I'm so confused, and not sure what to do next.

[Karen1]

Had appt with GP this morning, and she's asked me to wait until March for further bloods. Long story short, i have had underactive thyroid for about 22 years now and was taking 125mg Levo, however that dropped significantly a couple of years ago, so Gp put me on 150mg. Felt fine, but a year later GP said it was over and dropped me back to 125mg. At thsi point i decided to use my job's private medical insurance and found an endo off the internet. He dropped T4 back to 125mg, & confirmed Vit D deficiency, that i now supplement. However went back and still didn't feel much difference, so asked about T3, as i'd read it was good for depression (i was then on Citalopram 20mg). I was then on 10mg of T3 and 75mg of T4, didn't feel much difference. Then March of this year it had dropped again and i felt awful and depressive. This was upped to 10mg of T3 and 100mg of T4. Felt better, and in July came off Citalopram which was just dumbing me down. Can't use private Endo anymore as BUPA won't pay as they class it as a chronic condition like diabetes. Saw my GP today armed with information after ready 'Stop the Thyroid Madness' and she said it was good i was informed, but wouldn't refer me to private endo, as i said stupidly that i feel better than i did in March. I mean i do feel a bit stronger internally, like when i get the mental 'dropping' feeling, i can pull myself out of it, which i couldn't before. However, i want to get everything tested as they suggest in book, but NHS won't do them all. I'm not sure i have the wear with all to go this alone and order tests and try to interpret them myself. Oher thing i'm thinking is to spend money i haven't really got and get an appt with a Endo i found in the USA quite renowned, Dr Holtorf. I just don't know what to do for the best, i'm anxious, can't make decisions, and can feel myself 'drop' mentally throughout the day. In past 2 weeks i go hot and cold, but not sure if this is a virus and I'm not sure if this is my Thryoid Hashimotos which i know i've got, or its just me, destined to be upset and stuck. Recent results are: Serum TSH Level: 0.26 (Range 0.34 - 5.6 from GP. Blue Horizon: TSH : 0.229 (range:0.270-4.2)

[Hennerton]

I really feel for you. This is so frustrating and I think my inclination would be to try and change your GP to one who is more reasonable in her behaviour. This one sounds hopelessly ill formed of what thyroid problems are about, (which most are) but some are more keen to help. What you need is blood tests for Free T4 and Free T3 plus TSH and thyroid antibodies. Could you pay for these if she will not help? Thyroid UK has a list of companies. When you have them, post results here with reference ranges and people will comment.

Why will your GP not give you a referral to a private endo? It is no problem for her. I think if you stay with this practice, you may find more help from the Practice Manager. Write to her and ask why your request is being refused and on what grounds, since it is not costing the Practice anything. Do hope you find a way forward. Good luck! x

[alangardner]

hi karren , good advice from above .... but why not go to your gp and firmly request that he/she carries out the further tests [ t3/t4/ferretin/follate vit b/vitd etc ] ....as your tsh IS OUT OF RANGE and the cause NEEDS to be found so that he/she can give you the optimum treatment as his/her patient ...this may work , but you need to be firm ,assured and above all polite ---- never be fobbed off -- hope this helps ...alan xx

[Karen1]

Thank you for your help. I'm going to get further bloods done and will post on here for help. I thought my GP would understand, but sadly not. Once i've got my further bloods i'll make an appointment for the Locum and see what happens. She just didn't listen !!!! In the UK we're so badly treated with this disorder, its borderline abuse!