Hypothyroid - advice needed please!!

Errata

Have you talked to another GP in your practice? They may take a different view from the GP that you're currently seeing.
Hospital consultants who specialise in thyroid problems are called endocrinologists. HTH

LilacLillie

My GP was insistant that he would not refer me on, also saying they'd know no more than he on thyroid condition. At one point he said that if he sent me to one 'They'd laugh at me' my response was 'lets give them a giggle then'.
It was only when I'd seen 4 Dr's within a month and was told not to come back (he wasn't joking), thatI said I'd keep coming back till I was better because that's what my Dr is for, to help me get better.
I feel awful, ill and fighting Dr. about it, I know something is wrong and am being treated like a nutter for it.
I eventually said I was going to have to find another GP who would take me seriously and was offered the app: I mentioned before.
Its still going to take 6 to 8 weeks after having blood test before they call me back.
I'm not even sure then of the procedure, if I'll get to see or speak with the consultant.
Be persistant and complain to practice manager if need be.
Hard work when you are feeling low, I know, but do try.
LL

methekidsandthecat wrote: »

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!)

moneysaver12

I too have an underactive throyid and am on 75mg, i still don't feel as normal i was before i got this, the tablets have helped, but my memory is still bad and i put lots of weight on and am struggling to lose it and i find it hard to pronounce some words. Last time i felt that it wasnt right i went to see the gp and she insisted that it was ok, i said it wasn't and she gave me a blood test form in the end and it turned out that my dosage was too high. So i don't think that the gps always know best about this. I think that we know our own bodies and that we know if there is something not right. I don't know wether i should be going back to the doctors, or is this just normal what i am going through with it, even thou im on tablets. I know that if i felt worse then i would go to the doctors but am not sure about this. Hope it gets sorted for you op.

sorted_2

Please look for this book.
"Tears behind closed doors"
By Diana Holmes

TaBunny

Hey there I'm on thyroxin and just wondered if you knew that everyone on thyroid medication is entitled to apply for an exemption from prescription charges for life! that saves a lot of money I would recommend anyone on thyroxin get the form from their dr and apply hope this helps someone but most probably already knew.

methekidsandthecat

Hi TaBunny

Thank you for the advice but i did know this and have found it very useful as I am also asthmatic and hated having to choose which medicines I could afford.

Sorted - Thankyou for the book title - i have saved it to my wish list on Amazon so will try to save up and buy it. I have also decided to try and alter my diet to reduce the carbs - not sure if it will help but now prepared to give almost anything a try.

LL and Errata - I have also thought that I would try another dr at the practice - I thought I would be honest and say that I did not find the other dr's attitude supportive and again request a referral when I get my blood results back. Test is tomorrow and I think the results shoudl take a week to come back.

Thanks again
Me

Errata

Good luck. Choose your words very carefully when speaking to another doctor. In fact, if it's a multi partner practice the doctors will be quite used to patients not always seeing the same doctor evey time so it isn't necessary for patients to say "I always see Dr Blah but they've given me an appointment with you" unless they want to.
After the 'new' doctor has decided what meds and dose they feel you need, how about asking if you can have an appointment with them for four weeks later to see how things are settling down?
HTH

jennyhatesjazz_2

An inexpensive seaweed supplement called SEA KELP is iodine rich, and can be taken long term to support the the thyroid gland. Health food shops sell it, and it goes on offer now and then at Holland & Barrett.
It probably wouldn't act as a substitute for a prescription product, but is good for the health of the thyroid, I'm told, and can assist weight loss.

An interesting side-effect is that it makes you hair grow about twice the normal speed!! So I'd guess it might well be useful for anyone suffering thyroid related hair loss - which can be SOOO DISTRESSING (have had it myself, caused by LOW IRON). You have to take it for quite a few weeks to make it effective, but a good product, I'd say. Worth a go at the price.:j

methekidsandthecat wrote: »

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

LilacLillie

I was told by a herbalist that I see occasionally, not to take Sea Kelp at the same time as the Levothyroxine because it can affect the absorption of the prescribed medication???
LL

jennyhatesjazz wrote: »

An inexpensive seaweed supplement called SEA KELP is iodine rich, and can be taken long term to support the the thyroid gland. Health food shops sell it, and it goes on offer now and then at Holland & Barrett.
It probably wouldn't act as a substitute for a prescription product, but is good for the health of the thyroid, I'm told, and can assist weight loss.

An interesting side-effect is that it makes you hair grow about twice the normal speed!! So I'd guess it might well be useful for anyone suffering thyroid related hair loss - which can be SOOO DISTRESSING (have had it myself, caused by LOW IRON). You have to take it for quite a few weeks to make it effective, but a good product, I'd say. Worth a go at the price.:j

MSE_ForumTeam1

Unfortunately, medical advice is not allowed on the forum.

Kind Regards