Doctors Don’t Know Everything
Doctor/Physician, Hospital, Italy, Lazy/Unhelpful | Healthy | August 4, 2021
A routine blood test shows that my levels of TSH — thyroid-stimulating hormone — are high, 4.2 mg/l. Basically, it means that my thyroid isn’t working properly: the normal value ought to be under 4.5. I start seeing an endocrinologist. At 5…
Endocrinologist: “Yes, yes. Nothing to worry about. Let’s just keep it monitored. See you next year.”
Next year, at 6…
Endocrinologist: “Well, well. There’s clearly something going on here, but I’d rather not start medicating as you’re still young. See you next year.”
Next year, at 8…
Endocrinologist: “I don’t like the look of this. If it keeps rising, we’ll have to put you on something. See you next year.”
I get in the family way, and eight months into my pregnancy, I’m examined by an obstetric, an old guard doctor with the manners of a constipated bear. He takes a look at my blood tests.
Obstetric: “Just what are you waiting for before you do something for that thyroid, lady? Your TSH is through the roof!”
Thyroid medication, of course, is prescription-only. I would have so liked to give him my endocrinologist’s number and watch the discussion.
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