Getting my own way. Eventually..

[coffee_luvvie]

Hi all,

I've been diagnosed hypothyroid since 2004. Looking back, I had many symptoms before then (mid 90's) weight gain, brain fog, fatigue, cold intolerance, constipation, muscle and joint pain but was treated for depression although I didn't feel depressed and the meds didn't help.

I actually had hyper symptoms in 2001, (weight loss, sweating, tremor, panic attacks, anxiety and was almost agoraphobic) was given betablockers and told I was stressed as my Nana was diagnosed with cancer.

Long story short. Commenced on 25mcg in 2004, increased by 25mcg increments 125 mcg after 6 weekly blood tests. On that dose until 2010 when I ran out of meds and my friend gave me her spare 50mcg tabs and I took 3 a day until I got my prescription. Felt OK on the 150, a bit better actually, so I continued and eventually told GP who said I had "no business" increasing. My blood test came back "fine".

I never thought to ask for ranges.

Stayed on 150mcg, for the last 5 years bloods were "fine".

8 months ago, I felt the creeping up of weight, cold to the core, brain fog, muscles aching and fatigue so I upped to 175mcg daily. Again, after a few months I felt bit better so told the only sympathetic GP whose only concern was for my bone density if it was too much. My annual test was due last October but my father became ill and died so I just didn't get round to it.. Had it done last Thursday, receptionist phoned while I was at work and said to continue on dose I was on as blood test results "came back fine".

Did I say long story short...? 😂😂

Anyway, I ordered 25mcg tablets to go with the 100mcg and 50mcg I have and a furious GP phoned me on Friday evening. Asked who said I could increase, where I had been getting the extra 25s from and that I shouldn't self medicate.

My answer was that if my bloods are "FINE" on the 175mcg then he can't really argue with that.

He grudgingly wrote me a prescription to pick up for 25mcg tablets and told me to get blood checked again in 6 weeks..

Why are they so loath to just let us try and feel normal??

Thanks for reading my short story 😃😂😃

[shaws Administrator]

They are afraid because they believe some of the 'tall stories' which are told, i.e. bones, heart etc etc. Except if our doses are too low we will get those anyway I'm sure plus we don't have a life if we're too unwell to enjoy it.

Well done to you that you proved that you needed the increase. Sometimes, it's just a small amount we need that makes the difference between o.k. and excellent.

[coffee_luvvie in reply to shaws]

Thanks for reply. I've just had to experiment like many others. I've had it up to 225mcg and still felt no hyper symptoms. On 175mcg I have bit less cold intolerance and fatigue isn't so bad. The brain fog has always been the worst thing for me 🙁

[Clutter]

Coffee-luvvie, Neat reply about blood results on 175mcg What your GP meant was how dare you take your health into your own hands

[greygoose in reply to Clutter]

As Weetman said 'whose thyroid hormone replacement is it, anyway?' (or something like that). He never did answer his own question. lol

[coffee_luvvie in reply to greygoose]

I think it's awful that some of them just do not listen. I felt intimidated but stood my ground regarding the increase.

I'm a nurse and say to my patients "you know your own body" when they tell me how they are feeling after a change in meds or when they're feeling unwell.

Often act as advocate for patients to get things done...

J

[greygoose in reply to coffee_luvvie]

I think there are times when nurses know better than the doctors because they do take the time to listen. Also, a lot of doctors just like the power. They like the feeling of being in charge, and Don't like that power being userped by the patient. I Don't need 'permission' to look after my own body! Well done for standing your ground!

[coffee_luvvie in reply to greygoose]

I agree with you about the power thing. I also think he sees me as an annoying nurse and not a patient. Anyway, I "won". Haha!😂😂😂

J x

[thyr01d]

Yes, why are the GPs so loathe to even consider listening to us?

Well done for standing up to him!