how to convince GP to send me to endo .

[foggybrain31]

HI, Completely new to this so forgive me if I waffle. I was diagnosed with underactive thyroid about 5 years ago and currently take 75mg levothyroxine, no typical symptoms ie weight gain /dry skin. Suffering with symptoms including slow thinking /poor concentration and really spaced out foggy brain. However the GP will not recognise this slow thinking as a symptom of thyroid and has sent me to every dept. but endo. I have been for an app today at neurology who told me sounds like depression. I am not depressed just fed up of these symptoms and no answer as to what is causing them. My levels at the moment are apparently being supplemented well with the medication I have. my antibodies are high , what does this even mean my GP does not explain this well . any advice please

[Hidden]

Sorry to hear you are suffering.It all gets frustrating when you can't get answers.My own route to an Endocrinologist took some time as my GP didn't think it necessary.However, by coming to this site and asking for advice ...i.e..posting blood test results, being recommended to ask for medication increases,requesting Vitamin Tests ( which not surprisingly came back low) and finally asking my GP for an Ft3 test....my doctor finally decided it was time for me to be put in the hands of an Endo. I think I was becoming too knowledgeable ! Having already asked here if anyone could recommend a good Endocrinologist in my area I was then able to ask for who I would like to see, which was finally granted me and who I'm now being treated by.

So,I would get a printout of your latest blood tests from your surgery...TSH,T4 anti bodies.etc....whatever you've had done and post them here to get comments and start building up your file.You will get lots of help from people who recognise your problems..Good luck and hope you get sorted soon.

[foggybrain31 in reply to Hidden]

thankyou for all your advice . im so glad I found this website hopefully with the help and advice on here I will be on my way to some answers.

[Hidden in reply to foggybrain31]

I'm sure you will.Things will become clearer as you move forward.

[crimple]

If you have antibodies, like me, you might find that a gluten and dairy free diet will help reduce the antibodies which are attacking your thyroid. The medics don't know how to treat antibodies, they just tell you to keep taking the tablets. Low vitamin and minerals are another reason for not feeling good. Your body can't utilise the levo properly. Hope things improve

[foggybrain31 in reply to crimple]

thanks for your advice I have read a few posts about vitamin deficiency I think maybe I need to look at this a bit more.

thanks again

[Aurealis]

You do need to get your test results as GP may be thinking you're ok because your results are in range. I admit to feeling depressed with low thyroid but always refuse antidepressants, as depression is just a symptom, the cause is the low thyroid. I find that if I increase dose depression lifts and GPs are often still happy - but my results aren't usually in range! My symptoms, like yours tend to be the ones that GPs don't recognise. Of course, it is possible for anyone to develop depression, but if your instinct is that it's thyroid not depression, I'd trust that.

[foggybrain31 in reply to Aurealis]

thanks for your advice I will definitely get my results and post them to see if anybody had any info. you say your symptoms are not what the gp reconises do ypu mind if I ask what exactly they are ?

thanks