Ah me.
Ever heard of Clinical Thyroidology?
It’s a physician-targeted publication by the American Thyroid Association (ATA). The ATA states they are the “leading organization devoted to thyroid biology and to the prevention and treatment of thyroid disease through excellence in research, clinical care, education, and public health.”
And a Letter to the Editor in the December 2013 publication of Clinical Thyroidology only underscores why so many thyroid patients report that they…
- Avoid Endocrinologists like the plague for the treatment of their hypothyroidism.
- Can hardly contain their disgust about Endocrinologists they have seen!
The letter is based on the March 2013 study I have mentioned before, titled “Desiccated thyroid extract compared with levothyroxine in the treatment of hypothyroidism: a randomized, double-blind, crossover study.” It was done by the Department of Endocrinology at Walter Reed Military Medical Center and headed by Thanh D. Hoang, DO and associates.
The objective of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of DTE (acronym for Desiccated Thyroid Extract, which is more popularly termed Natural Desiccated Thyroid for thyroid patients) compared with L-Tâ‚„ (more popularly known as T4-only for thyroid patients).
At the conclusion of the 16-week study, they found that…
“34 patients (48.6%) preferred DTE therapy, whereas 13 (18.6%) preferred levothyroxine; 23 (32.9%) did not specify a preference, he said. Further analysis confirmed those who preferred DTE lost even more weight over a 4-month period.” i.e. the patients who preferred it “lost 4 lb during the DTE treatment, and their subjective symptoms were significantly better while taking DTE as measured by the general health questionnaire-12 and thyroid symptom questionnaire (P < .001 for both).”
Yet the study concludes: “DTE therapy did not result in a significant improvement in quality of life”.
And why did the study conclude there was no significant quality of life improvement? Is it possible that this study was flawed in ways they don’t understand…
Two easy answers:
- Patients canNOT be held hostage to the TSH lab test (which the study did for those participants) if we want to find that “significant” quality of life improvement! When thyroid patients are at their very best with desiccated thyroid, they end up finding their TSH is below the so-called “normal” range, and without one iota of “hyper-like symptoms, i.e. no bone loss or heart issues”. (Hyper symptoms will only occur if there is an undiscovered or untreated cortisol or iron issue. See #4 below).
- We have to have optimal cortisol and iron levels with desiccated thyroid to achieve that “significant” quality of life improvement!
Back to the Letter to the Editor….
Doctors David S. Rosenthal, MD and Kenneth H. Hupart, MD proceed to present misinformed criticism and obtuse conclusions. The last part of their letter states the following…and I have bolded what I’m going to respond to:
…..Such nonphysiologic changes in serum T3 [serum T3 rose 23% and 36% in the participants] after DTE administration and resultant risks have long been known (2) and are the subject of concern (3).
Exploring a role for DTE in the treatment of hypothyroidism with a well-designed, blinded, randomized clinical trial is laudable. However, when evaluating a therapy for a condition that affects millions of patients and for which an effective treatment already exists (4), this clinical trial should be powered and designed to detect adverse consequences. When the goal is physiologic replacement, care also needs to be exercised that normal physiology is restored. The study of Hoang and colleagues is provocative, but it does not achieve the minimum standard required to alter current clinical practice.
And my response to what I bolded:
- Risks? Concern? When are the risks and concern going to be mentioned about T4-only medications—the latter which forces us to live on ONE hormone, in spite of the fact that a healthy thyroid would be making FIVE. Where is the concern about the fact that a huge body of patients worldwide have continuing hypothyroid symptoms in their own degree and kind, either at the beginning of T4-only treatment, or the longer they stay on it? To the contrary, WE have concern when our doctors repeatedly ignore or blame those clear symptoms of continued hypothyroidism on other issues!
- Why are you so concerned about a higher FT3?? Thyroid patients have been doing fabulously, and have seen their lives change, on desiccated thyroid for over a decade now, and especially when we find our FT3 in the upper quarter of the range. Before that, there were a good sixty years of near-exclusive desiccated thyroid use! A higher range FT3 has done nothing more than strengthen our hearts, lower our cholesterol and blood pressure, rid us of depression and anxiety, improved bone strength, helped us lose weight, taken away the need to nap, improve our gut health, given us back our lives…and so much more.
