"Not impressed at all"

Why is it that the second you say you see a private specialist, your choice of specialist is attacked and their credentials are challenged?

They can't possibly know more than an NHS specialist obviously... at least, not in the eyes of the NHS!

Which is strange, since private specialists have often trained for longer, and have explored different treatment methods, and they have had to deal with all the people that the NHS failed to help, which gives them a broader knowledge and understanding of their specialist area, as they have had to keep on top of all the latest research and had to think outside the box in order to help those people, for if they don't succeed, they are out of business.

Also, why is it that when you say you are, or were using a product that you bought on the internet, that too is challenged... along with any information you may have found on the internet?

I am fed up of this patronising response from all the NHS specialists that I have seen.

My private specialist is not an endocrinologist... NO, but he is a qualified doctor with over 30 years of experience helping patients like me, ie specifically those that have complex hormonal dysfunction.

He knows more about endocrinology than any of the 10 or so NHS endocrinologists that I have seen over the years - none of whom managed to help me at all... and if anything, made me more ill!

However, my private specialist has actually helped me and he is extremely supportive, and I have no choice but to see a private specialist, as my "CORRECT" treatment is not available on the NHS.

The products that I have tried and some, I still use, have helped me enormously - I do my research thoroughly, and do not believe everything I read - I look for trusted sources and only try recommended and reliable and trusted products.

Stop treating me like I'm a child!

It is a fact that where complex cases like mine are involved, the NHS are extremely unhelpful... and it is no surprise to me, as the NHS is at least 17 years behind the rest of the world on research that is relevant to me, and its approach to diagnosis and treatment, and when a patient takes up the flack, learning how to treat themselves and improve their quality of life, and they find a specialist to support them, so they know exactly what help they need and what to ask for, they are patronised for it.

It has taken me 19 years to learn everything I know about my condition and I am still learning, but I am not respected for all my hard work, knowledge and achievements... I am made to feel like I am just an awkward and paranoid hypochondriac.

What's more, I am instructed to do stupid and harmful things such as stop taking essential medication for 2 weeks!