February, April, May, June and July 2006

Febuary-April-2006

I noticed sudden weight gain (about 6 pounds) and my hair was falling out.  I went to a dermatologist who gave me propecia and promised great things.  Within a week I had white facial hair all over my face including my cheeks and chin.  I stopped the propecia and returned to the doctor.   He gave me cream for my face, which I used and it caused a serious facial rash.  I called the doctor and he told me that I could get my face waxed.  Lovely.  Can you imagine?  What a treat.  I didn’t return to the doctor.

Why didn’t he ask me for a blood test before treating me? 

May-2006

I continued gaining weight and decreased my calories to less then 900 calories per day.  I was still exercising but experienced ongoing tiredness.  I just couldn’t seem to “beat it”.  I was sleepy all the time (not simply tired).

John and I went to get a colonoscopy.  I was fine but he was diagnosed with Colon Cancer.   We had him in surgery within seven days after the diagnosis.

In June-2006

I stopped all exercise training because I was too tired.  I told John and my trainers I had been exercising forever and was simply going to take the summer off.  That should have been a big “red flag” for everyone.  I love to exercise or at least the feeling after I have worked out.

I could barely keep up with the basics and helping with John’s recovery.

July-2006

I went for a blood test.  I went to our Internist, Dr. Gregory Katz, a UCLA Alumni and liked him.  His nurse was a tough old bird and difficult but he was good.   John had his blood tested at the same time and got a return call in four days.  After six weeks of calling I finally got a phone call from Dr. Katz with no excuse for not returning my calls to tell me my thyroid was not working.  I asked him why he didn’t return my calls and he simply said he had gone on vacation and was busy.  So I spent six weeks without being treated because Dr. Katz didn’t think I was important enough?  I think he finally returned my call because I told the receptionist I was going to camp in their waiting room until I got my paper work.   Dr. Katz told me my thyroid level was a 14 on the scale 1-3.  He gave me about 50 mcg of Synthroid and patted me on the head.  I went down to his office and picked up my blood test results.

Is he an incompetent doctor?  No.  Does he have a nice bedside manner?  Yes, when he is not defending his nasty nurse.  Why didn’t he call me back?  We will never find out because I moved on. 

We now see Dr. Richard Kenney.  He is a good doctor.  But what is nice about Dr. Kenney is if you have a problem he will try and help you figure it out or refer you to someone who might…..that’s good.

Aside note…one of the symptoms of Thyroid disease (which about 20 million folks have) is depression.  Why doesn’t a psychiatrist when visiting a patient for the first time ask the patient to bring a blood test to show hormone and thyroid levels?  Would it be that they might not have as many patients?  I am outraged that a physical problem causes depression and a psychiatrist would not ask for blood work.  You have to be diligent.  You have to be your own medical advocate, researcher and helper.  I know it is hard.  Damn hard.  If you can’t do it then you must ask another.