My GP doesn't want to refer me to an endocrinol... - Thyroid UK

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My GP doesn't want to refer me to an endocrinologist.

bertiesmum profile image
6 Replies

Antibody > 1000. Diagnosed with Hashimotos by my GP. He refused to treat

initially as he said too early intervention could promote osteoporosis.

This caused me problems as I was waiting for an operation. The anaesthetist

refused me the op as I had an untreated thyroid.

Eventually GP relented. As I had 2 torn knee cartilages I was in a mess.

A year on I am on 125mg thyroxine. I dont feel well on most days.

My GP refuses to refer me to an endocrinologist as he say he is treating

me satisfactorily.

I should like to be reassured especially as my cartilage problems are

still not resolved and I have been tested twice for Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Your comments would be welcome.

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bertiesmum
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6 Replies
beaton profile image
beaton

Hi bertiesmum,I think you should change your GP. You have other health problems and need a caring and supportive doctor.xx

lisabax profile image
lisabax

I do so feel for you. You gave really been through the mill, and you have an arrogant GP who says he is treating you satisfactorily, yet you are feeling unwell, so it clearly isn't satisfactory! You are entitled to a second opinion, so you could insist on this, but a referral than endocrinologist doesn't necessarily mean the solution to your problems. Some endocrinologists do not specialise in thyroid disease and may be no better than your doctor. Louise Warvill from Thyroid UK I believe has a list of NHS endocrinolosts and their approach to treatment. You could ask for this or for the list of private doctors who have a special interest in thyroid. Whatever you decide,I really do wish you get best of luck

Moggie profile image
Moggie

Change your GP, and practise if necessary.

Until you take matters into your own hands, and out of his, you will be compromising your health. Is there another GP you can see at the practise, if not I would seriously consider changes surgeries. If an anaesthetist had trouble getting through to this man and his arrogant attitude what chance do you have. My GP jumped 10ft high when I was in the same boat as you and an anaesthetist refused to operate due my thyroid condition still being unstable even though I was on meds. He suggested an endo and within a day my GP had sent the referral off to the top guy at my local hosp.

Can I ask if you have had any vitamins checked, like B12, Vitd, ferritin, iron or folates, because if not then this would be your next step forward if you had a sympathetic GP. These vitamins are vital for your thyroid medication to be able to work properly so they need to be checked.

I'm afraid to say that your health lays in your hands and until you take positive steps towards fixing your problem, namely your GP, then you will get no better. If he is treating your satisfactory why are you still ill most days, does he know how ill you are but still refuses to help?

Moggie x

bertiesmum profile image
bertiesmum in reply toMoggie

Thank you for your suggestions. And all really similar. I will follow this through.

Moggie profile image
Moggie in reply tobertiesmum

I really hope you do as doctors like yours should not be allowed to treat patients the way this man is treating you - he is a dinosaur and, lets hope, will eventually become extinct.

It wont be easy and will take a lot of courage on your part to see this through but keep in your mind that your well being is at stake and that should be enough to drive you forward. I tried four different doctors, and wasted a whole year, until I found this one so it can be done and I wish you luck.

Moggie x

Marz profile image
Marz

Following the advice from people on this forum and seeing Dr P took me along my journey to wellness. The forum points you in the direction of excellent information and Dr P teaches you to listen to your body by keeping diaries and eventually you have the confidence to help yourself. All good stuff.... My daughter saw a Top Endo at a Teaching Hospital in London who said her over range anti-bodies may or may not lead to thyroid illness. She also had a Low FT3. When I checked him out his speciality was Diabetes.

Do hope you find some answers soon........

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