Can surgeon delay operation for heart bi pass because I take T3?

[LinDonaldson]

Diagnosed with sever aortic stenosis and small amount of plaque around heart vessels. cardiologist recommended bi pass. It was found that I was anaemic as well and also had small ulcer. Tests and procedures have been set up to identify type of anaemia and I have had a blood transfusion. Ulcer to be treated and lung function tests done. I notice on discharge from hospital after transfusion that thyhroid function tests were done and of course came back showing that I was out of kilter.

As far as thyroid I feel so much better than on levothyroxine and I was diagnosed with the murmur before taking T3. Valve degeneration has followed the 'normal' pattern and in any event I am insulin dependent diabetic which carries a significant risk factor for my heart condition. I have never had heart palpitations since taking T3 and followed closely Paul Robinson's book for advice and did my own research before taking T3.

My question is can the surgeon and cardiologist force me to go back to levothyroxine prior to operation by refusing to allow the bi pass to go ahead?

Anyone out there have any answers this is urgent because operation due 14th March and I wish to avoid heart attack and or stroke. Sorry to be dramatic but please help.

Regards

Lin

[susymac]

Yes, They have the right to refuse to do the operation if they feel there is any reason that would make it unsafe or less safe, and yes they could very well say that you taking T3, which is a stimulant, increases the risks, and can use it as a reason not to go ahead. Whether they ask that you come off it temporarily prior to the operation or permanently is a question you would have to ask them. If they think it is best for it to be permanently stopped and you dont believe you will follow this they are within their rights to refuse altogether.

Probably not what you want to hear.

[LinDonaldson in reply to susymac]

Probably not what I needed to know but I asked the question. Is there an established policy and or protocols for right to refuse treatment that you know of?

I will contact my endo and seek his opinion too. Neither surgeon or cardiologist has mentioned this is a barrier. Guess I should just contact them.

Just to say that I am trained health research psycholgist and am aware that T3 is a stimulant as is T4. I am also aware of the controversy i

concerning the use of T3. Research does show that conservative use can be beneficial . Further, there are a number of people on this site that benefit from T3 alone or combination T3 and T4 therapy.

Thanks for your good advice.

Regards

Lin

[susymac in reply to LinDonaldson]

I take armour myself, not sure I could give it up for an op if it was required that I did.

Not aware of specific policies, though that doesnt mean there isnt one, but it will come under the general "first do no harm" under the hypocrites oath, which is the only one they ever need to quote to not treat you if they dont want to.

[LinDonaldson in reply to susymac]

Thanks for reply

Think it should be alright if I contact my endo.

Regards

Lin

[LinDonaldson in reply to susymac]

Hi there,

Not sure that the Hipocratic Oath applies today. Nevertheless there are many policies and procedures that the medical profession have to follow. In any event, we hope that the care and well being of the patient is at heart of the individual's desire to become a healthcare professional.

Hope you are never challenged on the Armour. Your GP should always back you up. I am working on mine.

Think the best thing to do is check with my endo.

Regards

Lin

[Maddie in reply to LinDonaldson]

Hi Lin, you've probably already had a look around the pub med website but just in case you've not, here's a link re T3 and its effects on cardiovascular system in patients with heart failure;

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/182...

Not exactly your problem but it does link to other papers - Maddie

[Clutter]

I agree with Susymac but I also think you would have been asked/instructed to stop T3 prior to surgery if cardio thought it was an issue.

[LinDonaldson in reply to Clutter]

That is reassuring. Really I should just contact her and ask

Regards

Lin

[LinDonaldson in reply to Clutter]

Hi there,

You would think so. However, seeing surgeon on 26th and if he instructs that I should change back to levo then that will delay op yet again. I think I might have been stressed out when I posted. Yet, it is understandable given the fight I have had to try and be prescribed T3 and all to no avail. I went down the route myself in the end because I had been so poorly.

Regards

Lin

[Clutter in reply to LinDonaldson]

T3 has a short life of a few hours so there would be no need to delay your operation if your surgeon wanted you to cease T3.

[LinDonaldson in reply to Clutter]

Now that is a good point. However, overall picture would be concerning because no T4. Anyway I am worrying way to much. Need to talk to endo (if I can).

