"Two doctors who have restored my faith in the NHS"

I am a patient of the Blandford Medical Centre, Braintree. I am a parent of several dependent children, I have worked in the emergency services sector by profession for 14+ years. I am also doing degree level studies. This is a good news story about two doctors who have restored my faith in the NHS. It is lengthy but I had to give a historic account of the differences these two doctors have made to my life.

I have had an extreme case of thyrotoxicosis for over a year. Unfortunately, my symptoms up to that point were not accurately associated with thyrotoxicosis. My ill health unsued and symptoms worsened. After having to attend a Bedfordshire hospital due to experiencing a series of dangerous symptoms, I was discharged and referred to my GP to receive prescriptive medication. I had lost in excess of 4 stones in weight by this stage.

The first doctor I saw was good. Having acquired indepth knowledge of thyroid disorders, this Dr promptly discerned that my symptoms were 100% associated with thyrotoxicosis and I required Carbimazole medication. They were sensitive and empathetic. They validated me especially, and I was not made to feel crazy like one GP who referred me for CBT. They explained my proposed treatment plan and referred me to an endocrinologist.

The endocrinologist appointment was set for months later, and when I finally had the appointment at Broomfield the doctor I saw was the worst to date. They made me feel so terrible with their demeanour and disregard for the suffering I have had to endure leading up to seeing my GP, or the degree to which my meds made difference to my symptoms. The only plus was explaining that the 5mg dosage I was on could not make significant symptom changes and would need to be increased to 30mg following my blood test results.

As my condition worsened I went back to my GP and was seen by a different Dr. Besides another who was the best Dr I have ever encountered, this GP at Blandford (who has several years of endocrine knowledge and experience) comprehensively explained my condition and stipulated a detailed treatment plan. They stated that a medication I was taking; Propanalol, which was increased from 40mg to 80mg by a different GP who treated me with disdain and contempt brought on Asthma. The difficulty breathing was due to this and this current Dr further explained my meds and gave a timeframe on when I should start to feel any positive changes. My progress would be monitored . They also wrote me a letter to take to my university, explaining that my condition was complex in nature and required support and understanding. I did not feel rushed and was treated with sympathy and empathy.

When you are seriously ill, how you are treated by a GP and the information you reveive makes such a difference to your wellbeing. It show care and consideration. My experience with other GPs was unpleasant and always felt rushed and received zero empathy. 

The two Drs I saw should be counted as great assets to Blandford Medical Centre. Despite being doctors in a busy practice. They have the ability to be professional, exercise respect for diversity, exhibit empathy and consideration, are warm in demeanour and have impressive expertise in Thyroid disorders. 

I have a while to go in returning to a state of good health, but knowing that I am under the care of doctors such as these is both reassuring and comforting.