day and to avoid pineapple’. I did my own research and discovered this book. I also bought a blood sugar monitor - I mean how else do you know if what you are doing is working.

shop.diabetes.co.uk/product...

Buy the book and a blood sugar monitor and do exactly what he said any you will reduce your blood glucose levels.

flosslechops profile image
flosslechops in reply to Fruitandnutcase

I've lost 16 kg since christmas this year unintentionally ,sadly my blood sugar has gone up not reduced,I asked this doctor why that was and he changed the subject!

Anthea55 profile image
Anthea55 in reply to flosslechops

Reversing Type 2 diabetes - this video is excellent - "Reversing Type 2 diabetes starts with ignoring the guidelines"

youtube.com/watch?v=da1vvig...

flosslechops profile image
flosslechops in reply to Anthea55

thank you anthea55

Fruitandnutcase profile image
Fruitandnutcase in reply to flosslechops

That’s a lot to lose unintentionally isn’t it. I would have thought your doctor should be investigating that. Could it be LADA that is your problem? When I developed steroid induced T2 a psychiatrist friend who is T1 suggested I look into that - I didn’t and I ate my way out of T2. As delgor says - it’s carbs that are the problem - or it was for me diabetes.co.uk/diabetes_lad...

flosslechops profile image
flosslechops in reply to Fruitandnutcase

I was tested for the GAD antibodies-not even a hint of them-I tried the low carb bit for the best part of 2019-unfortunately no lowering of blood sugar -I wish it did help-my last hba1c in august was 140 mm/ol and doctors still can't tell me why I'm still walking about-thank you 👍

Fruitandnutcase profile image
Fruitandnutcase in reply to flosslechops

Why don’t you sign up to that website and see if anyone else on there has had similar problems. It’s a very helpful website.

flosslechops profile image
flosslechops in reply to Fruitandnutcase

I do like it and try to navigate the forum a bit -I find the articles very interesting and useful

Espeegee profile image
Espeegee in reply to Fruitandnutcase

The book is a lot cheaper on Amazon, £12.99

Fruitandnutcase profile image
Fruitandnutcase in reply to Espeegee

I know but one day when I posted an Amazon link for someone helvella told me he had removed my own Amazon details from the link which is why I now just use a general link for the book and people can shop around if they are interested.

Although I love that book I didn’t like the recipes in the recipe book that goes with it so to anyone thinking if buying both I’d have a good look at the recipe one first to check that it’s the sort of food you would actually want to eat.

Espeegee profile image
Espeegee in reply to Fruitandnutcase

I can never work out how to share Amazon finds lol. A really good diabetic cookbook is this one, it really is my kind of food and I've made a fair few of the recipes. Again, it's a lot cheaper on Amazon 😉

Book cover
Fruitandnutcase profile image
Fruitandnutcase in reply to Espeegee

No, I’m not sure how to do that either. In the past I’ve always cut and pasted the top line then one day helvella told me he had deleted my personal information - I hadn’t realised that it was there so since he told me p, I’ve always just found any books or anything else like vitamins I take elsewhere where no information could possibly be passed on. Someone somewhere can most likely track our every move 😉

I’ve got that cook book - it is good. I see they have a 30 minute Diabetes Cookbook out now too. I have to like most of the recipes in books I buy, they’ve also got to have a minimum number of ingredients especially GF recipes.

Some GF cookbooks can have really simple recipes with normal easy to obtain ingredients - others are so involved it’s almost like you have to make your own GF flour from scratch with ingredients I’ve never heard of.

Delgor profile image
Delgor

The reason your doctor couldn't answer your question is because he doesn't know enough. My hubby has inherited Type 2 Diabetes which he has controlled for many years by diet and eating a very low carb diet (it isn't all about sugar). Unfortunately us thyroidies need a certain amount of carbs to remain well so it's a double whammy for you but still not insurmountable. Perhaps a private endo well versed in both could prove invaluable.

flosslechops profile image
flosslechops in reply to Delgor

yes your'e right,I think mine is genetic too but trying to get the nhs to take me seriously is a pain,Ive been asking for genetic testing for ages now and always refused,also diet has never made a difference no matter what

