Re: Dr. feld? Anyone seen him?

[Guest guest]

Boy howdy, have we been there!! You are now in the company of people who

know exactly what these panic attacks from those nasty little antibodies are

about. I had three or four beginning presentations of these nasty little

critters, and this was one of the major ones. I couldn't believe what was

happening to me, nor did I understand why I had no control over it all. As

I've stated many times here before, that is exactly when I started running

like a hamster on a wheel, literally. I didn't run to lose weight because I

had suddenly lost down to 113 lbs, with all this anxiety going on. I ran

because it was the " flight or fight " syndrome, with me not knowing what else

to do to quell this haunting anxiety and panic. This part went on for at

least 3 yrs before I would guess that the thyroid slowly started going

downhill, probably normalizing at times before it finally failed. More than

likely, it was Hashi's first presentation of HYPER, then slightly hypo,

normal, then failed. These things reach literally into the brain. I

believe that when these types of panic attacks are going on, the adrenal

glands are probably still producing very high amts of cortisol and other

substances, to the point that it causes all kinds of mischief, that is,

until the adrenals get sick and tired of doing this to make up for something

else that's not functioning right. Extreme stress can be one of the major

causes or at least, can make something present itself that's already there

waiting to happen.

Dr. feld? Anyone seen him?

> I started seeing Dr. feld back in September. He started me on

> Synthroid and Effexor [antidepressant]on my first visit to see him.

> Yes, he decided that I was depressed after only knowing me a couple

> of hours in his office.

>

> I started to feel better, but then the Effexor started to cause

> increased anxiety over time. Eventually, by Nov. '05, I had a panic

> attack [for the first time in my life]. I thought I was going to

> die...really! It was not what I would have thought a panic attack

> would be like.

>

> Anyway, I called Dr. feld's office for help and they kept asking

> me [while I was in distress and having a panic attack] if I had seen

> a psychiatrist! I became furious with the nurse at that moment in

> time. And now, with months of reflection, I think that they should

> have talked me through it instead of making me feel stupid and

> insignificant while it was occurring.

>

> I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and hypothyroidism, but this has never

> really been discussed or explained by my doctor. After my panic

> attack, he had me come into his office for a visit where he drew tons

> of bloodwork. I have yet to hear about the results of this

> bloodwork. Every time I see him or speak to one of his staff, they

> ask me if I have seen a psychiatrist. I feel like I am being

> bullied. I don't think that I am depressed. I am usually a very

> high energy, positive person. I think that if they would focus on

> treating my thyroid problems maybe I would start to feel better.

>

> Overall, Dr. feld is arrogant and intimidating in his approach.

> His staff are rude and unsympathetic. I would not reccommend that

> anyone go see him.

>

> I was wondering if anyone else had seen this doctor.? He came highly

> reccommended by a family friend, but he has been a real

> disappointment.

>

> I am just learning about my thyroid problem and my husband signed me

> up for this board b/c he was at a loss in helping me. I hope someone

> out there can relate to where I am right now. I just really feel

> lost.

>

> Thanks,

>

[Guest guest]

,

I too have Hashimoto's and a host of other diseases, including depression, anxiety and panic attacks. I know how scary panic attacks can be and no two have been alike for me. I know many don't want to hear this on this board, but I keep valium for when I have them....which is very rare these days . It takes me 2-3 days to recover fully from one. Luckily, my DH knows before me when I am going to have one and talks me, and prays me, through them. He is a godsend.

Everyone here recommends a Dr. in Lubbock. I see a local endo, but don't recommend him. I suggest you find a new dr, one that might actually listen to you. It is hard to find a good dr. these days, and most don't recommend even seeing an endo as they tend to look at the wrong lab results and follow them, instead of listening to the patient and our symptoms.

Hope this helps,

Dr. feld? Anyone seen him?

I started seeing Dr. feld back in September. He started me on Synthroid and Effexor [antidepressant]on my first visit to see him. Yes, he decided that I was depressed after only knowing me a couple of hours in his office. I started to feel better, but then the Effexor started to cause increased anxiety over time. Eventually, by Nov. '05, I had a panic attack [for the first time in my life]. I thought I was going to die...really! It was not what I would have thought a panic attack would be like. Anyway, I called Dr. feld's office for help and they kept asking me [while I was in distress and having a panic attack] if I had seen a psychiatrist! I became furious with the nurse at that moment in time. And now, with months of reflection, I think that they should have talked me through it instead of making me feel stupid and insignificant while it was occurring. I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and hypothyroidism, but this has never really been discussed or explained by my doctor. After my panic attack, he had me come into his office for a visit where he drew tons of bloodwork. I have yet to hear about the results of this bloodwork. Every time I see him or speak to one of his staff, they ask me if I have seen a psychiatrist. I feel like I am being bullied. I don't think that I am depressed. I am usually a very high energy, positive person. I think that if they would focus on treating my thyroid problems maybe I would start to feel better.Overall, Dr. feld is arrogant and intimidating in his approach. His staff are rude and unsympathetic. I would not reccommend that anyone go see him.I was wondering if anyone else had seen this doctor.? He came highly reccommended by a family friend, but he has been a real disappointment.I am just learning about my thyroid problem and my husband signed me up for this board b/c he was at a loss in helping me. I hope someone out there can relate to where I am right now. I just really feel lost.Thanks,

