Last September because of a strong heart beat I had a blood test, nothing was mentioned about thyroxin levels. The heart beat got worse.

[April67]

Which led to MRI. ECGs, being rushed into hospital and more. Now I find Form September's blood test I was taking to much Thyroxin. is this a case for compensation? As what I have been through has been arendous.

[Moggie]

I think if this was the case the a third of people on this site, myself included, would be able to proceed with a compensation claim.

Thyroid medication is very difficult to manage, which is why a lot of people on this site now manage their own and do not reply on their GP's to tweek their levels. Yes tell the GP that you have lowered/increase your meds (which is what I do) but dont reply soley on your GP to manage your medication.

Moggie x

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

In my book the primary reason for complaining should not be compensation but one or more of:

Ensure better treatment in future for self and, possibly, others;

Prevent those giving bad treatment being allowed to continue doing so without any challenge;

Get ongoing and consequential issues dealt with;

Act as a catharsis to get it out of your system.

If you go in asking for and expecting compensation you are likely to be very disappointed. If you do eventually get any, then think of it as a token fine on those who mistreated you.

(I could be very wrong here. But that is how it seems to me from where I am sitting. Am perfectly happy for people to say that my view is completely wrong.)

Rod

[Moggie in reply to helvella]

No Rod I agree - but I also think it would be difficult to get anywhere with this sort of thing for fear of opening the flood gates as many paients, not just thyroid, are wrongly dignoses, not diagnosed at all or are given inaccurate treatment and if everyone of those could, and did, claim compensation then the NHS would be in a bigger mess that it already is.

I would prefer to see doctors disciplined and made to do extra training for this sort of thing instead of money being involved. That way others would benefit.

Moggie x

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Moggie]

Thanks Moggie. My fundamental position is that while patients deserve the best care, the best way of achieving that might well be exactly what you say - more training, etc. It is also in everyone's interests that deficiencies and mistakes are recognised and handled as early as possible. Too much stick makes that difficult. Lots of points should be awarded for those who say "I made a mistake." And more points if they then go on to address their ignorance.

[Clutter]

Unlikely you would be compensated for overmedication. That wouldn't constitute medical negligence AFAIK. I think too, but could be mistaken, that legal aid has been withdrawn for medical negligence claims.