For many years, Keri suffered from debilitating gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, weight fluctuation, and depression before she was finally diagnosed with hypothyroidism.
And she has had more than her fair share of conversations with doctors.
How did the experience improve once Keri felt heard? How did effective communication impact her health? And what does effective doctor-patient communication look like?
On this episode of Tell Me More, Keri joins me to describe the mental and physical symptoms of hypothyroidism and discuss how long it took to get an accurate diagnosis.
Keri explains the power in building trust with your healthcare team and shares her maddening experience with a doctor who discounted how she felt because her numbers were “normal.”
Listen in for Keri’s advice to listeners who think they might have hypothyroidism and learn why doctors can’t rely on data alone to treat human beings.
Key Takeaways How long Keri suffered from GI issues before she was diagnosed with hypothyroidism
Keri’s experience with a doctor who discounted how she felt because her numbers were “normal”
How Keri’s fatigue, GI issues, weight gain and depression were symptoms of hypothyroidism
How often Keri checks her TSH, T3 and T4 to make sure they’re in the range she feels best
The power in finding a doctor who makes you feel heard
Why asking open-ended questions facilitates more effective communication with patients
The frustration of retelling your story over and over to new doctors (especially with a chronic condition)
How hypothyroidism impacts your mental health
Keri’s advice for listeners who think they might have hypothyroidism
Connect with Dr. Meyer Dr. Meyer’s Website
Email christine@christinemeyermd.com