[Guest guest]

Thank you for your responses!! I can't tell you what a relief it is to hear that I am not alone in this [as I was really beginning to feel]. It was actually very emotional for me this morning reading your emails and having some acknowledgment that I'm not going totally crazy here!!

, even though this week has been particularly bad [extremely tired, fatigued, anxiety, brain fog, etc...], I am going to try your plan of "running like a hamster on a wheel". I have a treadmill, so I have no excuses for weather, etc.. Do you run/walk every day to keep the anxiety/panic at bay? How long ? I have been debating this. Last year I started walking 15 minutes a day, each morning. After several weeks I had lost weight and was starting to feel better than I had in years. Maybe I should just try that again.

Wow ! It sounds like Dr. stein and Dr. feld are the same guy! Ha! Yeah, I don't like being bullied. I'm not going back to him. My husband and I had a big talk about it the other night and decided to get me in to see a new doc.

, Yes, a supportive DH is a Godsend. My husband is worried about me and has been very understanding and supportive, thank goodness! At least I have him in my corner. He thought Dr. feld was arrogant on our first visit, but I insisted that he was supposed to be the best. He had treated and Barbara Bush and a bunch of other famous people. He wrote a book, that he gives to all of his patients. I guess this is why he is so arrogant, ...?

Anyway, I am seeing a Dr. Alice Chiu on Friday. Has anyone seen her? I'll let you know how it goes. If anyone has any suggestions on good questions to ask her, please let me know. My knowledge about all of this is very limited.

Thank you again for emailing me and for your support.

~

[Guest guest]

Dear --

Panic attacks and anxiety attacks are really common

among people who have thyroid problems. Only recently

has the medical community at large begun to connect

thyroid illness with the possibility of

temporary/permanent anxiety disorder. And yes, the

attacks make you feel as though you're having a heart

attack, or something similar. Not fun at all.

In your case, you may have had a reaction to either

the Effexor or the Synthroid or both together. You

may also have adrenal problems. Either way, the

doctor's office did not respond to this situation

well, and I would consider reporting them to your

local medical board. Shame on them for scaring you

like that in the middle of a panic attack.

I have had severe panic attacks while attempting to

take all three classifications of psychotropics.

Although I have not been diagnosed with depression, I

do have a garden variety anxiety disorder, which

became noticeable a year before I was diagnosed with

hypothyroidism. I do believe that the anxiety was a

result of my messed up thyroid and adrenal systems,

especially after running into hundreds of people with

the same phenomenon.

Because I'm a little funky and eccentric and female,

doctor's offices are always trying to push depression

medications on me. I'm all for people being treated

for mental health issues with appropriate medication

and therapy, but I do not like the fact that doctors,

who don't know me well at all, nor do they specialize

in mental health, think they can throw handfuls of

psychotropics at people and expect good results.

That said, I do take clonazepam for my anxiety

attacks, and I do have anxiety problems daily,

sometimes less. I can also tell you that the more

I've been medicated for my thyroid and DHEA (adrenal)

problems, the less pronounced the attacks became.

Instead of laying in the bed, gasping for air, the

attacks have become more about muscle tension, racing

thoughts, etc.

Also, many people with Hashimoto's are misdiagnosed as

bipolar. There is also a segment of the thryoid sick

population that concurrently has bipolar disorder,

depression, and anxiety disorder.

If you do think you need mental health support, you

might want to get a referral through your church or

United Way to a thoughtful therapist. I think, also,

while we deal with this illness, it doesn't hurt to

get some support from the mental health community.

I've been seeing a therapist since shortly after being

diagnosed. It has been really fruitful and helpful in

my time of need.

Sorry you went through such a bad experience with your

doctor. I wish you the best of luck with finding a

more thoughtful practitioner.

Best wishes--

Courtenay.

--- paulbarnard1961 wrote:

I am just learning about my thyroid problem and my

husband signed me

up for this board b/c he was at a loss in helping me.