Regards

Lin

[LinDonaldson in reply to Clutter]

Do you know that is true but because she was concentrating on arranging tests and treatments for my anemia I think she may have missed the thyroid issue. This only became apparent on my discharge from hospital sheet.

Regards

Lin

[Clutter]

Why do you need to ask? Don't they have a list of medication you take?

[LinDonaldson in reply to Clutter]

Yes they are aware of the medication. No one has said anything yet. However, I am seeing the surgeon on the 26th and need to be armed with information before then. I am going to discuss it with him and decide then what to do.

[Clutter in reply to LinDonaldson]

I'm unable to find the link but I have read that cardio surgeons have prescribed T3 to repair damaged hearts.

[LinDonaldson in reply to Clutter]

Yes some other kind soul sent the link and I do have some other stuff about T3 testing.

Regards

Lin

[Clutter in reply to LinDonaldson]

I have a slight arrythmia, prolonged QT interval, and was prescribed 3 x 20mcg T3 prior to RAI and 18 months later endo has just added 20mcg T3 to T4.

I suspect a lot of 'fuss' about T3 is based on GP ignorance thanks to big pharma funding med schools and promoting Levothyroxine as the thyroid be all and end all therapy.

T3 is administered intravenously in cases of myxoedema coma.

I hope your op goes ahead as scheduled and gives you your health back.

[LinDonaldson in reply to Clutter]

Can only agree with everything you have said. Research indicates that T3 can alleviate depression, help with weight gain, generally improve quality of life, improve cardio vascular function, help with fybromyalgia, the list goes on. Certainly since I have been taking it I feel very very different in a very positive way.

I think since GPs and endo's have signed up to a supposed evidence based practice using such methods as "objective" blood tests quality of healthcare has plummeted. They do not consider signs and symptoms and no longer seem to listen to the patient. I am sure this is not true of all cases. GPs are also restricted by Royal College of Physician Protocols and budgetary demands. Their training on hypothyroidism is minimal and ignorance around T3 therapy is overwhelming.

I so want this bi pass so I can do some serious research. Am looking forward to going back to academia and healthcare. There are so many questions that need to be answered so that this often debilitating disorder can be understood better and consequently treated better. Thus, improving quality of life, productivity and health.

Regards

Lin

[Clutter in reply to LinDonaldson]

I hope the bypass goes ahead as scheduled and gives you your health back.

It grieves me that medical professionals have stopped 'doctoring' and turned themselves into lab analysts, when the labs deign to do the tests requested.

Researching debilitating conditions and outcomes is long overdue. That should set you up against big pharma and their polypharma solutions nicely

Let us know how you get on won't you?

[LinDonaldson in reply to Clutter]

Will do. I am hoping to apply to John Hopking to do my Phd. Thanks for good wishes and I will be posting regularly once over this op.

Regards

x

[ecogran]

Hi Lin,

Thyroid meds might be classed as "stimulants" but they're essential for our good health - here are some links (there are more if you Google for them) that may be of help to you...

stopthethyroidmadness.com/h...

drbriffa.com/2012/04/27/mor...

web.archive.org/web/2010103...

I cannot imagine why you taking T3 and feeling well and optimally treated could be a reason for not having your planned op, but then I'm not an expert or a doctor.

Hope all goes well for you,

Jill

[LinDonaldson in reply to ecogran]

Hi

Thanks for links. I agree that it would be crazy to alter what is of optimal benefit and will aid recovery.

Seeking advice from my endo too. Was feeling very alone when I posted as op has already been delayed due to undiagnosed (not for want of me trying) anemia.

Regards

Lin

[LinDonaldson]

Fantastic Maddie. Can we follow up on discussion about T3 that we had last year? I was wondering how your doctor works out whether you are well or not given that you take T3. Hope I am right about this otherwise please excuse memory.

Regards

Lin

[LinDonaldson]

Fantastic Maddie. Can we follow up on discussion about T3 that we had last year? I was wondering how your doctor works out whether you are well or not given that you take T3. Hope I am right about this otherwise please excuse memory.

Regards

Lin