I went into the surgery to get my prescription today. And I forgot what i was going to ask (about results and free prescription form) I stood there for a few minutes just blank. I have certainly got worse since my tests around 3 weeks ago.
Anyway, I was told that if I want a print of results I have to put it in writing and IF my doctor agrees it will cost 50p a sheet...
I have been put on 25micrograms. From what I've read this doesn't fill me with any confidence. I'm a 30 year old woman! That dose seems to be for over 50s and frail?
I have never felt so powerless in my whole life.
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Ukclare86
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I would ask to see their price list and remind them that copies of test results are not a revenue stream. Flippin' cheek!!
If it's any consolation I was started on 25mcg (am over 50 and wasn't frail) which is a starter dose and reviewed after 6-8 weeks. Don't expect GPs to know anything about thyroid though.
The 50p a sheet business is silly but they are entitled to charge a little. It's not worth wasting energy on this so just put it in writing and get them to state a time when it will be ready.
25 mcg is probably too little, but it's a start. Seeing your blood test results will help people comment. Have you been given a date for a follow up blood test? If not, you can go along in a month or so and tell the doctor how you are doing and ask for one. We need to adopt a friendly but assertive approach but it is very difficult when you are hypo.
For important things where it is vital I don't forget what I want to say I have to write lists.
Writing lists still doesn't come naturally though - I used to have a brilliant memory. Nowadays I sometimes forget to write the damn lists, or write the list and leave it at home.
Have you asked for access to your coded GP records online? If you haven't then do so ASAP.
You need to go to the surgery in person, take proof of identity which includes a photograph and also something with your address on. (Do this when they are least likely to be busy.) Ask for online access - they are legally required to offer the service. They will give you a piece of paper with various codes on it which you need to register with the online service.
Once you've registered and logged in, see what services you have available. If you are lucky you will have the ability to make appointments (although the choice of appointments might be very limited), you can request repeat prescriptions, and ... drum roll ... if you are lucky you might have access to the coded information in your GP records. This would include blood test results.
I went through the above palaver to register online. I can request repeat prescriptions and make appointments but can't see any part of my GP records. The majority of people seem to be in the same situation. GPs are dragging their heels even though the service is supposed to be mandatory.
I am on the patient access online thing for my Anxiety and depression medication already. All I can do is make appointments and order prescriptions. I will look again to see if I can request records.
I understand charging but it was the fact that the Doctor has to agree. It left me feeling like I have no control whatsoever in my own health. Seeing as I found this Doctor rattled off about the thyroid from (sounded like) a textbook and didn't even acknowledge how wrecked my symptoms have actually left me. I have absolutely no confidence that they will help me.
The memory thing scares me so much. I used to be the memory woman! I was the person who remembered every detail of a conversation from 5 years ago and freaked people out with it. Now I forget whole conversations from this morning.
I'm feeling a bit sorry for self at the moment so thank you for allowing me the means to do this. This message board is keeping me sane(ish) at the moment. X
There is a reason for the doctor having to be consulted about whether or not you can be given copies of your results.
There are loopholes in the law which allow people access to their records to take account of people who have mental health problems who might get upset by things which have been written in their records. Also, if a third party has been mentioned in a particular set of records you wouldn't be able to see those.
The receptionists are not medically trained and have to pass the buck to the doctor because they can't be expected to know whether these loopholes apply to you or not.
I'm sure it is this problem which is holding up so many people getting access to their own records online. I'm not sure how the doctors are going to deal with it.
I guess I am being over sensitive because I just overwhelmingly feel like they won't help me.
I just thought 'it's my blood, why do I need permission for results?!' I hadn't thought any further than that. It makes sense what you said. Also I'm feeling particularly ill today and just desperately want to feel better. I'm just not coping very well. Xxx
The sad news is that you may be right. Getting help for thyroid problems in the UK is incredibly difficult unless you have a clear-cut case of autoimmune hypothyroidism that has progressed quickly and your TSH has rocketed. It helps to get better if the rest of your body hasn't had a chance to fall apart.
The longer we are left to rot the harder it is to get back to full or nearly full health. That is why forums like this one are necessary, and people have to help each other.
That is the bad news.
The good news is that most people feel much better when they get their thyroid hormones to the right levels for them, they get their vitamins and minerals up to optimal levels, and their adrenal function is working properly or is supplemented if necessary.
The other good news is that you can side-step your doctor if the need arises. (Hopefully it won't though.)
Your lack of coping is absolutely normal for people in your situation. And that will get better too. Pick one or two things to do today or tomorrow, and for now, just forget about everything else.
Go to the surgery with your proofs of identity, speak to the receptionists, be polite, try not to get upset, remember the receptionists didn't make up the rules. Grin and bear it about having to pay for bits of paper with your information. 50p a sheet is not likely to break the bank for most people. Pick your time for your battles. You aren't well enough to fight right now, so try to avoid fights.
For future reference, if you see a GP for anything, you might want to take a sympathetic and understanding friend or relative with you (not someone who is likely to sabotage you). I still take my husband to many of my appointments. That isn't because I feel weak and/or tired though, it's because the medical profession is extremely sexist, even the women. And sexists don't like witnesses. So my appointments are much more polite when I have a witness.
Without seeing your thyroid results I can't tell whether or not 25mcg is appropriate.
The Data Protection Act entitles patients to their test results. If your GP refuses permission make a written subject access request The practice is entitled to make a nominal charge to cover the cost of printer ink and paper. 50p per sheet is a modest charge.
For maximum absorption Levothyroxine should be taken with water 1 hour before or 2 hours after food and drink, 2 hours away from other medication and supplements, and 4 hours away from calcium, iron, vitamin D supplements and oestrogen.
It takes 7-10 days for Levothyroxine to be absorbed before it starts working and it will take up to six weeks to feel the full impact of the dose.
You should have a follow up thyroid test 6-8 weeks after starting Levothyroxine. Arrange an early morning and fasting (water only) blood draw when TSH is highest, and take Levothyroxine after your blood draw.
Most people will find symptoms resolve after their TSH drops to around 1.0 with FT4 in the upper range but symptoms can lag a couple of months behind good biochemistry.
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