I hope someone

out there can relate to where I am right now. I just

really feel

lost.

Thanks,

[Guest guest]

I just read a listing for Dr. Chiu on Shomon's top Doc list. It states that Dr. Chiu is very opposed to Armour, as are many endocrinologists. You are most likely wasting your time and your money going to a doc who is not open to prescribibng whatever you may need to feel well. With a few notable exceptions, I do not recommend that any thyroid patient see an endocrinologist except for thyroid cancer patients and those who are currently hyperthyroid, and then, only if absolutely necessary. usanuk@... wrote: Thank you for your responses!! I can't tell you what a relief it is to hear that I am not alone in this [as I was really beginning to feel]. It was actually very emotional for me this morning reading your emails and having some acknowledgment that I'm not going totally crazy here!! , even though this week has been particularly bad [extremely tired, fatigued, anxiety, brain fog, etc...], I am going to try your plan of "running like a hamster on a wheel". I have a treadmill, so I have no excuses for weather, etc.. Do you run/walk every day to keep the anxiety/panic at bay? How long ? I have been debating this. Last year I started walking 15 minutes a day, each morning. After several weeks I had lost weight and was starting to feel better than I had in years. Maybe I should just try that

again. Wow ! It sounds like Dr. stein and Dr. feld are the same guy! Ha! Yeah, I don't like being bullied. I'm not going back to him. My husband and I had a big talk about it the other night and decided to get me in to see a new doc. , Yes, a supportive DH is a Godsend. My husband is worried about me and has been very understanding and supportive, thank goodness! At least I have him in my corner. He thought Dr. feld was arrogant on our first visit, but I insisted that he was supposed to be the best. He had treated and Barbara Bush and a bunch of other famous people. He wrote a book, that he gives to all of his patients. I guess this is why he is so arrogant, ...? Anyway, I am seeing a Dr. Alice Chiu on Friday. Has anyone seen her? I'll let you know how it goes. If anyone has any suggestions on good questions to ask her, please let me know. My knowledge about all of this is very limited. Thank you again for emailing me and for your support. ~

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[Guest guest]

Well I will see how it goes with Dr. Chiu. I had referrals from another board that said quite the opposite about her. I am new to all of this, so I guess I will see. I have already wasted a great deal of time so what's one more doc visit?

My primary care physician told me [after finding nodules and an elevated TSH] that nothing was wrong and that I should just go home. ...that they would not treat me. At least Dr. feld biopsied my nodules [4] and did labwork and determined that I have Hashimotos and Hypothyroidism.

Who is this Doc in Lubbock and why is he worth flying to see? What is so different about his care? I don't understand why an endo doesn't treat thyroid problems. That is what they should be treating. I just don't understand.

Sorry if I sound naive or like a newbie...

I just feel like docs should be doing their jobs. This makes no sense to me.

Thanks for your help,

[Guest guest]

Endos do treat hypo. They just don't treat it very well. Most will

only treat based on TSH, which is not always the best indicator, they

won't test or treat based on free T3 & T 4, and they will only

prescribe synthetic T 4. There are rare ones who will use Cytomel in

tiny amounts. and most will not prescribe Armour thyroid at all. I

have heard of endos telling patients that Armour will kill them, or

that they will get mad cow disease (quite a feat since it's made from

pigs, and they don't get mad cow disease).

If you do well on T4 only, and your TSH follows the rulse established

in the books, then an endo will probably fit your needs. If you need

your TSH suppressed, or need to follow your free levels, or need

something other than synthetic T 4, you are SOL with an endo.

The best docs for the hypo patient that doesn't do what the medical

texts say is usually one who is hypo themselves or has a hypo family

memeber. Or hypo pets.

>

> Well I will see how it goes with Dr. Chiu. I had referrals from

another

> board that said quite the opposite about her. I am new to all of

this, so I

> guess I will see. I have already wasted a great deal of time so

what's one more

> doc visit?

>

> My primary care physician told me [after finding nodules and an

elevated

> TSH] that nothing was wrong and that I should just go home. ...that

they would

> not treat me. At least Dr. feld biopsied my nodules [4] and

did labwork

> and determined that I have Hashimotos and Hypothyroidism.

>

> Who is this Doc in Lubbock and why is he worth flying to see? What

is so

> different about his care? I don't understand why an endo doesn't

treat thyroid

> problems. That is what they should be treating. I just don't

understand.

>

> Sorry if I sound naive or like a newbie...

> I just feel like docs should be doing their jobs. This makes no

sense to me.

