My doctor doesn't show me my results and I am sure I need an increase in dose of levothyroxine. The doctor said no increase in dose required

[Snow73]

After my recent test, but I'm not convinced, recently put on a stone and half in weight, though no change in my diet. Is the anything I can do? Ask for a new test, even though only had one in March?

[Issy]

You can get your previous results.

[Snow73 in reply to Issy]

Thank you

[Hidden]

Insist on a copy - or get your own tests done.

For years they never showed me the results and i became really unwell, found they were undermedicating me for years.

If you have symptoms they are undermedicating you. If you say anything they'll shove anti-depressants down your throat

I manage my own health now, it;s the only way. Do my own tests, sometimes i give them a copy but often i do not - why should i as a taxpayer who has been badly failed by the nhs.

[Snow73 in reply to Hidden]

Gosh!!! Thanks for your reply, how do you manage your own health? Is that too big of a question? Even though I've had this for 3 years, I still feel I am not in control of my health and that hypothyroidism dictates, I don't even know how to diet or exercise effectively

[greygoose in reply to Snow73]

Don't diet or exercise!!! If you have put on weight it's because you're under-treated and no diet or exercise plan in the world will make you lose it. In fact, they could make you worse. You need more calories, not less, to support bodily functions like convertion. You need fat and salt so no fad diets. Just do enough exercise to stop you seizing up, but no trips to the gym on a daily basis.

Hugs, Grey

[Snow73 in reply to greygoose]

Thank you, I hate not being in control of my own body, do you know where I can get more info on the points you suggest re diet and excercise? I was a member at a gym when first diagnosed and the personal trainer and nutritionalist were no help, virtually accused me of lying as my weight kept on increasing week on week! Both said i needed to diet and excercise with thyroid probs!! But then, they would, I suppose. Thank you

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

You are entitled to your test results. Have a look here:

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/NHS_In...

Rod

[Snow73 in reply to helvella]

Thanks Rod, I do worry about bugging my GP for this info and it affecting his treatment of me!

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Snow73]

Understood - but you need to worry more about your health and the current quality of your treatment.

Read around and we see patients being positively encouraged to take more responsibility by both medics and politicians.

Rod

[trw99]

ask him directly for the results

[Heloise]

As you are finding out, Snow, you are definitely not alone. So many people here are suffering from the effects of the NHS seeming to pinch pennies for people who have thyroid problems and forcing many to go on their own like bluedaffodil. It is so shameful especialy when treatment is not really that expensive once a person is stable on a dose of either thyroxine or preferably Armour/Erfa. Some people are on T3 only, as a matter of fact, and doing very, very well. T3 is the active part of the thyroid serum and is a small percentage of Armour or Erfa and NO percentage of thyroxine. Some have found ways to accommodate their illness even when the GP's they see want to dismiss their care.

[Snow73 in reply to Heloise]

Thank you, so there is a better drug to treat hypothyroidism other than Levothyroxine? Who knew?! I dont like to complain about the nhs as they have saved my life once or twice, but this is really frustrating and only adds to my condition.

[Heloise in reply to Snow73]

Yes, I understand. One advantage within the NHS is that you can change GP's or see someone else if necessary. I've been reading these blogs for months and it is so pitiful to see how many have lost jobs and mates over being so ill when there is no real reason for it. I must say that more blogs seem to be from newer people who say what you are saying so I assume people are taking responsibility for their illness and once you learn how things work, it is possible to remain healthy with or without the support of the NHS. As long as you have TUK for support I think you will do fine.

stopthethyroidmadness.com/l...

Excellent reading about lab tests.