Referral

[dpa87]

Hi there a quick question as I am due to see my GP tomorrow for blood results. Requested various tests as advised by yourselves but she will only do tsh. Previous level was 7.8 and my levothyroxine was increased to 100mcg. My question is am I entitled to request a referral to an endocrinologist as I do have private med aid as when I indicated last visit it was what I wanted she was not happy and said she would see ?? My health has been struggling for a good few year now with me being told I was in menopause so just want to get back up to optimal health.

[dpa87]

That's good news and the great news is I am twenty minutes from spires murrayfield in Edinburgh so I can request Anthony Toft who specialises in thyroid disease

[Clutter]

Dpa, of course you are entitled to ask but it will be better to tell your GP who you want to see rather than have her choose. Email [e-mail] for a list of member recommended endos. Check with your insurer that your preferred endo is on their 'approved' list before making an appointment.

Your thyroid wasn't well managed for TSH to rise to 7.8 and you should have 25mcg dose increases every 6-8 weeks until TSH is just above or below 1.0. Put your request in writing to your GP if she doesn't agree to make a referral.

[dpa87 in reply to Clutter]

Thank you did email Louise and no one too close to me do checked spires as that is where my med insurance normally refers to and was pleased to see Dr Toft as he is often referred to on this site. He is widely published on the clinical management of patients with thyroid disease.

[Clutter in reply to dpa87]

Dpa, I know who he is but thought he had retired. I often link to comments he made in a Pulse article thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

He is known to change his opinions on thyroid treatment rather frequently. I believe a couple of members have seen him. Why don't you post a question asking for feedback via private messages.

[dpa87 in reply to Clutter]

Will do thank you. He does seem to be doing reduced hours

[dpa87 in reply to Clutter]

Great article thank you

[Anthea55 in reply to Clutter]

Consultants' retirement, stage 1, leave NHS but continue doing private work. Why not? I noticed recently that a local surgeon is listed for the Nuffield and I know he retired from the hospital several years ago.

[Clutter in reply to Anthea55]

Anthea, Why not, indeed. Phased retirement, very nice if you can do it.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Clutter]

When you decide on an Endocrinologist, put up a new post and ask if anyone has consulted the person and comments to be sent to you by Private Message.

[dpa87]

Thanks for all the advise can I ask a really stupid question? How do I send a pm? 😏

[dpa87]

Hi there not really sure what I am looking for other than optimal health as we all are. Have been plodding along on levothyroxine for 15 years since surgery with the last 4-8 years in peri/menopause ??? Which apparently accounted for all my ails so by pure chance I questioned my tsh at 7.8 and found this forum so still at the anticipation stage that I will regain a semblance of a life 😀

[dpa87]

Have my GP appointment at 9.30 today so will see what comes of that. the other endo at Spires would be Dr Jaap. I honestly was not aware of any other way to treat hypo other than levothyroxine which just goes to show I ignorant I really was prior to finding this forum. Hopefully my GP will give me full blood results today and I can post on here for feedback.

[dpa87]

Hi just back from GP with latest results which do seem to indicate I am on the right track

30/07/2015 TSH 7.8 (0.2-4.5 mU/L)

30/07/2015 T4 13 (9-21 pmol1/L)

11/09/2015 TSH 2.2 (0.2-4.5 mU/L)

GP has upped Levothyroxine from 100 to 125MCG and will retest in 6-8 weeks Did ask about Vit D for hip pain and she said I can if I want but will not do bloods to check as 18 months ago result was 55 (in range)