Hi I've been referred back to endocrinologist again.

[ladytibbie]

As my doctor has referred me back to endocrinologist first time in over 10 years, can anyone tell me the right questions to ask as the last time iqaent they told me my blood results were normal.when I told him I felt terrible he dismissed me.i told him abot pain all over my body lethargy and depression. He claimed as I had depression I was probs more sensitive to pain. Appreciate any suggestions

[Marz]

When you posted some 12 days ago - Clutter advised you to obtain your recent results with ranges. Am wondering if you managed to do that. Only then can we help you with questions for the Endo. You will need the TSH FT4 FT3 test results also the anti-bodies Anti-TPO - Anti-Tg. Also how are your vits and minerals ? - B12 - Iron - Folate - Ferritin - VitD ? They all need to be HIGH in their ranges to feel well.

Pain and depression do indicate a LOW T3 - but you need the evidence to fight your corner.

If your Doc resists testing the Anti-bodies ( COSTS ? ) then remind him that over 90% of thyroid conditions are caused by Hashimotos - or Auto-immune Thyroiditis.

Read as much as you can on this forum and elsewhere - main Thyroid UK website is full of excellent information. Information enables you to ask the right questions.

Will look out for your latest blood results from your surgery. It is your right to have copies. Then post in a new post.

[Middleagemadness]

Ha! I was sent to an Endo 20 years ago - he wrote to my GP I was an anxious middle-aged woman and to come back when I had developed coeliac disease! Those words have stuck with me all these years. It just shows how little these people really know or are prepared to find out more, or to actually listen to the patient. They seem stuck in a nice safe rut/salary they have no interest in getting out of. I have had low thyroid for 25 years and I am STILL trying to get it treated properly. I had the same symptoms as you and was dismissed as neurotic. Beats me how these people can call themselves experts!

Stand your ground and be insistant ( I know It's very hard when you are feeling so awful - but don't let him/her put you down or dismiss you). I am nearly 60 now and if I were to see that man again I would give him a piece of my mind. As it is - I don't feel I would be any better off seeing an NHS Endo ever again and would rather find the money to pay to see private ones. I was meant to see one 4 years ago - I turned up only to be told he had gone to a meeting and I had to see the registrar who was rude, dismissive and told me I was normal!! I cried all the way home. Good Luck to you.

[marmaris in reply to Middleagemadness]

Here here, I agree with everything you say Middleagemadness. They have not compassion I am 57 and have fought with sarcastic Endos for nigh on 20 years but luckily I have finally found a lady Endo who has prescribed me T3, she LISTENS never give up!

[Middleagemadness in reply to marmaris]

So pleased you have found someone now but appalling that so many of us have had to put up with such poor treatment. Pity there is no way/body to complain to to get things improved. About time.

[lisa_59 in reply to Middleagemadness]

I think if some of these docs/consultants had been through half of what people on here have they might be a bit more understanding, it's so frustrating!!!

[wombatty in reply to lisa_59]

Any doctor who treats thyroid patients should be required to take carbamizole for 3-6 months at a dose that puts her/his TSH at the high end of "normal." Once they'd experienced the pain, brain fog and exhaustion, maybe they'd have some compassion for those struggling with hypothyroidism.

[Middleagemadness in reply to wombatty]

Hear hear!

[lisabax]

And it sounds like your endocrinologist may not be too good if he/she goes on blood tests alone and ignores all your symptoms. Many endos specialise in diabetes and don't know much about thyroid.

[youngerthanmost]

Did you see a presentation by Dr Wilson? His theory is that Hypothyroidism and a low temperature go hand in and and it is not until the low temp is sorted out with T3 that all the other symptoms are corrected. Give your self a feast of reading and hope at wilsonssyndrome.com I see my GP on Friday- she doesn't prescribe T3 as "It doesn't work"!

I was facinated by the ebook available free on his site. I only have to remember enough to get her interested.

[Hidden]

M A M has a good point: you need to be insistent, and not leave until YOU feel you have got what you need (or as much as the blighter is prepared to give you) out of this Endo. I suspect many of us (certainly me) wish we had given various Endocrinologists a piece of our minds back in the day. We should try not to prejudge, of course :o). But it is true that most Endos are diabetes specialists with a side of thyroid. Some of them know very little about thyroid diseases. Go armed with your latest test results (having run them past the clever people on this forum) and a list of your most troublesome symptoms. Take someone with you for moral support (that tends to cut down on the patronising) . Write down what you want to ask and work through the list. Personally I wouldn't mention depression, if you're sure it's thyroid related. They latch onto that and stop listening! Good luck.

[Cassandra]

Ladytibbie

My heart goes out to you - I have been told exactly the same in the past and no matter how hard I have tried to explain I am greeted with a blank expression and told definitely not thyroid related as my results within the range - years ago at my last appointment with an endocrinologist I told him it was no wonder many people with thyroid issues were considered mentally ill - nobody seems to listen to the many problems we have and doctors etc consider us neurotic. I am almost 64 years of age and feel depressed at times that this condition has ruined many family events etc that you can never get back.

[ladytibbie]

Thanks to all for advice will post results when I get them

[Lainey9 in reply to ladytibbie]

Drs don't n won't listen. When I got pregnant 31 years ago I went to the Drs all the time because I was weak n I was sick all the time, I was three months pregnant but had lost three stone, each time I went Drs I was told off for wasting their time n was told to grow up. In the end I couldn't walk, was very weak n felt I had lost my mind. When I was five months pregnant I weighed six stone ! In the end my husband carried me to the Drs n told them he was leaving me there, I had to see a locum who was covering. He took one look at me n called an ambulance, he was lovely, I cried with relief. I had thyrotoxicosis . A year later my thyroid was removed. I have been on 125 Thyroxine ever since. I feel ill, tired and my legs are so weak, I fall over a lot, my knees resemble little boys for the scars, bruises and scrapes and the Drs still wont listen, I am middle aged, they say its all down to depression or lack of exercise and my age, I am 52, a healthy weight with a healthy life style and the Dr just think I am wasting their time. I know its the thyroid meds I am on which has caused my symptoms, but they refuse to let me try Armour, even though I have offered to pay for a private prescription. I just don't know where to turn for help now, I might just give up n rot .because Drs don't care, and my symptoms just get worse

[lucylocks in reply to Lainey9]

Please don't give up, you can buy Armour privately, I do not have the details but I am sure someone will come along who will advise where to get it from.

Good luck browny

[ladytibbie]

Thanks all it is so encouraging to know you're not alone xxx