[Anonymous]

#1039470

If a patient is stabilized on PTU or TAP, tolerating the meds well without any side affects why do doctors insist on a different path. The people in this country are not any different from those in Europe.

My question to the facilitators who have access to Endos: If I prefer to stay on my meds as long as everything is going well, why not? I understand the potential risk and this is my choice. Certainly the doctors can not FORCE me into a different method if all indicators are I’m doing well. RAI and surgery also have their risks and I’ll still have to take meds every day. The question deals with FORCING me into a different method of treatment. I know about the risk, about not taking the meds through IV, etc…please, this is not the issue. The issue is FORCING me into doing something I choose not to. Can you answer this question for me? This is a genuine concern, thanks, Mona

[Anonymous]

#1127775

Please take a deep breath, Mona, and relax. There is no way that a doctor can force you, against your will, to do a treatment other than the one you choose. This does not mean, however, that the doctor will necessarily continue to prescribe for you the treatment that you want. Or you might get them prescribed, but have to run a gauntlet of criticism with each prescription renewal. If the doctor determines that the antithyroid drugs are dangerous to your health, he/she would be very remiss not to stop prescribing them, btw. But you could always try to find another doctor.

Bobbi — NGDF Asst. Online Facilitator

[Anonymous]

#1127776

Bobbi….I’m happy with the Endo I have now (so far). The next test will include liver enzyme test. I will be the first person to agree to surgery in the event PTU becomes a problem However, I’m a firm believer if everything is working, why mess with success? Also, if I knew PTU was the cause of the floaters I’d discontinue the meds immediately.

It just seems that the docs in this field are less reluctant to work with the ATDs and eager to push us into RAI. I’ve learned so much about Graves/TED (guess I”m dangerous now) that I’m not so willing to turn my life/eyes completely over to someone who could potentially harm me. I made that mistake with a past Endo. However, I didn’t give up, trusted my intuition and eventually found current doc.

I suppose I needed to hear that I can’t be FORCED into their choice of treatment. i’m planning to compile a list of questions in favor of long-term ATDs for next visit in June. Thanks for listening! Mona

[Author]

Posts