Finding The Right Doctor

[LumpysMom]

I was diagnosed as Hypothyroid a couple months ago and want to find a doctor that will actually work with me regarding my health, but I have struggled with this for several years, even before the Hypo.  So now that that has been thrown into the mix, any advice on where to look, what to ask, how you found one that you are happy with would be appreciated.  I just joined and haven't had a chance to look around, so if this topic has already been discussed, can you point me in the direction of that discussion?

Thanks!

[gimel]

Sorry, by PM I meant that you should ask them to reply by a private message directly to you.   Since MedHelp sponsors this site, it's probably best not to be advertising individual doctors by posting names on the Forum.

[LumpysMom]

Sorry I am new to all this and it is probably obvious, but what does (by PM) in your message mean?

[goolarra]

Another question I'd ask is what therapeutic options the doctor is open to, i.e. T4 meds, combinations of T3 and T4, dessicated pig thyroid.  It's nice to know what they're open to from the beginning.

When I was looking for an endo, I faxed a questionnaire out to the endos in the area in my health plan.  I asked the above questions, plus some more specific ones that had to do with other medical conditions that were impacted by my thyroid condition.  I made the questionnaire multiple choice so the doctors only had to spend e few minutes filling it out.  I received exactly one reply!  Very telling.  Guess who my endo is?!  I liked his answers (luckily), except that he won't use Armour.  I've since found that I can't take Armour because of a heart arrythmia anyway, so it's a moot point, but I would have liked him to be open to it anyway.

I'd try a new post first, but if that fails...

[gimel]

The best way  would be to post a new message asking for a recommendation (by PM) for a good thyroid doctor in your area.  Sometimes you can get lucky this way.  Another way would be to go to this link and see if there are any listed in your state and area.  You can also read patients' feedback on the doctors.

http://www.thyroid-info.com/topdrs/

When you think you might have located one, I would call the doctor's office and talk to one of the nurses and ask some questions, like these.  
        -Does the doctor typically test for the actual thyroid hormones, FT3 and FT4, and take patient symptoms into account, or does he primarily rely on TSH?   If the answer is TSH, then keep looking.  If the answer is yes, then ask this question.
        -Is the doctor willing to treat a patient based on symptoms, and adjust FT3 and FT4 levels, with meds as required to alleviate symptoms?   If the answer is no, then keep looking.


A lot of the rationale for my suggestions comes from this link, which would be good for you to read and absorb before choosing and going to a doctor for testing.

http://www.hormonerestoration.com/Thyroid.html