Finding the Right Doctor for TED

Finding a doctor to help you navigate your thyroid eye disease (TED) can be tricky. TED is a rare disease, and few eye doctors specialize in this sort of thing. Some doctors don't have the greatest bedside manner, complicating the treatment process.

You want someone you can vibe well with, someone who will be an advocate for this very long process, someone who will help your body heal, someone who will help you feel as though you have a seat at the table when it comes to your health and well-being—because you do.

How to know a doctor is not the one for you

• They talk at you and not to you.
• You sense you're just 1 in a series of patients on the docket for that day.
• What you say to them goes in one ear and out the other.
• They talk to someone else in the room like you're not there (a nurse, a parent, a friend, or a family member you brought).
• They cross boundaries you're uncomfortable with.
• You get no response to your questions.
• You don't feel supported by them, and doctors are supposed to put you at ease.
• They don't have any real solutions to your problems.
• They disregard your feelings.
• You feel misunderstood by them.

How to know a doctor is the one for you

• You feel seen.
• You feel as though they genuinely care about what you're going through.
• All of the questions you ask get a respectable answer.
• There's no such thing as a stupid question; no question is off-limits.
• They help calm your worries.
• They take the time to communicate with you.
• They look in your eyes when you speak.
• They're patient and kind.
• They celebrate your victories.
• They focus on giving you the best care.
• They're respectful and considerate.
• They're honest with you about your hardships while understanding your real feelings.

Finding a great doctor takes trial and error

Unfortunately, not all doctors will have everything on your wish list. Some may have a poor bedside manner, but they're the best in your area regarding TED.

What if you want a second opinion on something your doctor had mentioned because it's not sitting right with you? Don't ignore your gut feeling or take what your doctor said as fact. Just because a doctor is a doctor doesn't mean they're always right. They're human and make mistakes too. Get that second opinion if you feel you need it.

You know your body

No one knows your body the way you do. Are you sensing something is off? Don't hesitate to say something to your doctor. If you worry about mentioning a concern, maybe it's time to find a new doctor, for you should never be afraid to ask the wrong question. There are no wrong or stupid questions.

Having an open dialogue with your doctor will help ensure you get the best care possible. A disease like thyroid eye disease can be nerve-wracking and you want everyone helping you to get through these difficult times.

How do you deal with unpleasant doctors?