Hashi's rant about some GP's....

[pennyrose]

I completely believe that people with diseases/disorders/long term illnesses should learn and know as much about our affliction as possible. HOWEVER, wouldn't it be nice if our GP would/could direct us or teach us too? I am far too tired.

I have Hashi's and believe I am going through a flare (voice hoarse and breaking, extremely painful, tiredness coming back, foggy brain etc etc) and went to GP's last week to discuss. He was a bit confused as I'm on 150mcg of levo and should be feeling as wonderful as I did a month ago. Anyhow, he calls today with blood test results and fears that they are "over medicating" me because my TSH level has decreased and nothing in my bloods explained my symptoms! I kindly referred him to the letter my specialist sent targeting the GP's to suppress my TSH level so he decided to increase my does. My TSH level has decreased to 2.1 (range 0.5-4.2).

What absolutely frustrates me is that

a) He didn't check my antibodies

b) He didn't check my iron/b12 levels (I've been on supplements solidly now)

c) He didn't check the CRP level which has always been through the roof when I've been unwell.

I understand that, as he says, the treatment plan will be the same regardless of if I'm flaring. But why is that? Why don't they do more? Why do they not suggest alternative therapies? I've taken it upon myself to try and cut out gluten and so far I'm a week in but this has never been mentioned.

ARGH! Rant over....sorry all!

[Moggie]

There is a suggestion box in my surgery and, like you, I had nothing checked and two years on find that I am VitD, B12 and iron deficient (which as you know ALL have an inpact on how your thyroid meds work), I also never had my antibodies checked, so I am putting a suggestion in that any a new thyroid patient should automatically have all the above checked plus folates before, or when, they start thyroid replacement treatment. I doubt it will do any good but its worth a try.

Moggie x

[Bears010]

Hi Pennyrose

It reduces stress to rant, so rant away! I know I feel better when I do. At least everyone here believes you and are all in the same boat (even if it is sinking lol). It helps when someone believes and reassures you that you're not a mad, lazy, hypocondriac. *virtual hugs*

[tegz]

Do you have any earlier antibody results, Penny?

[pennyrose in reply to tegz]

Thanks Tegz.

In September they were over 2,000 (but the GP's didn't know what to do with the results!) and then in May it was over 1500 I believe.

[tegz in reply to pennyrose]

Is that TPO or Thyroglubulin level [more probable at figure]?

It's high enough to seek further advice from Endo, I would say.

That level gets reported when radioactive iodine has been used -and you haven't mentioned that.

The CRP figure is important as it indicates infections.

You need more care -and a full diagnosis, Penny..

Go for a second opinion if you can't get an Endo set up..

Good to see the figure fall- but still way too high.

Post th new ones, won't you...

[PS: Get both results -and ranges.]

[pennyrose in reply to tegz]

Hi Tegz - sorry for the delay, it's been useless trying to get information from the receptionists. Last time measured it was only 1,238 (less than I thought) and is TPO. That's the only results I managed to pry out of them today.

Ummm....Radioactive Iodine?! Nope, not had that or are sure what it is.

I am quite literally just back from the gp's (again). The pain in my throat and neck is ridiculous and it's so hard to swallow. Have managed to eat half a banana so far today, but thankfully my appetite is gone. My GP today was really lovely and sympathetic but could offer me nothing but a sick note and an increase of Levo to 200mcg. I'm not keen on being on such high a dose but she is convinced it will get rid of the pain. I don't want the sick note as I don't really want to be off work (well, my body does!) and I'm not convinced the pain is going to go. I've tried every OTC pain killer and NSAID and even found a little codeine in my house last week....naughty, I know, but nothing takes off the edge.

Och well, apparently not being able to swallow is ok as long as I can get liquid down and breathe.

SORRY FOR THE RANT AGAIN!!!