Help please...

[Sparkles99]

Hello, I have a underactive thyroid. I was officially diagnosed in 1999 Since then my symptoms have progressively become worse. I  am desperately trying to get Armour.  My doctor is asking why if the medication is so good has it not been licensed in the uk.  He is concerned if he prescribes it to me he will not know how to monitor me I.e what tests he should be done? Any help would be greatfully appreciated :-).

[Hennerton]

Does he know it was used exclusively from the early 1900's until Levothyroxine made its appearance in the 60's? It was the only available treatment and people did very well on it. I think they continued to increase the dose until all signs and symptoms disappeared. They were no thyroid blood tests. You could ask on this site if anyone else is prescribed it by their GP and ask if you can cite their case as an example to your GP. I believe it can be prescribed on a "named patient basis". Unfortunately, I understand that because it was introduced before licensing was necessary, it was never given one, hence your GP's wary attitude.

[infomaniac in reply to Hennerton]

I didn't realise it wasn't licensed-does that mean everyone has to buy it themselves?

[Sparkles99 in reply to infomaniac]

Your dr has to prescribe it to you as a named patient and you need to check that your pharmacy can get it for you.

[Sparkles99]

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I have told him about the history. But he is still adamant that if it so good then it would be licensed and would be prescribed more frequently. This is why he won't do it on named patient basis either. Also because he doesn't have any guidelines to monitor it...

[Jackie]

HI I am allergic to thyroxine ( all brands) and have had Armour for many years, but I have to buy it on a private script. Have you tried the combination of T4 and T3? They are 2 separate drugs and often the preferred meds by doctors, both licensed ,so not problem. You do need TSH, T4 and Fee T3 tests first,and after 6 weeks, to check the levels., even for armour. This is a similar regime to armour, but, more controllable. You may well do better on , say 20mcg T3 ( split into 2 does daily) and perhaps a little less T4. When it came out, it was considered an almost miracle drug. You do need to make sure with any T3 ( ven in armour) that you do not go over range as very potent.

Best wishes,

Jackie

[Sparkles99 in reply to Jackie]

Hi Jackie, Thank you for taking the time to give such valuable advife. The endo has told the dr that T3 has absolutely no impact and nothing to do with my symptoms. They refused to test my T3 and now won't do anything as the endo has blocked them. I explained to the dr and gave evidence to what I think is happening and my symptoms; explained the benefits of real thyroxine and/or the need of T3 with some printed info but once the endo said no (which I knew he would) as at my hospital they only support overactive and say underactive is a waste of time.

[Jackie in reply to Sparkles99]

Hi That is terrible! There are a few good endos about but need to hunt for them, also needs to be a different hospital. e mail Louise [e-mail] or do some research. Then go to GP say that you cannot go on feeling so awful ( even a locum or another doc in practice) and ask for a referral. Once you have had one usually easier to get a second, but find one first. I do find my own consultants and have to have many. There are ways of researching so if need further help get back to me.I would try and pay for TSH, T4 and Free T3 test, I gave lots of details on an answer, todays forum.If you cannot find that get back to me. It must be a well known Lab all GP etc will not recognise it!People do buy T3 on the WEB, you would need to ask for PM`s for that. , armour too but I think that is much too dangerous, in any case the bloods still essential.

Good luck,

Jackie

[Sparkles99 in reply to Jackie]

Thank you, thank you, thank you so much Jack. The endo here won't see underactive.

[Sparkles99]

Hi Jackie, Email to Louise has been returned. From reading the site, this is the only way for me to able to ask for the advice that I need.

[Jackie in reply to Sparkles99]

Hi If you have the 3 tests the picture could be very different. I suspect only the TSH was done.Then find a different Endo, in theory ( not easy) you can see any NHS or private Endo in the country, but you do need a referral. They should also test all the related things which may be significant.

Do not give up!

Jackie

[Jane104 in reply to Sparkles99]

it's louise.warvill (no e)

[Sparkles99]

They are only testing my TSH and T4, and oint blank refuse to test my T3 as believe it bears no resemblance. I went into so much detail at my appointment 4 weeks ago. I asked for a referral to another endo but they refused as they said Dr Oyibo (Who they have communicated with) is highly regarded. I do not want to give up as I am truly healthy to get my health back but not sure how to go about it now with absolutely no support from my G.P.

[Sparkles99]

Thanks Janericat, it has been sent successfully