- Can you be SO blind as to think that T4 treatment is that “effective”? Are you that destitute of observation about the clinical presentation of your T4-treatment patients who, sooner or later, complain of depression, rising cholesterol, higher blood pressure, aches and pains, hair loss, gut problems, the need the nap, heart problems, anxiety, weight gain and more symptoms of a POOR treatment?
- Have you not figured out that “adverse consequences” on desiccated thyroid, or even T3-only, are related to either inadequate iron and/or a cortisol problem? Patients are so FAR ahead of you in knowledge about the problems that cortisol and iron problems can cause with desiccated thyroid…and what to do about it. Once we correct those, we SOAR on desiccated thyroid.
A better way to look at the Walter Reed study
Nearly 49% preferred desiccated thyroid! That is nothing to sneeze about! It means something. It sends the beginning of the right message. And yes, it would have been a far greater percentage if those in the Endocrinology department had understood why it’s important NOT to go by the TSH, and why the participants needed to first be properly screened for their iron and cortisol levels, then property treated! And by the way, lab results have NOTHING to do with just “falling in the normal range”.
To all thyroid patients and friends worldwide:
Sadly, we all know that the majority of Endocrinologists we have seen wear Dunce hats. Of course, there are some exceptions in the Endocrinology field! We applaud those few courageous Endocrinologists who have dared to listen to our experiences and positive clinical outcomes.
But too many remain in a stubborn, dark world of their own, represented by the comments above—a mindset which only keeps us sick.
Your solution? Give your money elsewhere!!! Give your money to medical professionals who live in a lighter world and have an understanding of the efficacy of Natural Desiccated Thyroid (NDT), or even T3-only use, and who will let you teach them about the problems of cortisol and low iron, how to treat both, and how to read labwork (as the book will also help you do). P.S. Spanish in on sale for a limited time.
Seize the wisdom,
Important notes: All the information on this website is copyrighted. STTM is an information-only site based on what many patients worldwide have reported in their treatment and wisdom over the years. This is not to be taken as personal medical advice, nor to replace a relationship with your doctor. By reading this information-only website, you take full responsibility for what you choose to do with this website's information or outcomes. See the Disclaimer and Terms of Use.
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39 Responses to “Here we go again, thyroid friends: Endocrinologists wear their pointed DUNCE hats.”
Believer
I am a physician. My wife needed thyroid replacement after a hemi thyroidectomy. Her endocrinologist, with whom I worked for years, humiliated her for saying she did not feel well on synthetic T4 and wanted to try bio identical replacement with desiccated thyroid. He “fired” her as a patient. I ended up prescribing her replacement myself. I honestly do not think most endocrinologists listen to their thyroid patients. I have no answer as to why.
Janie Bowthorpe
That is an amazing post, Believer. We’ve had others who were fired, too. What is wrong with their heads to be so negative about desiccated thyroid!
Savvy
My primary care physician started me on dessicated thyroid after nearly a year of feeling ill on Synthroid. I am loathe to switch docs because I just don’t want to argue about it. It was hard enough to even get treatment or get any doctor to listen to me about my numerous medical problems related to thyroid dysfunction. Look, they know what they have been taught, as influenced by the drug companies.
Concepcion Benson (Connie)
I have an appointment with an Endo coming up on February 20, 2014. It will be a new doctor, I haven’t been back to the one who diagnosed me with Hasimoto’s Disease and made me feel like I was doomed for bad health and to just take the Synthroid/Levothyroxine medication. Two years ago when I was with another primary care doctor, I was reamed by his nurse that I was not following doctors orders by not taking the med,,, I tried to explain to her then that after about 2 months on that my feet and ankles were swelling and my calves felt like they were going to burst. I was also taking sertraline for depression … well, that was futile so I quit that primary care doctor and endo and by the way I had a gastroenterologist and he recommended surgery for my gall bladder… stomach issues… back then. … anyway, my experiences have been horrible and I am minus a gall bladder and still had stomach issues… go figure… this endo I am going to see for consultation and biopsy has been mentioned but I have to meet with him first…. what do I do now?
