Hi
Sorry for all the questions but I just wondered if people mange their medication without referring to a GP?
It's possible to order medication and blood tests and it seems a lot of patients on this sight have more expertise than the average GP and Endo.
Nadine 
Nadine, there are quite a few members who manage their hypothyroidism without GPs/endos usually because they've been unable to get a diagnosis and decided to self-medicate or because they self medicate with T3 or NDT they can't get prescribed. Others have been stable for a time but a new GP or endo decides they're overmedicated and reduces their dose and their symptoms return.
Some are still able to get their bloods tested on the NHS but others, and most who want FT3, have to order private thyroid tests.
Most will have gained the knowledge and confidence to 'go it alone' by extensively researching their condition. I don't think the decision is made lightly and most people are more comfortable with the guidance of a knowledgeable medical professional. Going it alone seems a better option to me than being exposed to a numbers freak who is going to alter your meds according to every TSH result without reference to your symptoms, however.
How do you actually get the blood out of your arm when you do it yourself?
Claudiasmum, you use a finger prick test kit supplied for some home tests or arrange for a phlebotomist to come to your home and do a blood draw or use one the phlebotomy services recommended by the private tester. Some NHS phlebotomy depts will do a private blood draw for a fee.
thanks for that.
Hi clutter
We reference to your point above why can't you get FT3 done on the nhs? My endo requested this on the form for the blood tests I had in July but it didn't get get done and I thought it was just an error. It is on the form I have for today's tests circled but it is any more likely to be done?
Thanks
Churchie
Possibly not, as it seems to be up to the labs in many areas whether they think a T3 test is needed. Seems amazing that they can overrule the doctor's request but they do, far too often. I think the only reason my OH gets it tested routinely is because she's been prescribed T3 - but I think her doctor writes something to that effect on the form.
With regard to Churhie's question,I'm on T3 only,both my GP and Endo. have requested my T3 bloods and the lab still won't do them. Stupid or what.x
Churchie, FT3 is done on the NHS but some/many labs override GPs requests and decline to test FT3 if TSH isn't suppressed. If the lab doesn't do it this time your GP may have to telephone the lab and insist upon it being done. Samples are held for a week or so, so they should be able to do it without you providing another blood draw.
Nadine, after a number of years being hypothyroid, before learning so much from websites like this one, I would see a GP once a year and get lab tests. This was mostly to get my prescription. Looking back, some of my test results were not good and I should have had further tests. This is over fifteen years. Now, my thinking is that I would do better monitoring myself. I order my own T3 and perhaps have some testing that my doctor would refuse anyway. It really should not be this way but I'm happy to have the option.
HI, You can go it alone but blood tests essential. Use Blue Horizon, on line quote TUK 10 for a discount. Do the finger prick test ( a test tube) cheapest unless you know some one who will do venous blood. Do not use them via a hospital, very expensive.
Jackie
Hi
Many thanks for all the replies.
Also, I'm currently living in Germany (near Mainz in Rheinland-Pfalz area).
Does anyone know of where to access independent blood testing and sympathetic thyroid GPs...
If not, I could try a German site.
Hi Nade, why not call a nearby lab and find out their policy. I'm in the U.S. and went to the lab I normally go to and just paid to have the test done myself. They drew the blood and did the test for a fee. Sometimes a package deal is much more economical. I think Blue Horizon offers all the primary thyroid tests (7 or 8) for not much more than one single test.
Does the NHS cover your medical in Germany?
Would it be difficult to find a German doctor and tell them you have a thyroid condition and would like to have tests for it?
This is the best place to ask questions.....don't ever apologize. Keep asking.
Hi
I had a few German doctors but I've just been kicked out of their local town practice because I submitted a complaint about a member of their team who halved my thyroxine and sent me into overt hypothyroidism (they offered to still treat me if I withdrew the complaint!).
Have to find another but will try to search for someone with a bit more knowledge of how to treat the thyroid - although I don't hold much hope.
In Germany you have to have private medical insurance. I'm insured under my husband's work policy. The private insurance covers the costs, after taking a percentage out of the salary. Unlike private insurance companies in Britain, German insurance companies will not turn away people with serious illnesses so there is a social care aspect - as well as being economically related.
Obviously you don't know how that works in Germany with doctors. I would have never made a complaint, you never win anything with that, it will bring you absolutely nothing. Actually a German professor prescribed me a hormonal treatment which is what caused my hypothyroidism and fybro. I will never sue him and I know the exact reasons, there's nothing to win. And that is not only in Germany. In USA some doc prescribed me 45mg, when I ran out I went back and the other new prescriber wanted to get me back down to 15mg and prescribed me for that eventhough I repeatedly told them that if they prescribe me that amount they'll kill me, the did not give a s...t. And that's why I've always self-medicated.
Self medicating T3 - GPs and NHS blood tests
GPs to be stopped prescribing T3
Recent Pulse article for GPS. 😡