Bollieforme profile image
Bollieforme

I’ve had the same dr at the H spoke to him last week. Talked down to me. Didn’t ask how I was. In fact I’ve decided to bin him. Met him 3 times and had 3 phone appointments. One of the worse I’ve encountered

flosslechops profile image
flosslechops in reply to Bollieforme

it sounds as though it is the same doctor then,I just couldn't believe the difference in attitude-he even asked if I wanted help in coming off t3-'I can do that for you' he said as though I'm a raving drug addict!!thanks for that info Bollieforme

Bollieforme profile image
Bollieforme in reply to flosslechops

It’s good to share info on who we come across! I don’t think he is a clued up on thyroid problems. I remember meeting his boss a professor asked him if he thought I should try to go gluten free as I was having gut issues he said eat what you like. Don’t get me started!

flosslechops profile image
flosslechops in reply to Bollieforme

your'e right,I think he's on the list of ThyroidUK 's good doctors,certainly didn't deserve to be yesterday,and to think he told me 3 years ago he specialized in thyroid😱

Bollieforme profile image
Bollieforme in reply to flosslechops

I saw him privately twice. Asked him his thoughts on the gene test DI02 said it was a load of rubbish. He refers his knowledge to papers on trials in Korea!

flosslechops profile image
flosslechops in reply to Bollieforme

I too tried to talk dio genes as I think they are my problem ,he just ignored me and tried to tell about some study or other that proves how bad t3 is😲

Delgor profile image
Delgor in reply to flosslechops

Bollieforme Have either of you put in a complaint to Thyroid UK about this doctor? When I mentioned on the forum recently about my experience with a private endo on the TUK list I was advised by admin to contact them so that they could make a note.

Bollieforme profile image
Bollieforme in reply to Delgor

I will contact them so hopefully no other people will have our experience.

Delgor profile image
Delgor in reply to Bollieforme

😊😊

flosslechops profile image
flosslechops in reply to Bollieforme

thank you Bollie-he's a waste of our precious time

flosslechops profile image
flosslechops in reply to Delgor

thank you Delgor,he has had positive older posts but seems to have gone to pot recently

Delgor profile image
Delgor in reply to flosslechops

I must admit that I was hesitant about putting in a complaint as I thought somebody must have thought the private endo good in the first place for him to have been put on the TUK list. However, I did complain as it's not fair to others - I wasted a lot of money on two zooms and ended up more stressed than I had ever been before. I've been no better off with the hospital endo who has asked me to come off of all meds but I've refused to do that 3 times (thanks to the lovely people on this forum). You have my every sympathy☹️

flosslechops profile image
flosslechops in reply to Delgor

thank you for putting the complaint in Delgor - it does seem he was good once-sadly not recently-and your hospital endo sounds as bad wanting you to come off all meds-so glad you refused-it's sadistic and unnecesssary

Fruitandnutcase profile image
Fruitandnutcase

’Help you to come of T3’ 🤣🤣🤣 What can you say other than what an idiot.

flosslechops profile image
flosslechops in reply to Fruitandnutcase

I know,he's supposed to a thyroid specialist but just came out with the same claptrap that the diabetic endo's do,they really have no idea how people have to try to get help for either condition if they don't fit the norm

Humphre profile image
Humphre

I'm due my 1st appointment with an endocrinologist in February I had hoped to get a different doctor who is on the Thyroid UK list but no so I've googled the Dr I'm to chat with over phone & it says GP🤷so I guess I'm up for a bit of a fight. It's very frustrating but I hope you can complain via PALS as to how you were treated, if we don't complain nothing will change.

Espeegee profile image
Espeegee

Given that quite a lot of doctors can have the same name, could it be same name but different doctor? In 3 years your other chap could have moved on and this one now has the job, it seems odd that someone you kind of bonded with should now be so very different? You could check to see if his photo is on the hospital website or even around on the internet and see if he looks the same? Either way he wouldn’t be someone I’d want not helping me! Health care shouldn’t be such a battle. I can only suggest you read around the subject as much as you can, maybe try Youtube, some excellent videos on there by qualified doctors, see if there’s anything that describes your situation and is helpful. I’m a bit mystified that you can lose 16kg unintentionally? I can always donate a bit of my lard if you want a bit more padding, I’ve plenty to spare 🙄 😉

flosslechops profile image
flosslechops in reply to Espeegee

It shouldn't be a battle at all-these doctors are paid very handsomely to help us-they should be reminded of this -and yes please, I'd love as much lard as you can spare ,I look like a right scragg end-I was just very ill despite still eating the same-my weight has stablized since taking t3 thank goodness

TasJSA profile image
TasJSA

With reference to the actual phone call, it might be worth phoning your Trust Endo office back and enquiring whether he was legitimately phoning you? Or even mentioning him to your GP and asking them to make enquiries.