Janie Bowthorpe
Sorry to read what u are going through. If this Endo is as clueless as most about good thyroid care, use this: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/how-to-find-a-good-doc Also consider doing a coaching call with me — the one on one seems to help a lot of folks. https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/talk-to-others Or you’ll see several patient groups you can join for free.
Shanna
I meant I would rather take Dessicated Adrenal cortex than take Hydrocortisone if it actually raises low cortisol. Have you or people on your website used it successfully and if so what brands are trustworthy?
Janie Bowthorpe
Shanna, there are folks who have used cortex successfully, but saliva results are important to know if patients need cortex or HC, we’ve learned.
Shanna
Actually, my doctor suggested that I look at this website as I was learning about treating my low thyroid. He has been very open and expects me to pay attention to how I’m feeling to better adjust my medicine dosage. Unfortunately, it’s from hypopituitary, so everything is low. I wanted to ask your thoughts on Adrenal Glandular Extract versus Hydrocortisone, prednisone, ECT… I have not responded well to Hydrocortisone and would prefer to take a NDT style alternative. Thoughts?
Janie Bowthorpe
Not sure what you mean, Shanna, in your last sentence. You might want to consider doing a phone coaching call with me. https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/talk-to-others
Gloris
I was recently diagnosed with Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) i have had RAI. I also have Hashimoto’s and Grave’s.
I began NDT (Naturethroid) 2 grains plus 12.5 mg of iodine. My new Dr did not test me for iodine levels. I read that taking iodine with having Hashimoto’s should not be done as it can make my antibodies worse.
I wonder if I should have my antibody level checked as well as my iodine levels before taking anymore iodine? Thank you for any help.
Gloria
Janie Bowthorpe
There are MANY Hashi’s patients who do wondefully on iodine. It can raise antibodies at first…but as patients raise NDT, the antibodies have fallen. Others control their antibodies by being off gluten, being on selenium, or using Low Dose Naltrexone. Some patients feel strongly that iodine finally lowered their antibodies all by itself. Let patient ecperiences guide you, not “opinion”. 🙂
sherri
I was told by a doctor many years ago that I was hypothyroid even taking my T4. My thyroid was removed in1966. The T4 by itself does not replace what my thyroid produced. It did much more. I didn’t think that much about my symptoms or even which one of my concerns could be related to it until my sister had hers removed a couple years ago. Within a short period of time,within a month her amazing memory dropped to absentminded proffessor status, her energy level dropped to easily fatigued, and she started gaining weight. All of these problems have continued. I was shocked by the change. There are other changes as well. I don’t think this was unrelated. But her doctors, who did not know her well before her surgery, dismiss as unrelated.
Francine
“But I digress: understand that this site isn’t just about symptoms. It’s also about lab work and where it falls, plus…”
This speaks for itself: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/tsh-why-its-useless/
It is a proven (over and over again) fact that an undetectable TSH level is associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation and other abnormal heart rhythms. To imply that TSH “sucks” and should be disregarded is beyond irresponsible.
“Also, patient reports do not show that “many people feel well when they have unhealthy thyroid levels”. That is flirting with danger, Francine.”
The web is filled with patient reports about how they feel best on a thyroid dose that makes their TSH undetectable. These patients are the ones flirting with danger. It is one thing to get a pleasing effect from a medication and another thing to have a hormone problem well treated. For example, many normal healthy people feel better than ever when they take prednisone, but that doesn’t mean they have an adrenal problem to begin with. Many athletes who abuse testosterone feel best when their levels are twice normal, but that doesn’t mean then have a testosterone disorder to begin with. Almost anyone without thyroid disease can lose weight by taking enough thyroid hormone to lower their TSH to zero, but that doesn’t mean they were hypothyroid to begin with.
“each person is looking for their right replacement amount, not an overdosed amount. lol.”
