Blandford Medical Centre

Written by a patient

I am a patient of the Blandford Medical Centre, Braintree. I am a mother of three 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 Dr Nirmal. Having acquired indepth knowledge of thyroid disorders, Dr Normal promptly discerned that my symptoms were 100% associated with thyrotoxicosis and I required Carbimazole medication. He was sensitive and empathetic. He validated me especially, and I was not made to feel crazy like one GP who referred me for CBT. He 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 the doxtor I saw was the worst to date. He made me feel so terrible with his demeanour and disregard for the suffering I have had to endure leading up to seeing Dr Normal, or the fact that my meds made very 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 Dr A Sinhr. Besides Dr Sarwat Sharif who was the best Dr I have ever encountered, Dr Sinhr (who has several years of endocrine knowledge and experience) comprehensively explained my condition and stipulated a detailed treatment plan. He stated that a medication I was taking; Propanalol, which was increased from 40mg to 80mg by a GP who treated me with disdain and contempt brought on Asthma. The difficulty breathing was due to this and he further explained my meds and gave a timeframe on when I should start to feel any positive changes. He would monitor my progress. He also wrote me a letter to take to my university, explaining that my condition was complex in nature and required support and understanding. He did not rush me and treated me sympathetically 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 at this practice was unpleasant and always felt rushed and received zero empathy. Dr Nirmal and Dr Sinhr 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.

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