Private GP

[LOUISEGALLOWAY22]

Hi everyone.

Im a silent member here. I have an underactive thyroid and addisons disease. Was diagnosed with both in April after the birth of my 2nd child. I see an endocrinologist every 6 months at my local NHS doctor. Do you think it would be worth it to see a private GP 3 months inbetween to have bloods taken etc. I dont know anything about the levels docs look at. I just go with what they say. I take 100 mcg of Levothyroxine and 10mg of Hydrocortisone in the morning and 5mg in the evening. Thanks.

[greygoose]

Do you take your levo and HC at the same time? I'm not sure that's a good idea.

How was your Addison's diagnosed?

[LOUISEGALLOWAY22 in reply to greygoose]

I went into hospital after several bouts of gastroentiritis. I had lost a massive amount of weight. Yeah i take them at same time, no one has ever mentioned to take differently.

[greygoose in reply to LOUISEGALLOWAY22]

Then you're probably not absorbing much levo.

So, you were diagnosed Addison's in hospital? But, what tests did they do to reach that diagnosis? Because your dosing is rather peculiar for someone with Addison's.

[LOUISEGALLOWAY22]

I had blood tests and an MRI scan to look at the pituatry gland and adrenals. Oh really? I thought my hydrocortisone doses were normal

[eeng]

Have you ever had your Ferritin, iron, Vit B12, Folate and Vit D tested?

[Clutter]

Louisegalloway22,

Patients are entitled to see their test results so ask your NHS GP receptionist for a printout of your most recent thyroid results and ranges. If you want blood tests in addition to those your GP orders you don't need a private GP you can order home tests via thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin... Medichecks offer #ThyroidThursday discounts.

[edmondson]

Relatively recent advice published, and confirmed by GP, is that Levo should be taken alone with water, leaving at least half hour either side without taking anything else. To be on safe side, I now leave one hour either side of 75mcg taken a.m. and have been on that same dose since 1991, with tests once/twice a year meantime. [Having said all of that, before recent advice just used to take first thing every morning, irrespective of what had eaten/drunk, haven't noticed any difference but that doesn't mean there has been no difference!].