Right replacement amount based on what? Free T3 levels are so low and fluctuate so much (owing to rapid absorption and relatively short half life) that the tests are unreliable. Free T4 levels are not representative of tissue levels and fail to take into account fact that pig thyroid contains higher T3 levels than are normal for humans. TSH you’ve decided is useless. Reverse T3 levels fluctuate widely, and no study has shown good correlation with replacement adequacy.
My conclusions from years of reading and searching, along with reading virtually every well done study of animal thyroid vs synthetic T4 vs synthetic T4/T3 is the following:
-Some (probably most) people feel as well on T4 alone as they do on any form of T4/T3 or animal preparation
-Some people may feel better taking T4/T3 (synthetic) or an animal preparation, so those who don’t feel well on T4 should, in addition to looking for non-thyroid related causes (including the common stuff like job stress, lack of sleep, lack of exercise, etc), consider a trial of changing to one of those thyroid treatments.
-Symptoms must be taken into account. Some people with a “high normal” TSH are actually hypothyroid, and treatment goals shouldn’t be universally reduced to a “normal TSH”. I’m all for finding a TSH value where I feel best on thyroid hormone treatment – in my case I tend to feel best with a TSH less than 2.5. However, a TSH of zero indicates danger and should be avoided. To imply otherwise does your readers a disservice and may open you up to liability when someone who takes your advice to disregard the TSH ends up with an arrhythmia as a result.
Janie Bowthorpe
Hi Francine. Let me say with respect that you are seriously misreading the information from patients as compiled on STTM, as well as the intent, which is mostly based on patient experiences and wisdom.
First, understand that a low TSH as a result of the autoimmune “Graves disease” is that which goes along with heart issues and “danger” of which you are reading about. But of course, it’s not a “low pituitary hormone” that is directly causing heart issues, Francine. It’s the excessive endogenous thyroid hormone production as a result of the Graves disease which, if left untreated, cause them.
The lower TSH that thyroid patients see on the right amount of NDT have not caused those problems. In fact, many thyroid patients on the right amount of NDT (the latter which is very individual) have reported their heart health has improved. And there is also plenty of literature showing the positive correlation between the right amount of T3 and heart health. All of this is about T3 and ridding ourselves of hypothyroid symptoms, not about “lowering the TSH” anyway.
When someone does notice heart issues on NDT, it’s usually due to low cortisol and/or low iron, which NDT will reveal since both issues inhibit the ability of thyroid hormones to reach the cells to some degree. Instead, thyroid hormones go high in the blood. When patients discover and correct those issues, the problems have gone away….repeatedly.
Finally, what is termed “normal” in a range is based on a large body of tested people. Period. That doesn’t mean that everyone who falls anywhere in that large range is “normal”. Thyroid patients have reported ad nauseum that they continued to have symptoms of hypo while in that “normal” range. That spoke volumes to a lot of patients…and to many doctors who are also seeing this problem.
As far as the FT3 or RT3, actually no, thyroid patients have not found the testing to be inaccurate nor have the growing body of medical professionals who use them. The labs have been very helpful in providing clues. But as stated, patients and progressive doctors have learned to go by multiple clues, not just lab work. And it’s worked well for all of us!
As far as who is doing well on what medication–the information on STTM is about what a certain body of patients all over the world have discovered with their use of T4, and what they have discovered with their use of NDT. If it doesn’t fit you at this moment in time, so be it. Every person is working with their doctors to find what is right for them, and STTM presents information for those who have discovered that T4, or going by the TSH, is not working as well for them, and using NDT (or adding T3 to T4) as well as using the free T3, has worked well for them. Plus a LOT more, by the way.
If you want to debate and argue, I would suggest doing it with doctors who have discovered what we have, as well, about the TSH on NDT, about the use of the FT3 and RT3, about other clues used, about T4-only vs. NDT. STTM is simply presenting what patients have learned the past decade and using that information in their doctors offices. And patients are always learning and growing. And apparently, a growing body of doctors agree with what patients have learned so far…and some medical literature is starting to catch up. STTM is simply information based on patients experiences and wisdom for anyone to use with their doctor.