I would do that if I’d had a phone call like that. That language and manner is unacceptable. If he is genuine, he needs to correct himself. He needs a wrap over the knuckles if he’s a real doctor…

And if he’s not a real doctor(!) your local NHS need to know.

flosslechops profile image
flosslechops in reply to TasJSA

I'd had a call the previous friday to arrange appointment,after being referred in september so thought it was quick what with current waiting lists,but yes I will check with GP,thank you TasJSA

TasJSA profile image
TasJSA in reply to flosslechops

You’re welcome. A bit of pushback lets people know - as long as it’s done politely and responsibly. It makes people think where otherwise they might not…

Milkyway88 profile image
Milkyway88

if it’s the dr I think, I’ve had some private conversations with other members and they too aren’t impressed. Shame as he’s one of the closest to me geographically. I agree with others, TUK should seriously consider his presence on the list.

flosslechops profile image
flosslechops in reply to Milkyway88

reading older posts on here have been quite positive about him and 3 years ago I had a good appointment with him after all the years of horrid hospital doctors talking to me like I'm poop so I was shocked that he turned out to be no different,but yes we need to know,I for one don't want to waste time on these kinds of doctors and am sure no one else does

Milkyway88 profile image
Milkyway88 in reply to flosslechops

Especially if they’re paying.

serenfach profile image
serenfach

Phone and ask to speak to the secretary. Say you had a conversation but forgot who you talked to, as you would like to send him something. Act thick. She can look up who actually phoned you.

Then send them this:-

academic.oup.com/jcem/artic...

It shows the myth of heart and bone problems...

My "endo" also did not ask how I was feeling, just wanted to take my T3 away, when all I wanted was a full blood test.

flosslechops profile image
flosslechops in reply to serenfach

I did try to tell him I didn't care about osteoporosis as my bones are a third larger than they should be and that the palps and drenching sweats that I've had for the last 21 years have gone but I didn't get a response to that either,they only hear what they want to ,thank you serenfach,I'm thinking an email to the secretary saying sorry I missed him might be good😂

Popscicle profile image
Popscicle

Maybe there are 2 or more endos whose surnames begin with A. Ie 2 or more dr As!

flosslechops profile image
flosslechops in reply to Popscicle

yes -dr I don't give a rats a$$ about patients I'm paid a lot of money to care for👍

kavidacat profile image
kavidacat

Sounds very odd. Maybe if you get him again you could ask him if he is the person you saw whenever?

flosslechops profile image
flosslechops in reply to kavidacat

😁 don't think I'll get him again-but I'm going to complain about him trying to frighten me-thanks kavidacat

serenfach profile image
serenfach

Alternatively he will (should) write to your GP. You can ask for any correspondence at the surgery but this may take a couple of weeks.

flosslechops profile image
flosslechops in reply to serenfach

thanks serenfach I'm expecting a nasty letter back possibly this week as surgery now putting results and letters up on patient access-ah well

Matilda111 profile image
Matilda111

Hi,

Once, when I booked a telephone Consultation with my GP (after first being interrogated by a Receptionist), another doctor rang me instead of my GP.

I found out later on that he was not aware of my call.

Therefore, although I like and respect Dr. X..., I have decided to register with another Medical Surgery.

Believe me.

It was a very right decision.

sounds to me as though the area health authority is following the so-called guidelines in advising stopping using t3 because of its cost! As many know it is like pulling hen’s teeth to get t3 prescribed in the first place let alone to take on the ongoing costs-and-if someone is diagnosed with a thyroid problem ALL medication for that person is free( under 60’s in England-I know in Wales prescriptions are free for everyone) so that could be a consideration?

flosslechops profile image
flosslechops in reply to

yes he muttered something about ccgt not wanting to prescribe-I wonder if he's been brought into line-I know Derbyshire has that was why I tried Sheffield-thank you needlewoman

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