I had a test for thyroid antibodies a while ago and my results came back as being over the acceptable limit. However the doctor didn't feel that the results were significantly over and is not sending me for further tests. I also had an above limit result for inflammation.
I asked for tests as have been feeling unwell after a virus hit me very hard a few years ago. I have digestion and circulation issues. The doctor doesn't seem to be interested and my question is can I self refer as he doesn't seem to have a clue and won't listen? It's been a five year struggle
Thank you
Sophia
Written by
Jimmythecat
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Welcome to our forum and sorry to hear that you don't feel well.
I assume you mean elevated TPOAb or//and TGAb indicating Hashimotos (which is the more common.) If you have a goitre (thyroid imflammation) you could ask for an ultra sound scan. Otherwise your doctor will be waiting until you are symptomatic with a high TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone is secreted from the pituitary in response to low thyroid hormone ) in order to prescribe thyroid hormone replacement ( Levothyroxine.)
Inflammation describes the release of chemicals and messengers in your body that create irritation and swelling. Hashimotos is an auto immune disease so commonly causes inflammation that may result in fatigue, puffiness, muscle//joint pain, abdominal discomfort, etc .
An excellent read to explain the process is The Root Cause by Isabella Wentz.
A gluten free diet and optimal nutrients will help the bodies immune responses to dampen, and slow the progression. Supplementing selenium has not only been shown to reduce TPOAb but encourages the T4-T3 conversion of thyroid hormones.
If you have recent thyroid hormone blood test results, post complete with ranges (numbers in brackets) for members to comment. Ask your doctor to test Vit B12, Vit D, folate and ferritin as deficiencies are common in people with low thyroid hormone and required for good thyroid hormone synthesis.
Thanks you for your reply. I think that the imflammation has damaged my digestive system and so I'm often sick. I did have low vitamin D but I now follow a whole/natural food diet - no sugar,take daily vitamin supplements and sit in the sun regularly. However I'm not sure my body is absorbing them due to sickness and diarhorrea.
I have suggested Hashimoto to the doctor but he ignored me; I even sent him an article about the disease and pointed out the similarities to no avail. I have seen all three doctors at the practice who are all unhelpful, and I can't go to other practices in the area as they have strict rules about how close you have to be. I was wondering if I should write to the PCT in order to find a way to self refer. I have had multiple miscarriages trying to conceive my second child and the past few years have been very dark and it's been a real struggle to keep going.
I am really grateful for your reply because it confirms what I thought and it feels nice to be taken seriously. Hopefully now I can convince a medical professional.
Have you got recent thyroid hormone blood tests complete with ranges ( numbers in brackets) to post? If your doctor is uncooperative you could use private labs as many of our members are forced to do - link below.
There is evidence of increased fatal loss, and psychomotor and IQ deficits, in infants born to mothers with undiagnosed or inadequately treated hypothyroidism (including subclinical hypothyroidism) [Casey et al, 2005]. NICE states TSH should be kept low-normal range (0.4–2.0 mU/L) and an FT4 concentration in the upper reference range.
If you are trying to conceive it is important to address possible low thyroid hormone and elevated thyroid antibodies. Perhaps passing a copy of the NICE guidelines may persuade a little more sympathy from your doctor.
Thanks again. I am reading all the links that you sent me and I feel more empowered to be proactive in order to receive the correct treatment. I have been suffering in silence for too long
Ask him for a referral to an endocrinologist,, for your thyroid,,and insist on it,,and then ask for the practise manager to make a complaint,,and even the address for the clinical commissioning group,,,,to make a complaint with them about the gp's lack of interest in giving you treatment and answering your questions and concerns,,,ttfn from Karen.
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Thyroid antibodies.
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GP review - low TSH on NDT
Low Vitamin B12 & Under active Thyroid
