I went to my clinic to have a blood draw for my regular tsh evaluation today. (I know you're all on the edge of your seats with anticipation. Don't worry, I'll post an update when I get the big news. ;-} ) Anyway, I asked about the thyroid peroxidase test and any other antibody test I might need since I never had those done. (Thanks Lizzy/Sheol. Your research posting is what made me look into it.)
They were kind of shocked that I had never had it done with RE#1 and ordered it right away. I was not surprised and mentioned such to the lab head. I also mentioned how I feel you almost have to be the driver of your own medical care anymore. She somewhat agreed with me, but then expressed the belief that patients have to "step up to the plate," and "take more responsibility for their care." Don't get me wrong. I adore the staff at my office, and she was actually paying me a compliment at the time. However, I somewhat disagree with her statements. Although I like my new doctor a lot and think highly of his skills, I don't exactly feel like an equal partner in this endeavor. I feel more like the ONLY partner. If it weren't for my nurse, I'd wonder if I was even a blip on the radar sometimes. I do think we have to understand our problems the best we can, and do our best to ask insightful questions. However, if I hadn't stumbled on that research paper posting, I wouldn't even really know much about the antibodies and the effect they can have on ttc. Thank God I finally have an RE and staff though that makes it easy for me to ask these questions, and that keeps up with the newest research. With the other one, I always felt dismissed and ignored.
So what do you think? Do you think your doctors are involved enough in your health care? If not, or is so, why? Post your answers in the comments, or feel free to post on your blogs about it. Just let me know so I can read your insightful musings!
P.S. I still welcome any treat ideas for healthy eating! I'm a food hound and need some new things to try! :) (see previous post)