Hi all
Another question. Has anyone researched, self diagnosed and therefore self treated themselves without the intervention of a Specialist/Dr? What was the outcome? I only ask because there is a lot of knowledge amongst contributors on this blog alone.
Well I guess I have. Have seen a GP and an endo, but neither have done anything so I have had my own tests done, learned from everyone here, bought my own meds and started 3 weeks ago.
Hi Harry, how are things working out on NDT? Still on the up I hope.
Yes thanks. Slowly increasing dose. Still pretty achy but I think I overdid it this week. My hands have stopped hurting, thankfully. I keep noticing things that have improved or gone.
This is fantastic news HarryE - if you dont mind me askign, what were your symptoms? My journey has been the same as yours as I too saw a GP and an Endo.
The first thing I reported to the GP was a lump in my throat. I probably hadn't been feeling well since about September, but nothing I could put my first her on. But by mid January I had the lot - cold, fatigue, weight gain, numbness, tingling, memory and concentration issues, chest pain,breathing problems, aches and pains, stiffness...... And so on 
Hi Harry - where did you start with getting your own tests done? May I also ask, what approx was the cost? If you prefer you can inbox me.
If you go to the main TUk site, there is a section about private testing. I used Genova first for a full panel of tests, including antibodies and rt3 which was about £130, then I have used blue horizon's finger prick test for a follow up on just TSH ft3&4 which was about £80. There are some codes for a discount on there too.
I just read an article by Dr Peatfield - I confess, I do not totally understand all that was said but a couple of things stood out to me:-
To summarise the indications for adrenal support we may say:
1 Where an abnormally high or abnormally low DHEA, and/or abnormally low cortisole blood test shows weak adrenal function.
2. Many symptoms, and clinical signs, notably postural hypotension, suggest weak adrenal response.
3. The thyroid deficiency state has been present some considerable time and getting worse.
4. Previous treatment with thyroxine has been unsuccessful or even worsened the situation.
5. There has been thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine ablation.
6. Thyroid blood tests are normal but the patient is clinically hypothyroid.
7. Previous major surgery.
We must now turn our attention to the thyroid deficiency state. Having put in place the adrenal support, it is now safe to provide the thyroid support; and we can be sure that it is actually going to work. Although there are several options available, you are most likely to be offered only one – if you can convince the doctor in charge of your need. If you can't, all is not lost. I have a chapter later explaining how you can help yourself.
In terms of point 7 - does this mean any particular type of surgery? Also, I have been taking Adrenal supplements since December. The above seems to suggest that to compliment this, thyroid support can be introduced. Due to no improvement in symptoms this seems to apply - is this correct?
I've been following Dr P's protocol, so I started with adrenal support first, then moved on to nutri thyroid, then NDT. If your adrenls are OK anyway, the support will do you no harm. As for surgery, I would think any type of surgery is a trauma.
I assume by taking the supplements my Adrenals are improved? What is NDT? Yes, I had what turned out to be pretty major surgery - I kept going to the GP prior to this telling them I felt unwell. When I eventually got referred to the Endo 3 years ago that was a monumental battle - he (the GP) kept telling me it was to do with age. Whenever I have tried to raise it with other GP's in the surgery too they tell me the same.
He means thyroidectomy ..he's my doctor and I've had a TT
I have been diagnosed and put on Levothyroxine, however I decided to up my dosage and self medicate and I had a real wobble and went hyper. I still think my meds need upping but I need to be very cautious....it's a learning curve though.
My warning is be careful? Have you had tests?
Harry - glad you are seeing an improvement....hope it continues quickly.
Thanks, so do I, I am so bored of this now 
The most recent test recommended I take Adrenal supplements - my GP's will not forward me for anymore tests. As far as they are concerned, the readings are 'normal' and what I am going through and have been going through for the past 4 years are due to age. Last extensive tests were 3 years ago. Who other than GP's can do the kind of tests Dr Peatfield requires?
Genova do the saliva test. Have you had any thyroid tests done at all?
I went to the doctor late last year early this year re hair loss and they did some tests then - I presume these are related tests? They did not give me numbers, just said 'normal'
You need the numbers, and the ranges too. Ask the receptionist to print them off for you. They cannot refuse!
Sandra...go to your doctors tomorrow and ask for a print out of your test results for the past 3 years. You have a right to see them. Then put them on here and these lovely people will help you.
X
Thanks Redwinegirl - will do. 
Can I suggest you phone up first. And make the phone call in the afternoon when the receptionists are less busy, rather than during a busy morning. Although you are usually legally entitled to receive copies of your results or any medical notes, there are reasons why you can legally be refused access to them, usually when mental health issues are involved, so only of relevance in a small number of cases. But the receptionists cannot make that judgement, it is up to the doctor, so they may possibly say they can only print them out for you after getting the approval of a doctor.
They aren't necessarily being obstructive. They are just doing their job. You may have to wait until Tuesday or Wednesday before you can get hold of your results.
We all must be posting together, ha ha x
Well I'm off for my tea now, so you post away 
Self Medicating/Doctors
SELF MEDICATING ON THYROID
Self medicating on T3
Self help or visit GP
