Blood tests and Doctors.

[MrsPage3]

I have all the symptoms of an underactive thyroid but because my TSH keeps coming back normal my GPs will do nothing about it. I am about to book a blood test with Genova for Thyroid function. I am a bit at a loss as to which one to have. I am contemplating the Thyroid plus but am not sure whether is the right one for me or not. I am also contemplating seeing one of the sympathetic doctors on Thyroid uk's list but again I'm not sure which one. I live in the East Midlands but am prepared to travel. I took part in Thyroid uk's research programme a few years ago and was the highest scoring person for symptoms. I have tried every doctor in my practice in the hopes of being treated to no avail. I have even had my memory tested for Altzheimers. Hence the reason for going private, all I need is a little advice. Thank you for reading this, Janet.

[Fruitandnutcase]

Do you know before I was diagnosed with Graves I had actually said to my GP I was worried that I had Alzheimer's! She did all the usual 'what day is it ' type of tests and said I was fine. Still had the brain fog though and used to lose track of what I was saying in mid-conversation. Someone should tell them that thyroid problems can affect you that way too.

You could always say what I say - that of course I am within the range, it is so wide it would be almost impossible not to fit in it somewhere BUT I was obviously not at my optimal point for me.

Good luck with the testing. Haven't done private tests although like you I have looked and couldn't make up my mind. I was wanting one that I'd folates, ferritin, vit D and B12 as well as the thyroid ones. Don't worry though, someone will come along and tell you. What you need.

Liz

[MrsPage3 in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

They just don't take any notice of symptoms to diagnose thyroid problems any more. They are so blinkered by the blood tests. I had been treated for depression for about twenty years eventually being put on lithium as none of the anti depressants were working, all whilst still working for the mental health department. A friend first picked up on the thyroid when she noticed that my eyebrows were gone and suggested that I did the basal temperature test. 5 days and my temperature ranged from 35.2 to 35.9. Brain fog is one of the worst things for me as I forget everything. This week put the top on it, for the last eight years I have met up with friends for lunch on Fridays but this week I turned up on Thursday and wondered why no-one had turned up. I felt so stupid but they are all used to my forgetfulness though they now understand just how bad it is. I was going to make an appointment with Dr Skinner a few years back but he was stopped from taking on new patients> my friend has had hypothyroidism for years and was being treated for it, but, GPs just kept upping her thyroxin and she was not feeling any better. She then went to see Dr Skinner privately who put her on Armour and she is not only back at work but running her own business. Janet

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to MrsPage3]

Janet I know just how you feel, sometimes i just dont even know what day it is and smetimes a day wikl feel like it ought to be a different day which doesnt help - I have to write every single thing down or I forget, if anyone asks me my name in a shop I have to even think about what that is! Brain fog is just horrible, you kind of struggle through it and you know that something is 'there' but you just can't get to it.

I just can't understand why doctors don't investigate the thyroid first - if most of them did that instead of deciding they were dealing with 'another neurotic woman' they would save themselves a lot of time, effort and money. I mean some of them seem to be able to completely miss classic symptoms. So stupid.

Liz x

[shaws Administrator]

I don't know how easy it would be to go to Birmingham but your GP would have to give you a referral letter. I don't think he can refuse. This doctor keeps being asked to attend the GMC as he treats many with clinical symptoms as he was taught as a medical student. There were no TSH blood tests then.. I doubt it is his patients who complain. If he prescribes it is usually levothyroxine initially which means that the GP will probably accommodate the prescribing without the usual fuss. It is cheap to buy if he refuses.

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