Need a Moan

[Gambit62]

Just rung up to get first blood test results after being started on 25mcg and then upping that to 50mcg a few days later because I just couldn't stand been on 25mcg

The result was - speaking to the receptionis - 'Normal - just carry on on the dose and retest in a year.'

I asked the receptionist what the exact results were - I was given just one figure - 2.67

will go and pick up a printout later to double check that it is only one figure - ie they have only done TSH.

Have made an appointment at a private hospital as I really don't want to be treated by someone who really doesn't know what they are doing. Know there is no guarantee that private will be any better but this is just stupid.

[Clutter]

Gambit62,

I think you are a little undermedicated to have TSH 2.67. The goal of Levothyroxine is to restore the patient to euthyroid status. For most patients that will be when TSH is 0.3 - 1.0 with FT4 in the upper range. FT4 needs to be in the upper range in order that sufficient T3 is converted. Read Treatment Options in thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_... Email [e-mail] if you would like a copy of the Pulse article to show your GP.

TSH only testing is not satisfactory but it is all many GP practices will do. TSH will be high because FT4 and FT3 are low so you may think it worth waiting until TSH is <1.0 before ordering your own thyroid blood tests via thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin... Medichecks offer #ThyroidThursday discounts.

[Gambit62 in reply to Clutter]

Thanks Clutter but I want to sort out my health before trying to educate my GP. Thanks for the links though I suspect I already have them bookmarked.

[Gambit62 in reply to Clutter]

Its bad enough that my body is trying to kill me with auto-immune conditions without the medics making it worse

[shaws Administrator]

The Receptionist has no right to tell you that your results are 'normal'. Especially as you are only on 50mcg which is a starting dose and telling you that you need a blood test in 12 months.

You need a blood test and increase in 6 weeks and do you know the procedure you have to following when having blood tests for thyroid hormones?

[Gambit62 in reply to shaws]

Thanks Shaws - the receptionist was reading the note made by the GP

For me that was just the last straw - given him enough rope to show that he just doesn't understand what he is doing. I have made an appointment at a private hospital as I want to follow up with someone who does know what they are doing - though that will probably be through a referral.

Feel bad as it isn't fair that I know I'm not being treated properly and have the resources to do something like it but they - which would seem to include other GPs at the practice from the contact I've had - are going to be mistreating other patients as well. However, I really am not going to fight that battle until I have really sorted my own health out.

Just getting together scans of blood tests to take with me to the appointment tomorrow.

The practice, like so many others, has no interest at all in what my symptoms are and doesn't have a clue about interpretation of blood tests post start of treatment. I've been through this before with B12 and wasted months trusting them - not going to do that again.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Gambit62]

You are right - our trust has been severely dented by either being undiagnosed for years or given minimum hormone which is too low to relieve symptoms.

Neither, as you say, do they don't know any but will prescribe another medication for the symptom rather than the hormone dose we need to resolve all symptoms.

I have read another post that they've only tested the TSH and not the T4 and some people's TSH takes forever to reach 10 when they may be given a prescription.

I hope you resolve your problems soon and you have a 'name' of someone who is reliable and knowledgeable.