Hypothyroid - advice needed please!!

methekidsandthecat

Hello

I have had hypo thyroid for at least 8 years (can't quite remember exactly how long!!) But anyway I wondered if anyone can give me any advise on two points:

1. Has anyone actually tackled their GP to request a prescrption or trial of T3 meds or referral to endocrinologist - do you ask for a general referral or to one that specializes in thyroid conditions?

2. i have been reading up some information and have heard a lot about Armour - does this have to be prescribed or can you buy it directly via the web?

I have had a gradual return to similar symptoms that I had before diagnosis and I already take a high does of medication of 250mg..... Woudl be grateful of any response as I have an appointment tomorrow at the GP's


Many Thanks

Me

[Deleted User]

Hi
I have hypothyroidism too and take 50mg thyroxine. As for referrals to specialist endocrinologists, I think you can ask to be referrred to one of your choice (within your health authority catchment area). I did this just b4 Xmas to see a dermatologist. It pays to do some background research first tho'.

You have to ask your GP about the specialists in your area then the GP makes the initial contact then you get a pin number in the post (or via the GP) which allows you to make the appt via the 'phone or online. I wish I could remember the name of the process, but I bet NHS Direct could tell you 0845 4647. You can check which specialists are in your area (and their field of intrest) online, to help you decide which one best suits your needs.

I haven't heard of the medicines you named so can't help you there. But again you might be able to check online too.

Good luck

sorted_2

Hi, armour T3 used to be prescribed in England then it was changed to Levothyroxine because this was cheeper, not everyone does well on this and needs the T3 as well. Ask your GP to refer you.
I think Bushbaby was referring to choose and book,
If you have done well so far perhaps you just need a stronger dose.
I have been on 50mg and done fine so far.
Good luck I hope you get referred, at least you will have a speciallist

Mojisola

If you're already taking 250mcg of thyroxine and aren't feeling good your GP should be happy to refer you to an endocrinologist but not all of them will prescribe Armour.

There's a lot of information on this site - https://www.thyroiduk.org/
and there's a forum on http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/thyroidpatientadvocacy/

methekidsandthecat

Thankyou for the advise - I have decided that I am not happy just to have an increased dose - this would take me up to 300mg. So i will ask for a referral - I think if would be best if I ask for a consultant who specialises in Thyroid problems - although I am not sure how successful I will be.

Had flu last week so will also need to ask for certificate and a repeat presciption - not much then....

I suspect that GP will ask for new blood test and will want to wait for results before referral - not sure how to approach this.... i think I will have to wait for another week or two until we have upto date figures but will ask for T3 test.

Thankyou again for the links I will check them out.

Will also update this after my appointment later today.

Me

allydowd

Have you contacted TPA?

TPA link

LilacLillie

My Dr wouldn't give me a referral and I have become increasingly more unwell.
I have been on Levothyroxine for almost 3 yrs starting on 50mg and now at 75mg.
I feel as bad now as when I was first diagnosed.
After talking to my Dr 2 wks before Xmas and saying I was going to change Dr's because I felt they are not taking me seriously I was referred to an endocrinologist at Bart's.
I went on 23rd Dec: to an empty clinic and they took my blood, I was expecting to see the Dr and have some answers.
Sent away and told my appointment will be about 6 to 8 weeks time, but at least I am now in the system.
I have not heard of the amour T3 or been offered any other mediaction, yet feel ropey all the time.
After reading a book called 'The Thyroid diet' I am now self treating for Candida and feeling slightly better in myself, just since Xmas.
I read if you do have Candida (very common in Thyroid patients, the only way you actually know is if the symptoms get better!!!!!........ along with the signs before of course) it can negate the medication you take and even stop it from working.
Will have to wait now for another app: from Bart's, hoping they don't lose my notes as usual and forget to send for me.
Hope you have more luck with referral from your GP.
LL

methekidsandthecat

Well that wasn't very productive - GP has agreed to undertake a new blood test including a T3 test (is the lab will actually complete the test).

On a less encouraging note - I asked about taking additional T3 whilst mentioning that I have been reading up on hypothyroidism - GP stated that T3 does not help at all and a lot of information is bordering on quackery and only just within conventional medication. The implication was that I should not read up about my condition and any information was bound to be suspect.

He also refused to refer to consultant - his reasoning that they would not be able to provide any additional treatment that he (the GP) could offer!!

I think that I will have to wait for the results and then try again before going down the route of changing GP.

Me

cazzarooni

I have also been hypothyroid for 8 years. For the first two years, despite increasing my thyroxine, I didn't feel any better. I did some research and asked my GP to refer me to Doctor Skinner (then in London), and to cut a long story short, he asked me loads of questions, looked at my blood test results, and prescribed T3 as well as thyroxine. Within 6 weeks, I had lost a stone in weight, and felt lots better. I now take 175 mcg of thyroxine, and 60mcg of T3 which I get on prescription from my GP. I would encourage you to seek advice on this from a specialist, as I wouldn't be without it.

Errata

My GP explained to me when I had my latest blood test that over treatment - too big a dose of Thyroxine - can make people feel as bad as they would if they were being under treated.

methekidsandthecat

Does anyone know how to find out about consultants that specialise in thyroid ? - I have tried the web for local hospitals but have been unable to find any names or area of expertise.

I know I am jumping the gun a bit but does anyone have any experience of challenging a GP when they refuse to refer?

i am sure that my problems arise because on wrong meds not just from too high a dose - although I bet GP will see it differently. I hope he does not reduce it as I will not be able to cope - only just hanging in there (single parent and working full time - usual things!)