My gp is referring me to en endo again. Does anyone know if there is a good endo in Leicester, Nottingham or Derby?

[lizbott]

I'm new to this but am finding it SO useful so thank you. I've been on Levo since 2005 but am starting to get the hypo symptoms again. This seems to happen quite regularly and on 3 occasions have lead to real bad bouts of depression. I've recognised the signs now - sever fatigue,aching joints, weight gain, fuzzy head, clumsiness,carpul tunnel,nightmares etc etc. I've seen my gp about NDT (which he had never heard of?!?!) but its not 'recommended' for prescription in Leics. He was very helpful and said he just wants me to get better so checked it out with the pharmacy manager and that was what he was told.

I asked for a blood test for T3 and its not on the list of blood tests that he can request, hence the referal to the endo. He has arranged for blood tests for feratin and vit b and recommends not increasing my Levo until the results are back.

I currently take 125 levo a hour before breakfast. My last result was 1.1 tsh but they did not have t4 (march 2014). August 2013 tsh 0.05 and t4 23. I am scared that I'm going to dip mentally again as the last time was so frightening. Any recommendations will be gratefully received. Many thanks.

[shaws]

If members have a name they will private message you.

[e-mail] also has a list and one of those may be near you.

We don't post doctors name on the main forum.

Although your bloods look fine and if your TSH is 'within normal' range some labs don't run the other tests the GP requested. Even the addition of some T3 to a reduced T4 might be very helpful. Some may not convert T4 to enough T3 which is the hormone which drives our metabolism (the active hormone of which our brain needs the most). T4 is inactive. This is also anexcerpt:-

NB: Dr. Toft, Consultant Physician, states in the British Thyroid Foundation newsletter Issue No. 23 that normal ranges are: T4 (10 – 25) and TSH (0.15 – 3.5). He also states that "the correct dose is that which restores good health; in most patients this will be associated with a level of T4 in the blood towards the upper part of the normal range or even slightly high and a TSH level in the blood which is in the lower part of the normal range.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

GPs are reluctant to prescribe NDT so that's probably why he referred you to an Endo. Some of these will prescribe NDT - on a named patients basis.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/treatm...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/treatm...

I am on T3 alone and feel well. I was worse on levo than before being diagnosed. I have also tried several NDTs- one of whom suited me very well but my GP said he would prescribe T3 and I am happy I don't have to purchase my own now.

I hope you feel better soon.

[jamarks in reply to shaws]

Sorry to ask a dumb question, but how do I private message someone?

[shaws in reply to jamarks]

You click on their photo or name and it takes you to their Profile page. You will see in yellow Start conversation,so it will be between you and the person and private. They will return message.

If you email [e-mail] she has a list of doctors (private but some NHS Endos) one of whom may be near you.

[lizbott]

Thank you. X

[Hidden]

It is scary, and a frightening place to be in, but you know it has to do with your thyroid gland and you are going to get this sorted out soon. You may not dip mentally again,wait and see, you may not have that side effect this time.

And if you do, remember you will come right,it is your thyroid gland just letting you know it is still there, being a pain in the bottom. This is temporary and you will be fine again soon.

Keep in touch lizzbott and take extra care of youselfxxx

[lizbott in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for that manukia. Have now had my vit b12, folate and ferritin results which the gp surgery say normal, but which are far too low for t4 to t3 conversion. This site has been invaluable. I now have the ammunition to discuss with my gp, who I must admit has an open mind. Last time I spoke to him he said he just wants me to be better and its good that I'm looking on the internet. Hope you're well. X

[Hidden in reply to lizbott]

Glad to hear your GP has an open mind,he sounds like he really cares about your health,which is fantastic.

It does take a little while for your body to get itself sorted out, balanced again, and it will.

You are doing the right thing in becoming more informed about hypothyroidism,your health is in your hands, you can stand your ground then ( if need be ) .

Keep in touch with the forum, they are invaluable!!!

Thank you for getting back to me.

Look after yourself lizbott, as only you can.

I am fine.

Manukia xx

[Clutter]

Lizzbot,

Low thyroid can cause depression. Unfortunately, what you really need to know is your FT3 level. If this is low it will explain your depression. Ask your endo if s/he will prescribe T4+T3 combination. Low iron can also inhibit T4 to T3 conversion so it may also be worth asking your GP to check your ferritin, and if not recently checked, your vitamin D, B12 and folate.

nahypothyroidism.org/deiodi...

nahypothyroidism.org/deiodi...

[lizbott in reply to Clutter]

Thanks clutter. Have had my vit b12, ferritin and folate results which are all too low for t4 conversion. This site has been invaluable. My gp has an open mind, although he has his hands tied through red tape, I'm sure he will accept what I have discovered through this site and will hopefully prescribe supplements and/or t3. Fingers crossed. Do you know what vit d levels should be for someone who us hypo?

[Clutter in reply to lizbott]

The optimal range for vitD is 75-200. High in range is desirable and as there is insufficient of the right light spectrum during Oct=April it's a good idea to supplement 2-3,000iu daily during those months.