P.S. https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/medical-research
Tara
Actually, Francine, STTM is one of the few thyroid websites that encourages people to also look at other things (beyond thyroid) that could also be the root of or contributing to their health issues. She has a very helpful page called “ducks in a row” which outlines other issues to look at if you are still not feeling well after appropriate thyroid treatment. Celiac is mentioned there.
https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/ducks-in-a-row/
Francine
As a thyroid patient who has attempted to learn as much as possible during my years of treatment, I think you are doing a great deal of harm on this site.
I have nothing against dessicated thyroid or combined T4/T3 treatments (outside of pregnancy, where it has been fairly well established that maternal T3 is not effective for fetal brain development). When someone doesn’t feel well on T4 therapy, I think it is reasonable to try animal thyroid, combinations of T4 and T3, etc, but at the same time it’s very important to consider that one’s symptoms may in fact have nothing to do with the thyroid!
Where I think you are very wrong, and probably causing a great deal of harm, is in suggesting that thyroid medications can be correctly dosed based on how someone feels or whether there is evidence of tissue damage (heart, bone, etc). Just as many people feel terrific with high blood pressure or high blood sugar, many people feel well when they have unhealthy thyroid levels. Some of us may feel best when we are very hypothyroid, and others or us may feel best when we are thyrotoxic. As well, many symptoms of thyroid hormone deficiency, such as hair loss and fatigue, are also symptoms of thyroid hormone excess as well as common symptoms amongst those who have no thyroid problem whatsoever.
I am thankful to have met a thoughtful endocrinologist who helped me to realize that my fatigue, bloating, and generally poor quality of life were unlikely to be related to my hypothyroidism, which she felt was probably being treated adequately with Synthroid. Because she felt my symptoms were probably not thyroid related, she went the extra mile to figure out my real issue, which turned out to be celiac disease. Following the advice on this site would have had me self treating or looking for a doctor who would blame my thyroid and overdose me on dessicated thyroid in hopes of making me feel better, ignoring my low TSH, and running the risk of developing atrial fibrillation because of overtreatment. Instead, I am now gluten free and feeling like a new person.
Janie Bowthorpe
Hi Francine. I think many, many people who have found the patient-reported information on this site to change their lives are going to strongly disagree with you. 🙂
But I digress: understand that this site isn’t just about symptoms. It’s also about lab work and where it falls, plus other issues related to a hypothyroid state like cortisol problems, low iron, low B12, low Vit. D, low nutrients etc.
Also, patient reports do not show that “many people feel well when they have unhealthy thyroid levels”. That is flirting with danger, Francine.
Additionally, this site of patient-to-patient information is not saying that all symptoms are related to hypothyroidism or being on T4-only. There are feel-bads from having Celiac, from having gluten sensitivity in general, from having reactivated viruses, from having Lyme, from having parasites, from genetic issues, from physical injuries…on and on. But there are also many feel-bads which are directly related to a poor treatment or being undiagnosed. Each person has to figure that out, and many of the above is mentioned.
And anyone will be glad you found and treated your feel-bad trigger. We hope it will last your entire life. But that doesn’t mean that you will always feel like a new person being on T4-only. We know that the body isn’t made for T4 alone, and all too many report problems because of it, sooner or later.
And finally, nothing about this site is encouraging “over-dosing” on NDT or anything else. It’s about finding the right amount for each individual. NDT gives exactly what a healthy thyroid gives: T4, T3, T2, T1 and calcitonin, and each person is looking for their right replacement amount, not an overdosed amount. lol.
You have clearly read things into this patient-to-patient site that are not there, and in a very negative way. But again, we are glad you found your particular feel-bad trigger. 🙂 And maybe someday, you’ll also find that NDT gives better results than Synthroid for you, too, as many, many have as well.
Best wishes.
JennyAnyCat
I completely agree with Janie.
In addition I find that both her website and her book are extremely comprehensive, with more information, help (and warnings where necessary) than any doctor has ever given me. My doctors happily ignored my hypothyroid for 20 years causing my university degree to collapse and my life with it. When I eventually persuaded a doctor (after a dozen tries) to test my TSH (this site not being in existence) it came back as extremely hypothyroid. T4 did nothing for me over 20 more years – repeated appeals to doctors found them constantly turning a cold shoulder and saying “You’ll just have to get used to it.” and that was the end of the discussion. My health went into a near death spiral – I was so desperately ill I couldn’t remember how to clean my teeth, but they didn’t care a jot – and this website and Janie’s advice has quite literally saved my life, as has NDT – bless you Janie!.
