I have had an underactive thryroid for 16years. Firstly had thyroxine but it made me feel rubbish, then my GP let me try Armour then Erfa. Now I cannot get NDT on the nhs so have been forced to purchase it myself. My question is, I was thinking to go and see someone private but seeing as I am medicated I'm not sure how I would go about this.? Any advice appreciated. Thanks.
Lancashire Lass
Lancashirelass,
Whether or not you are medicated doesn't prevent you seeing an endocrinologist.
Most private consultants require a GP referral letter. Email louise.roberts@thyroiduk.org.uk for a list of member recommended endocrinologists.
Hi
Thanks I think I have this list. I know I can see one, I think I am medicated so what will they do, there own blood tests. Struggling to find one in the Manchester area.
Lancashirelass,
What is it you are hoping to achieve by seeing an endocrinologist?
Thyroid blood tests will be required to see whether you are optimally medicated. It will probably be cheaper to order your own thyroid bloods if you have the option.
You don't need to see an endocrinologist or any other doctor to get private blood tests done.
You can order blood testing yourself online.
What happens :
1) Find the test(s) you want to get done and order them online.
2) The kit you need to take a blood sample is sent to you through the post. Tests can be either finger-prick tests or they may require a full blood sample from a vein like nurses usually do. If phlebotomy (blood taking) is required that will cost more, unless you know someone who can do it for you for free - a relative, friend or colleague for example. Most of us order finger-prick testing whenever possible.
3) The blood samples are sent back to the lab through the post.
4) Results are returned to you via email.
Some useful links :
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...
A popular test for thyroid patients :
bluehorizonmedicals.co.uk/T...
About finger prick testing :
Sorry, I haven't made my message clear. I was thinking of seeing either a private doctor or endocrinologist so I can hopefully get a private prescription for my NDT. At the moment I have to buy it on the internet, which I dont like and it is a worry as its unreliable ( as said previously I could get it on the nhs up to 2 years ago, but they wont fund it now). I had been seeing an Endocrinologist on the NHS but he does not prescribe NDT, but he was aware I was purchasing it myself. (My gp asked me to go just for monitoring)
I was merely commenting that a private doc/endo would want to do their own blood tests and see I am fully medicated (although still have some fatigue). Hope that is clearer.
Lancashirelass
Probably much more expensive with private prescription and you might stll have to buy online (just with a prescription, so a few more options)
What you are asking will cost a fortune.
Every appointment with the private doctor will cost a lot of money.
Every blood test a doctor arranges privately will cost more than any testing you arrange privately for yourself.
Every private prescription will cost money to be issued.
Every private prescription will cost a lot of money to be dispensed - far more than you would pay if you bought it online without prescription.
A doctor you see privately will probably do little more testing than an NHS doctor would do. And they will interpret them according to NHS rules because they are most likely to be NHS doctors most of the time, and will only do private work to top up their income.
I realise that buying online is scary. But, seriously, you'll probably get much better treatment if you rely on yourself.
Going to docs with chest pain, do I fess up I am self medicating with NDT?
Now I am confused - thought I was still under-dosed but now I have my test results.
Why am I still having symptoms when my results are like this. I am calling out on those who have experience of taking Seaweed on top of thyroxine and would like to hear your views!...
How do I switch to Levothyroxine from NDT, do I have to do an overlap so my levels don’t go too low?
