Good MDs Out There

[mapquestvalerie]

Due to my thyroid condition. Are there any good, best and top doctors out there for my thyroid condition at all? I have what is called hypothyroidism along with shortness of breath, fatigue and tiredness and sleepiness during the day and night. I sweat during the day and during the night.  My family doctor referred me to an endo specialist at the Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington Virginia and I went to her last Thursday and she got so abrupt and said she could not help me and told me that it was not my thyroids. The Endo group over there gave me the run-arounds, and I just don't like the doctor's and her staff's tone of voices at all. They talked too fast. All I am asking you to do is to find me the best and top endocrinologist who will thoroughly check me out and find out what is going on with me and to make me get better and the one who has excellent bedside manners. Thank you in advance.

Cordially,
Valerie Klaassen

[goolarra]

I'd suggest you both try "pre-interviewing" some doctors before making an appointment.  It can weed out some of the really bad thyroid doctors.  Give their office a call and ask to speak to a nurse.  Ask her which tests the doctor usually orders when treating hypo patients.  You want to hear:  FT3, FT4 and TSH.  Also, ask which drugs they're agreeable to using.  T4-only?  Synthetic T3/T4 combinations?  Dessicated?  You can ask any other questions that relate to any other medical concerns you might have.

I did this when I was looking for an endo, only I faxed a questionnaire.  Most didn't even answer it...very telling in itself.  It was multiple choice and designed to not take more than a minute or two of their time.

I've heard both good and bad experiences from people who went to the top thyroid doctor list.  The interview approach might up the chances of finding a good one a little more than a recommendation from someone whose opinion you have no idea if you can trust.

Also, you can post a thread asking members to PM you with recommendations.  MH frowns on referrals on the open forum.  If you do that, make sure to get your city and state in the title line to attract people in your area to answer.

Best of luck to you both...

[sunflower642]

Valerie,
I began my battle with hypothyroidism in Oct 2010.  I have found similar attitudes from my endo and pcp for treating symptoms, not just TSH levels.  I have learned a lot on this site but still have a long way to go.  When I went to my endocrinologist, I had a similar experience and was just as frustrated.  I was just looking at
thyroid-info.com and they have a list of top thyroid doctors.  I am not sure about what others on this site think but I need to start somewhere. Hope this may help.
Karen