BTW – hypothyroidism can also cause atrial fibrillation – as it did in me, which my doctors noted 35 years ago when I was hypothyroid. NDT hasn’t caused it.
shah
After addicting to Soya Milk, I was diagnosed with Hypo and it came with severe anxiety. Long story short, I did following. (1) Take Levothyroxine every morning. (2) Quit caffeine completely. (3) Reduced wheat (gluten) intake (4) Reduced or stopped fried food (4) Start eating lots of fruits and vegetables every days 3 times a day (5) Eat nuts and drink lots of water. (6) No sugary water and have one coconut water a day. Try it and your anxiety and hypo related symptoms will go away. Believe me.. Do not take any other medicine.
Janie Bowthorpe
Shah, probably the worst thing to tell folks is to not take natural desiccated thyroid, which gives patients exactly what one’s thyroid would be making. It’s just proven over and over to be a better treatment. But we’re glad you are doing better with what you are doing for now. 🙂
Firecrackerz
Oh, my chiropractor said I should take thyroid cytotrophin. My doctor also said that my T4 is at 1.01, normal range of .71 to 1.85 I was told, and my TSH is 1.31. Waiting to have my T3 tested after the holidays.
Firecrackerz
I battled with a thyroid issue for years, finally in 2010 I took radioactive iodine. I was put on Synthroid 112 mcg. I went through gastic-bypass in the early 2000’s and was at a great normal weight. I have gone through 5 or 6 iron infusions, I am still gaining weight, I am tried out, dry skin, hair falling out, walking around in a constant fog and simply have issues with concentrating and I never did before. I also have serious sleep issues going on. I am vitamin D deficient again, and I was told I have fibromyalgia now. Today I went in to see the chiropractor and he tells me about how my T3 could be low. I called the family care doctor and he agreed to check my T3, but I am hoping this is the same as the Free T3 (I have no idea) that I hear about online. I just want to feel better and have energy again. I am a single mom and I need my energy! Thanks~
Sam
Anyone out there who is diagnosed with an iron deficiency or anemia should have their copper levels checked through an RBC copper test and not a serum test. Copper deficiency can mimic an iron deficiency. Most doctors don’t know this and may prescribe an iron supplement. If it’s a copper deficiency and the doctor prescribes an iron supplement symptoms can become worse even diabetic symptoms. Dr. Lawrence Wilson is an expert on Copper. Another point is that copper is critical to liver health. In many cases people who are copper deficient will have elevated cholesterol. After copper levels are increased to the normal range, total cholesterol drops, LDL, drops and HDL increases. So why do doctors recommend a stain without ordering an RBC copper test.
Laura
Okay so I got my endocrinologist to prescribe armour thyroid 75 mg. just wondering how others are taking it, I’ve read some people are taking it twice a day.
Janie Bowthorpe
Here you go, Laura: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/natural-thyroid-101 And you are only on a starting dose.
