Letter to endo/GP

[HarryE]

I have drafted a letter to send to my endo & GP as I have just received a copy of the clinic letter from my appt. Is it OK to copy it here so that anyone could give me feedback on it before I send it? Thanks

[HarryE]

Thank you for the copy of my clinic letter from 31st January. I would like, however, to correct some of the information therein and update you on my current condition as I am extremely concerned about my state of health.

I was not feeling fit and well prior to my first visit to my GP reporting a feeling of a lump in my throat on 27th December. I had been feeling very tired and cold, along with symptoms of lack of concentration, poor memory and clumsiness. I had also gained weight, despite having been at a stable weight for many years previously. However, as these were all very non-specific, I had not visited my GP to report them, hoping that more rest would resolve the situation. But even before that I was sleeping 10-11 hours a night, while struggling to stay awake during the day as well.

I have since become even more symptomatic, although I have never reported the hoarse or croaky voice referred to in your letter. I have extremely swollen and sore eyes, which I referred to when I came to clinic, my eyebrows are disappearing fast, I have lost most body hair and my head hair is increasingly coming out. My arms and legs feel far too heavy for me and I am unable to walk more than a short distance. I am in significant continuous pain from my joints and muscles. My breathing feels laboured, I have pins and needles and numbness in my hands and feet, noises in my ears, dizziness and visual disturbances. As I pointed out, I am usually very active and able to complete challenging 12 mile walks every weekend without difficulty, along with routinely walking 3-4 miles a day in my normal activities. I have also begun fainting, something which has never happened before. The lump I can feel in my throat feels worse and is, on occasion, making me gag. I am unable to return to work as I feel so unwell, and would be expecting to feel better by now if I was suffering from a post-viral issue. I have also had to cancel my planned ski-ing holiday and pull out of my Open University course as I am simply too unwell to undertake these activities.

From my own research I understand thyroid disease treatment is a highly contentious issue, but it is clear that, with a TSH result of 3.3, I would have been treated in many other countries even if I had reported no symptoms. High antibodies would also seem to have the effect of suppressing the TSH, meaning that I might never have an increase of this, despite the damage being done to my thyroid function. My free T3 and T4 results on the test I requested privately were both in the lower third of the ranges, while I understand they should be in the upper quarter to feel well.

If it is still considered that my symptoms are not due to autoimmune thyroiditis, I would be grateful for any guidance on how to improve my health so that I can return to work. My next clinic appointment is scheduled for Friday 14th March.

[Hennerton in reply to HarryE]

Great letter. I am also of Bluedaffodil's opinion, however. I think the sooner you start medication the better, as it is perfectly obvious from your symptoms that you need it. Hope your letter has them crawling to help. Well, we can but dream!

[HarryE in reply to Hennerton]

Thank you. I just feel so furious that I should have to spend my measly NHS wages paying for treatment the NHS should give me, just to enable me to go back to work!!

[Hidden]

why waste energy on the NHS? I did for far too long. As the resident cynic on this forum, I would say - get cracking on helping yourself. I only wish i had started self medicating sooner as it takes an awful long time to put right what the NHS screws up

[HarryE in reply to Hidden]

I am doing what I can at the moment, taking all the recommended supplements & have ordered some NDT. But I work for the NHS & I feel I want to kick up about this as well, seeing as they want me back at work!

[Hidden in reply to HarryE]

Hi I think that it is a brilliant letter straight to the point assertive but not rude.You have made good points without being frilly if you understand me.I really hope someone takes notice and takes some action, Do let us know the response.Good luck

[HarryE in reply to Hidden]

Thanks! I will keep you informed

[Hidden in reply to HarryE]

Well i work for goverment and kicked up and guess what, got nowhere

[Clutter]

It's a very good letter, Harry. I think you need to start self medicating too. No point in becoming an invalid because some are too blinkered to see what is staring them in the face.

[HarryE in reply to Clutter]

I will as soon as my NDT arrives. But I am not going to let them off the hook! Ggrrrrrrrrr!

[Clutter in reply to HarryE]

No, fight 'em every inch of the way! Endo has prescribed me T4+T3. Fully expecting a battle when I request repeat prescription as I'm aware CCG has instructed local practices NOT to prescribe T3 except in "exceptional circumstances".

[Heloise]

Good letter. Were they fobbing you off in their note to you?

[HarryE in reply to Heloise]

It was factually incorrect on a number of points. Apparently I have 'no sign of eye problems' but my eyes are almost swollen shut & he didn't examine them anyway! It was all utter nonsense!

[anbuma]

hi harry

this sounds very much like my experiences.my rheumatologist did the same to me -incorrect facts and several symptoms dismissed by doctors and consultnats,iahve written to my gp and the practice manager with no response and with no help from PALS -next step is GMC goodluck with everythign

[Lizzy1606]

Great letter ,and i agree with you don't let the GP just getaway with it .good luck and best wishes .

[anbuma]

hi harry good luck would you have any objections if I wrote a similar letter to my practice manager .opinions welcome please as no response to previous letter.it might get across to them it s not all in my mind.im not giving up the battles

[HarryE in reply to anbuma]

Help yourself! Good luck x

[anbuma]

thank you harry.i have just got back from hospital after having scans and they once again said everything is fine and it must be your bowels.once again I said it is not my bowels have never been a problem.then it was it must be your diet-ittold him it snothigj to do with my diet,.i ahve been there done that and only eat breakfast. proving the point that oc is still being mistaken for IBS /bowels.the dr I saw on Friday in A&E recongised that I ahd lost weight elsewhere and increase in abdominal size.then a dr told me my CA125 was 15 in October but I was never told that and last count it was 37.i am at my wits end now and feel like I just want to end it all.and I thought at last a dr who listens.