>

> Thanks for your help,

>

>

[Guest guest]

Quite a few of the endos are now willing to Rx Armour. The problem is that they still underdose most patients due to TSH worship. One of our members was seeing Audrey Miklius. The doc put her on Armour, but would not increase her meds despite the fact that her free Ts were near the bottom of their ranges and she had symptoms out the wazoo. TSH worship! The jury is still out on Terry Exstrum. Our one member who is seeing him has nodules, and he is trying to get her TSH down to shrink them. But we do not know what he would do with an ordinary hypo/hashi patient. Another member was seeing Dr. nick. He ran all of the tests including the Free Ts, but told her point blank that he

only pays attention to the TSH. She was undermedicated until she went to another doc, not an endo. Why wa$ he ordering all of the other te$t$? I can't under$tand it. . . . Quite frankly, even as a thyca patient, I would be a little nervous about seeing an endo. . . . . wrote: Endos do treat hypo. They just don't treat it very well. Most willonly treat based on TSH, which is not always the best indicator, theywon't test or treat based on free T3 &

T 4, and they will onlyprescribe synthetic T 4. There are rare ones who will use Cytomel intiny amounts. and most will not prescribe Armour thyroid at all. Ihave heard of endos telling patients that Armour will kill them, orthat they will get mad cow disease (quite a feat since it's made frompigs, and they don't get mad cow disease). If you do well on T4 only, and your TSH follows the rulse establishedin the books, then an endo will probably fit your needs. If you needyour TSH suppressed, or need to follow your free levels, or needsomething other than synthetic T 4, you are SOL with an endo.The best docs for the hypo patient that doesn't do what the medicaltexts say is usually one who is hypo themselves or has a hypo familymemeber. Or hypo pets.>> Well I will see how it goes with Dr. Chiu. I had referrals from

another > board that said quite the opposite about her. I am new to all of this, so I > guess I will see. I have already wasted a great deal of time so what's one more > doc visit? > > My primary care physician told me [after finding nodules and anelevated > TSH] that nothing was wrong and that I should just go home. ...thatthey would > not treat me. At least Dr. feld biopsied my nodules [4] anddid labwork > and determined that I have Hashimotos and Hypothyroidism. > > Who is this Doc in Lubbock and why is he worth flying to see? Whatis so > different about his care? I don't understand why an endo doesn'ttreat thyroid > problems. That is what they should be treating. I just don'tunderstand.> > Sorry if I sound naive or like a

newbie...> I just feel like docs should be doing their jobs. This makes nosense to me.> > Thanks for your help,> __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I don't have an internist. Anyone good in the Clear Lake/League City area?

Thanks,

[Guest guest]

And if I may add ...

In my experience, every endo I have seen will not think outside the

ranges of their precious test results. They tell you that you are

within range (even if you are at the very bottom of the range, or

top of the TSH range) and that if you're still not feeling well then

it's too bad and it has to be something else. Or they say it's all

in your head, or that you must be depressed and here, try an anti-

depressant. The ones I've seen have been arrogant and rude. And

they will also usually tell you that they don't treat Hashi's. I've

had doctors run antibody tests on me and then turn around and tell

me that they don't care about my antibodies. Well, why did they run

the tests, then?

You are so right. You would think an endo would know how to treat

thyroid disease. It's a shame they seem to be so inept at it. And

they don't even consider the entire endocrine system. You wonder

why they are even called endocrinologists.

If you have Hashimoto's and nodules then you most likely will need a

doctor who is willing to suppress your TSH. Good luck.

> >

> > Well I will see how it goes with Dr. Chiu. I had referrals from

> another

> > board that said quite the opposite about her. I am new to all

of

> this, so I

> > guess I will see. I have already wasted a great deal of time so

> what's one more

> > doc visit?

> >

> > My primary care physician told me [after finding nodules and an

> elevated

> > TSH] that nothing was wrong and that I should just go

home. ...that

> they would

> > not treat me. At least Dr. feld biopsied my nodules [4] and

> did labwork

> > and determined that I have Hashimotos and Hypothyroidism.

> >

> > Who is this Doc in Lubbock and why is he worth flying to see?

What

> is so

> > different about his care? I don't understand why an endo doesn't

> treat thyroid

> > problems. That is what they should be treating. I just don't

> understand.

> >

> > Sorry if I sound naive or like a newbie...

> > I just feel like docs should be doing their jobs. This makes no

> sense to me.

> >

> > Thanks for your help,

> >

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

amen to that . my last endo seen that I was in range TSH 3.89

and having symptoms...said I was fine and was going to send me home

like that. i am going to an internist now and she got my numbers

real close to the hyper end and said they are great..even though I am

having hyper symptoms. so it is tit for tat...maybe i just need more

time to adjust.