Ruth Feldman
This is how TSH comes about: the Hypothalamus tests the blood plasma; if there is not enough thyroid hormone, the Hypothalamus sends TRH to the Pituitary to tell it to send TSH to the Thyroid. This is called the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Thyroid Feedback Loop, in medical books. So, if a doctor prescribes enough thyroid replacement hormone that should suffice 24 hours till the next dose, why would anyone receiving a proper dose of thyroid hormone ever make any TSH? There should always be enough in the system. Does anyone know a smart Endocrinologist to ask? I asked a dumb Endocrinologist if there could be something wrong with my Pituitary. since I make no TSH, and she tested to see if it was stimulating my adrenal glands; apparently she was unaware that a Pituitary disorder might not involve all functions of the Pituitary, but just one such as TSH. Then I asked if there could be something wrong with my Hypothalamus; I make no TSH , no matter what the dose of thyroid, and she said, “The Hypothalamus has nothing to do with TSH.” She is the lead (dumb) Endocrinologist, of my HMO, in our area. sigh
Laura Phan
I ‘m hypothyroid nearly 25 years now, I know longer have a thyroid due to thyroid cancer (95)-(97) papillary cancer. I have severe chronic pain through out entire body, Fibrocystic Breast Pain (09), Costocondritis (09), Neuropathy (13). Recently been diagnosed with a 4 mm on my left lobe an have never smoked before. Saw a lung dr. He said we don’t have all the answers, come back in a year. I’ve been on t4 only for all most 25 years. I see my endo on Tuesday, I’m requesting to be put on armor thyroid. I believe that levothyroxine is killing me. I hope that can help me. Sincerely Laura Phan
Just me
While I totally agree that most endos don’t have a clue on how to properly manage, treat, and treat thyroid issues…. I don’t think calling names furthers our agenda, or makes us look knowledge or worthy of attention. Calling them idiots and talking about dunce caps just makes us look stupid, and takes away from the true message that medical professionals need to listen to patients. Who wants to listen after someone calls you a moron?
We can choose to be right, or we can choose to be effective. I’m trying for effective.
Janie Bowthorpe
I definitely agree. I’ve personally tried to moderate my descriptive words here and there in my blog posts over time. But honestly, I felt okay with the use of Dunce Hats. It was mild compared to what most patients are usually thinking or expressing about their Endos. lol. As far as Emily’s use of the word idiot, it probably just fit her personal observation as a patient. But as long as we follow it up with quality suggestions or information, it’s the latter that’s important, as I hoped I accomplished in the body of the post.
Just me
Ha, we should get actual dunce hats made up. 😉
Emily
Webster’s dictionary defines Dunce as:
A dull witted, STUPID, or ignorant person; dolt. I rest my case.
brenda
After years of spending hard-earned money to be ridiculed, disrespected, and lied to by the endochrinology profession, I am tired of being NICE. It’s time that some so-called professionals found another career more suited for them. Some should probably be in jail. Many of us have lost a significant part of our lives & income because of unnecessary surgery, dangerous tests, and useless drugs. These Docs know what they are doing; they are making lots of money. If you look closer, their Wives and Daughters are on NDT. But during office hours, they aren’t going to listen to you because they don’t work for you! They work for the insurance companies!
Emily
Exactly!! I have had puffed up, arrogant, pompous endos actually get up and walk out in the middle of when I trying to explain about my symptoms and NDT.
Try to be nice? How’s that working out for you? In the meantime we are struggling with hypothyroidism and living life at half speed. No, it is time to call a spade a spade. Patients!!! A call to action. Educate yourselves and then leave any Endo that won’t listen to you.
Diane
I agree that Brenda has the right to call her endo a lot more than she did. He caused her to loose her job for heaven’s sake!
JP Timm
The truth hurts.
Theresa
Thank you so much for everything you are doing for so many ill people…too bad most GP’s and Endo’s don’t have the drive or interest to actually listen and really learn what the patients and their labs are trying to tell them…Keep up the good work…..you are making a huge, positive difference in the health of many, many people.
Bridgette
You go Janie!! Thanks to you many, many of us feel so much better!! Thanks for all you do!
Emily
Since I started reading STTM newsletters and blog, I have realized that my endos were idiots! I have since put myself on natural thyroid and judge my dose by how I feel. Get my meds from Thailand. I am 75 and feel the best I have felt in years. I try to stay away from all doctors in general now.
brenda
Years ago I promised myself to NEVER go to an Endochrinologist again. Life improved after that! The last Endo, whom I went to, wrote a letter to my Primary Doc and informed her that he thought I was taking Illegal Steroids. I was working out alot to maintain my weight and my hormones were a mess. I was very sick. I had a golf ball sized goiter. The accusation was a total fabrication and it still makes me livid. I was vegan and wouldn’t even consider taking a Tylenol! Of course his letter is subject to my insurance company’s review and my insurance provider is my employer. He put my job and career at risk since he was too lazy to investigate my health issue. Grrrr!