Last time I got my repeat prescription someone had written "review overdue". Obviously, I know it is but don't want one! I am on 100mg Levo and though not fantastic, I am pretty good at the moment and just can't face a battle if they want to mess around with my meds. If I thought they could actually do anything for my remaining symptoms I'd be there like a shot but seriously...what are the chances?
I just ordered another lot yesterday so I'm expecting some feedback so can anyone give me any advice on this?
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infomaniac
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Go for your review. I assume your GP is giving your the prescrip for levo and knows your dose?
They shouldn't mess about with your doses according to the TSH alone and the fact that you still have symptoms, GP is not doing his job properly as the aim of replacing our thyroid hormones is to be back to 'more or less' normal not to reach a point somewhere on the TSH range.
Make your appointment as early as possible, don't take levo on the morning of the blood test, in fact there should be approx 24 hours gap between levo and blood test and you should also fast.
Get a print-out of your blood test results (we are entitled to them) with the ranges (these are important) and post them on a new question for comments.
If he's not tested your Vit B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate get these done as well. I should think you are undermedicated as our TSH should be around 1 or lower or suppressed and you can get a copy of an article which says so to show your GP if he doesn't agree that you need an increase or even (maybe) some T3 added to your levo.
I understand exactly what you are saying! My own experience of this is that the prescription is usually not processed if they feel it important to check face to face,but have found with my GP a phone conversation can very often suffice and give a further 6 months or so of medication.It depends on the GP I think. It's really to cover their backs in case something untoward goes wrong.Remember though that you do not have to agree with a reduction in your meds and you hopefully will be able to stay on the same strength.they may insist you have the wonderful tsh test to check blood levels but even so usually you can negotiate.this is only what I have found to be the case for me tho! Good luck
This is my understanding too. I think it's standard procedure now for all repeats. It's to stop (or to allow for re-evaluation) what was the scandal of patients being left on drugs like diazepam (Valium) etc... for years and years and becoming hopelessly addicted.
I guess surgeries are so busy these days and some are not on computerised systems to flag up when medicine reviews need to be done.
To be honest Shaws, most of the time I do feel "more or less" normal. As I say, I still have a few issues but I am used to them now. I do believe I would benefit from a tiny bit of T3 but it's very hard trying to tell someone why when they don't really know what you're talking about! My other concern is that although I may feel better on T3, having struggled to get to the stage I am now I am loath to upset the apple cart-which is why I would rather they just left me alone at the moment!
Don't let anyone mess with your meds, just keep repeating"I am OK on my current levels" till your doctor backs down (and they will). No-one can reduce your meds without your permission but beware of saying nothing as that is tantamount to agreeing with the doctor. Remember that doctors are advisor's only and cannot force you to do what they want.
Responding one year later as I have only just read the OP and subsequent replies.
It's my understanding that doctors can, and do, lower dosage whenever they feel that the existing prescription may be unsuitable. They can also refuse to continue to prescribe unless the patient appears in person or agrees to a telephone consultation.
Doctors have a duty to patients - not always optimally fulfilled - to make sure they are regularly checked and that all prescribed treatments, and dosages, are regularly reviewed. The only patients likely to object to this essential scrutiny are those who fear, rightly or wrongly, the loss or reduction in dosage of one or more items they feel they cannot do without.
We can't order GPs to give us what we want. Rather we need to keep them up-to-date with our progress and our response to current treatment. On these factors hinge any potential alterations.
Were I to attempt to ORDER my doctor to prescribe this or that, or to prescribe a higher dose that he considered unwise or even harmful he would nicely but firmly refuse. Rather the matter would have to be discussed and mutually agreed upon - compromise might well be necessary - but under no circumstances would he, nor would I expect him to, simply 'give me what I want'. What a ridiculous notion.
Does anyone here know of a GP who responds favourably to being TOLD what to do?
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Is tsh alone enough to diagnose?
Why TSH alone isn't enough?
Feel very alone, looking for support
Great to know I am not alone 