> > >

> > > Well I will see how it goes with Dr. Chiu. I had referrals

from

> > another

> > > board that said quite the opposite about her. I am new to all

> of

> > this, so I

> > > guess I will see. I have already wasted a great deal of time

so

> > what's one more

> > > doc visit?

> > >

> > > My primary care physician told me [after finding nodules and an

> > elevated

> > > TSH] that nothing was wrong and that I should just go

> home. ...that

> > they would

> > > not treat me. At least Dr. feld biopsied my nodules [4]

and

> > did labwork

> > > and determined that I have Hashimotos and Hypothyroidism.

> > >

> > > Who is this Doc in Lubbock and why is he worth flying to see?

> What

> > is so

> > > different about his care? I don't understand why an endo

doesn't

> > treat thyroid

> > > problems. That is what they should be treating. I just don't

> > understand.

> > >

> > > Sorry if I sound naive or like a newbie...

> > > I just feel like docs should be doing their jobs. This makes no

> > sense to me.

> > >

> > > Thanks for your help,

> > >

> > __________________________________________________

> >

[Guest guest]

I'm thinking that you may need some adrenal support. Have you asked

your internist about that? Maybe you could print out some

literature from one of the sites about adrenal support and thyroid

disease. Or ask her to look in the Physician's Desk Reference.

Hang in there!

>

> amen to that . my last endo seen that I was in range TSH

3.89

> and having symptoms...said I was fine and was going to send me

home

> like that. i am going to an internist now and she got my numbers

> real close to the hyper end and said they are great..even though I

am

> having hyper symptoms. so it is tit for tat...maybe i just need

more

> time to adjust.

>

[Guest guest]

If you would settle for a family practice doc, there are two in Webster, who come highly recommended, and who are also good for thyroid: Hansen and Hartig, both in the same group.usanuk@... wrote: I don't have an internist. Anyone good in the Clear Lake/League City area? Thanks,

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[Guest guest]

It is nearly impossible to get a doc to Rx hydrocortisone unless they are inclined to do so routinely. Maybe DHEA, but not hydrocortisone. wrote: I'm thinking that you may need some adrenal support. Have you asked your internist about that? Maybe you could print out some literature from one of the sites about adrenal support and thyroid disease. Or ask her to look in the Physician's Desk Reference. Hang in there!>> amen to that . my last endo seen that I was in range TSH 3.89 > and having symptoms...said I was fine and was going to send me home

> like that. i am going to an internist now and she got my numbers > real close to the hyper end and said they are great..even though I am > having hyper symptoms. so it is tit for tat...maybe i just need more > time to adjust.

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[Guest guest]

Ok, thanks! I think that's my next route. Today's visit with Dr. Chiu didn't go well. ...moving on.

~

[Guest guest]

Of course you're right. I actually got an internist to go and look

up the prescribing information for thyroid hormone in her Physician's

Desk Reference. It says right in there that if there are adrenal

issues, they should be treated before thyroid hormone is started. And

even though she was willing to run tests, she was afraid to prescribe

anything unless the patient had either Cushings or 's.

Sigh ...

>

> It is nearly impossible to get a doc to Rx hydrocortisone unless

they are inclined to do so routinely. Maybe DHEA, but not

hydrocortisone.

>

[Guest guest]

Tell us about Dr. Chiu.usanuk@... wrote: Ok, thanks! I think that's my next route. Today's visit with Dr. Chiu didn't go well. ...moving on. ~

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[Guest guest]

She talked the whole time. I had to interrupt her in order to get a word in. She didn't ask me about my symptoms or how I was feeling. She went on and on and on...

She was talking mostly about not putting me on too much medication because that would send me into a dangerous cycle...of hyper/hypo yo yo effect. She said that more meds would make me feel better for a few months and then I would feel bad again. She said that too much medication would also cause hypertrophic cardiomyopathy which would eventually lead to major heart problems. Then she sent me to get labs done on another day.

Her bedside manner was aggressive and overbearing. She was talking the whole time, so her assessment of me was minimal. I was not happy with her. In my opinion, if this is someone that I am going to have to deal with for the rest of my life, I need to find someone that I like.

Anyway, back to the drawing board. I have a new PCP Dr. Bartoloti. I was thinking of going to see her. I need a B12 shot anyway, b/c that was low on my last set of labs [and could be effecting some of my current symptoms]. She is in Clear Lake. Has anyone heard of her? I was also considering Drs. Hansen & Hartig. I think they are in my area also.

Thanks for listening and your support.

~