It started with an unexplained weight loss. My clothes looked borrowed as they appeared at least two sizes too big! I cannot confidently say I looked like a shadow of my former self because the shadow looked better and healthier. My appetite was the same. Hence, there was no obvious reason for the weight loss.
I found it imperative to visit the hospital. After listening to my complaint, the doctor told me I was fine. He told me that my current weight was perfect for my height! I was anticipating some basic tests to ascertain if there was a problem or not, but the doctor dismissed it and told me I was fine.
After a couple of weeks, things got worse! Regardless of how much I tried, I could not stay asleep for more than one hour every night. In addition to that, I became extremely anxious. My skin felt itchy, I was extremely irritable and tired! I had no choice other than to go back to the hospital.
The doctor listened to my complaints again, after which he decided that I needed sleeping tablets. I used them for five days and absolutely nothing changed!
I, subsequently, developed a small goiter. Something was wrong with my thyroid gland! I began to read up on it. One of the key pieces of information I found was that there are two major classifications of thyroid problems – Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism. With hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormone than the body can use up. On the other hand, the reverse is the case with hypothyroidism where the thyroid gland is unable to produce sufficient thyroid hormone to make the body function optimally.
With this knowledge, I went to the laboratory to have a Thyroid Scan and a Thyroid Function Test carried out. The result showed my Thyroid Hormone level and a reference of what the normal level should be. I deduced I had hyperthyroidism from the result as my hormone level was high. Also, the symptoms I had been presenting were suggestive of hyperthyroidism. The Pathologist’s opinion on the test report was hyperthyroidism.
Armed with my test results, I went back to the hospital. The doctor reviewed and told me I did not have hypothyroidism because I would have been more physically ill. He proceeded to refer me to a Surgeon at the State Hospital. The Surgeon too reviewed my results and told me I had hypothyroidism! He prescribed an artificial Thyroid Hormone to use for three months and thereafter, come for a review.
I was very sure they were both wrong, so I didn’t use the drug. I went to another hospital, and I was referred to an Endocrinologist. I had no business with a Surgeon in the first place but with an Endocrinologist. He told me I had hyperthyroidism and would have gone into a shock or coma if I had used the drug from the State Hospital.
I wonder how many patients would have lost their lives due to such carelessness. Truly, not everyone has a profession of serving!
Have you experienced carelessness in Nigerian Hospitals? Please share with me! I’d love to hear from you.
Till next time, I remain your lady.
Ayodele.
