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Surgeon appointment today

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Amanda Lynne
Hadleigh
Jasmine2
Brigitte0
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Surgeon appointment today Empty Surgeon appointment today

Post by Brigitte0 Mon Sep 01, 2014 5:01 pm

My first impression of Mr Surgeon was that he was a pompous a*se with an 'I Am Great' attitude. He didn't even have the sestamibi and ultrasound results, but after I pointed out that there were some, he went away and looked them up and came back in a better humour. He did seem to think that since there was a large adenoma, it wasn't worth looking at the other glands. I said that was not what I was led to believe from the Endo and I wasn't happy with that. I'm not sure where that left it, but I mentioned it more than once will take it up with the Endo at my next appointment later this month.  Bloods don't get tested during the op, but afterwards, so I reiterated that that made it more important to check all the glands. He seemed to think that symptoms are something you discuss with the Endo, not him and couldn't guarantee that the many I appear to suffer from were all connected to HPT or that they would be relieved as a result of a parathyroidectomy. Also that he'd had many people with higher calcium and PTH levels than me who had very few symptoms, if any. (Lucky them.) I took my eldest daughter with me for moral support and as an efficient memory. She became quite irate and pointed out that it was a remarkable coincidence that a large number of my symptoms were present at all since I hadn't got to old age quite yet! She has a way that her voice drips with sarcasm whilst staying perfectly polite and smiling. He sat up straighter and addressed symptoms then and suggested that I should see my Endo to discuss things further and he could arrange an appointment, (but I have one already). He had previously been somewhat full of "In my experience blah..." etc until I asked him what his experience was. He said he had done over 1100 thyroid/parathyroidectomies and when pressed, it was over 400 parathyroidectomies. I ventured to suggest that wasn't many and said lots of stuff about how much I knew about HPT and stuff. I can't remember what I said now but Rachel said I was quite clear and wanted more information and wasn't going anywhere until I got it. He went through the risks etc and said he'd never had a patient have damaged vocal chords and his success rate was high. I liked him better when he wasn't being a self-important, arrogant know-it-all. He said every op was unique and therefore couldn't tell me how long it would last. If it was straightforward and everything went well, it would be possible to go home the same day, but it could be an overnight stay. Bloods are checked 2 weeks after the op and then by your GP unless he or the Endo say differently. He is going to write to my Endo, so I asked for a copy of the letter.

He did point out that as a surgeon, he just really sees the end result of diagnosis by the Endo, so he's just there to do the operation. It occurs to me that at a big teaching hospital such as Southampton, this is not a good situation. I would prefer that you see the consultant who is both the Endo and the surgeon. It's not as though Southampton are being seen in a great light in the press at the moment and I have issues with them over my other disease going back years. I have, incidentally, got an appointment with Clinical Genetics that should have taken place at least 15 years ago.

So there we have it. I will 'definitely' have the op within 2 months. I'm not totally swimmingly happy with Mr Surgeon, but it doesn't matter as long as he does the operation properly (and looks at all glands). It's not as though I need to have a conversation with him in the OR  Wink He's a bit up his own backside, but he has lots of accolades and awards for his commitment to his surgery, particularly with breast tumour and thyroid surgeries, so maybe people treat him as though he's important all the time. He has clinics in Salisbury and Southampton and appears to be well respected. I do not have the money to go privately, or the inclination or effort to start again with another hospital.

The only thing that really worried me was that he suggested I should be checked for diabetes due to my insane thirst. I still think my insane thirst is due to HPT, but my brother was diagnosed with diabetes within the last couple of years and my Dad also had it. 

Love and hugs
Brigitte xxxx
Brigitte0
Brigitte0

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Age : 57
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Post by Jasmine2 Mon Sep 01, 2014 5:40 pm

Strewth, that sounded like hard work Brigitte but it sounds as though you stayed on point (should that be en pointe? Can't remember ....), focused and remembered all your questions. Big high five to your daughter for riding shotgun for you....you need someone like that when dealing with some of these pompous gits who need to have their  branches shaken up a bit. I can't say I blame you in staying put if at the end of it all you feel confident that he will do his best for you; I would just say though that if you were inclined to seek another specialist endocrine/surgical opinion it doesn't seem to be taking all that long to be seen in FP's clinic at the Hammersmith - but when you're at the end of your tether with it all you just want to get on with it don't you?  Well done girl, another battle won, another step closer! 

Jasmine x
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Post by Hadleigh Mon Sep 01, 2014 6:48 pm

Brigette if you want to go elsewhere my surgeon in Bristol (Southmead hospital) is a really nice man, in no way is he up himself and he understands what hpth is all about from the patients side. I only waited a couple of weeks for an initial appt with him although getting a surgery date takes a bit longer Rolling Eyes. I was told 3-4 months but in fact it will be 7 months by the time I get it done, that of course is if they don't change it again Rolling Eyes but I wouldn't go anywhere else so happy to wait.

Nelly
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Post by Amanda Lynne Mon Sep 01, 2014 7:26 pm

Brigitte well done for standing your ground and with the help of your Daughter let's hope the Surgeon realises you know your PTH inside and out. He then won't mess you around and try to pull the wool over your eyes like some of these pompous old goats.
If you feel confident with him stay there if in any doubt about him Nelly & Jasmine's options are good.
Might be worth having a check diabetes check but it's probs PTH.
Love Amanda xxxx
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Post by Lucycatnaps Mon Sep 01, 2014 8:33 pm

Hi there Brigitte,
I am so glad that your daughter was able to go with you, it makes a huge difference having another set of ears to help remember stuff.  It is wonderful that you are going to get surgery and sooner rather than later.  It may be that your consultant is not a people person and that his surgical skills are far superior, sometimes those are the best.  I do wonder though when they say stuff like Ohh I have seen far worse than you with no symptoms, as if it is ok to walk round like this if your numbers are not excessive.  I am pretty certain the thirst is HPT related, my GP has had me do a couple of fasting blood sugars over the last few years before HPT was mentioned and I always noted he looked so downhearted when it always comes back normal.  The slightest mention of thirst and they like to rule it in or out.  I am sure one way or another it must be better with the adenoma out, it has such an effect on our systems that returning to normal levels can only be a positive , even if it takes a few months to get there.  I really am pleased that you will have your surgery.
Hugs and hugs for you,
Sue x
Lucycatnaps
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Post by Little Audrey Tue Sep 02, 2014 9:51 pm

Way to go, Brigitte!! Way to fight! Sounds like your daughter was fired up and ready to let that guy have it right between the eyes. So nice she went along. Can't hurt to have a backup when battling this disease.

I am very happy you now have a surgeon and things are moving along for you. It's a shame he's one of those know-it-alls, but as long as he knows how to use a knife, you're in good shape! Smile

Good luck!

Audrey

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Post by Kathi209 Wed Sep 03, 2014 11:41 pm

I seem to be lagging behind on all these posts. I agree with Audrey as long as he knows how to use a knife, you'll be fine. I don't care for the know it all attitude some doctors have. Glad you had your daughter with you.  Kathi

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Post by MaryM Thu Sep 04, 2014 12:07 pm

Hi Brigitte
Why do these doctors/surgeons make things so hard for us
.
Good for you for not letting him dictate to you and it was good that your daughter joined in.

Why do they always compare everyone, we are all individuals and not everyone gets the same symtoms.
As for the crazy thirst, I had this and put up with this for a few years and guess what, its no longer there since I had the OP.

The main things is you are going to get the OP and you will feel a lot better after it.

Mary x

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