when doctors don't talk, what then?

Great Debates
1

I went to the doctor for a painful hip. She asked about the hip and then sent me for x-rays and blood tests.

While they were drawing blood, I saw that one of the blood tests was for thyroid levels.

Back to the doctor. She told the results of the tests for inflammation (I had it), but nothing about the thyroid test.

I left.

The next time, I said, “You know, you never did tell me the results of the thyroid test. I wish you had mentioned you were going to run one because I just had a screening last month.”

Her reply was that she tends to order thyroid tests for women.

Okay, she orders a test without telling me, then doesn’t even tell me the result, and never mentions thyroid problems to me at all. I was extremely put out, not only because I was paying twice for a test that I didn’t need but that

  1. If I hadn’t seen the sheet I wouldn’t have known I had been tested for thyroid problems, and

  2. if I had never heard of thyroid problems I still wouldn’t even know that thyroid was an issue and I should be aware of its dangers.

My husband, on the other hand, argues that if I had a thyroid problem she would have told me and otherwise why do I care?

Thoughts?

Julie

2

Doctor was wrong. Its part of her job to explain what is going on. However, you did make things worse by not asking. I always ask what I am being prescribed or having tested, and I try to know all about it. Don’t let your doctors take control of your medical life - they are usually good people and quite competant, but you need to know what’s going on. Health is not something anyone can afford to be ignorant about. Just keep that in mind and ask what’s being done. If your doctor won’t tell you or tries to brush you off, find another.

3

When I asked before the tests, she told me that the tests were looking for inflammation.

After the tests, I wanted to see if she’d mention thyroid. She didn’t.

Julie

4

Sounds like a lame doctor to me. One of those with the attitude of “I’m in charge, don’t ask too many questions.”

Personally, I’d start looking for a new doc.

5

I’ve got to agree with autz and smilingbandit. Hell, even treating prisoners, I tell them what I’m ordering, and why. How can they take responsibility for anything in their lives if I go all paternal on them?

QtM, max security prison doc.

6

Agree w/ QtM- the dr. lied by omission, or worse,ignorance. Thyroid tests have zero to do w/ inflammation of the hip.

7

Ah, sorry, didn’t understand this. I vote you tell the doctor, truthfully and cally, why you have to leave, and then find a new one. Don’t be harsh, just say your not comfortable with her attitude.