I'm seeing Dr Skinner on Wednesday and am wondering what info I should take with me to ensure I get the most from the appointment?

[infomaniac]

[nobodysdriving]

yourself, your medical history (in your head is enough) and latest blood test results

[infomaniac in reply to nobodysdriving]

Thanks a lot. I'm excited and scared in equal measure!

[nobodysdriving in reply to infomaniac]

Dr S is the last person on earth to be scared of you'll be fine

[Susie_Mon]

Good Luck..

[infomaniac in reply to Susie_Mon]

Thanks to you both I hope it's a success!

[PinkNinja]

How was your appointment?

[infomaniac in reply to PinkNinja]

I hate to say this Carolyn as I'm obviously in the minority but I came away feeling disappointed. I am really worried about side effects from Levo (in particular hair loss and weight gain which are both problems for me) but he didn't seem to think that these things were an issue. I'm really, really hoping his methods work and if so I'll be more than happy to eat my words! He is a really nice man, laid back and a real character but I think I was expecting a miracle

[PinkNinja in reply to infomaniac]

I sorry it didn't go as well as expected I've heard he likes to try people on higher doses of levo first because that is all some people need. That way they can still get their treatment on the NHS. If that doesn't work he will try something else. Has he got you increasing your dose quite high over the next few weeks?

I can see why you were disappointed though.

Carolyn x

[infomaniac in reply to PinkNinja]

No Carolyn, he's starting me on 25mg for one week then increasing gradually over a number of weeks. He reckons people suffer from staying on too low a dose for too long so hopefully it will all work out for the best. I couldn't get over the fact that he didn't seem to think hair loss/weight gain were side effects of the medication though?? I am keeping my fingers crossed that the his patients don't due to his "regime"!

[PinkNinja in reply to infomaniac]

Well, I hope it works for you. He's right about not increasing fast enough. You have to do it quickly enough that the body doesn't try to overcompensate.