Opinion on Endocrinologist at Harrogate General

[Cn13]

Hi all,

I'm thinking of asking to be referred to an Endocrinologist and was wondering if anyone has any opinions on a Dr Peter Hammond at Harrogate General. Not sure if I am allowed to type in full name here. Please if anyone has any opinions could I be private messaged please.

I am thinking of a referral as the GP doesn't do any FT3 testing so I was wondering if the Endo could find out if I have a conversion problem. Also the GP I'm with is very cautious and resistant to increasing medications to reduce symptoms.

Not sure what the criteria for a referral to an endo actually is I'm just not happy with being left on a small dose of 50mcg Levo with no improvement in symptoms.

Or if anyone has any ideas on how I could find a better GP who understands Thyroid diseases that would be helpful too.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

[Clutter]

Carmel13n,

You are allowed to type the Doctor's full name to ask for information. You can edit your post by clicking on the V down arrow underneath your post and selecting Edit.

[Clutter]

Carmeln13,

If you post your recent TSH and FT4 I can tell you whether 50mcg is an adequate dose.

Even endos can have trouble getting FT3 tested if TSH isn't suppressed. You can order your own thyroid blood tests via thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin... Medichecks offer #ThyroidThursday discounts.

[Cn13 in reply to Clutter]

Hi Clutter,

Thank you I have now amended the post to include the doctor's name. One of the reasons I was asking was because I was hoping the Endo could do the FT3 test as I can't really afford to do it privately at the moment.

Latest results below:

Serum TSH level 1.64 miu/L [0.35 - 4.94]

Serum free T4 level 19.2 pmol/L [9 - 19]

This is the result that the GP refused to increase my dose and even wanted to reduce it down to 25mcg again. Is it my right to refuse a dose decrease if she tries this again. Just would love to have a GP who listens and understands Thyroid problems. Thanks for replying.

[Clutter in reply to Cn13]

Carmeln13,

Your GP didn't want to increase dose because FT4 is already over range. How long have you been taking 25mcg/50mcg?

Your TSH is low-normal so it's debatable whether the lab will analyse FT3 even if the endo will order it.

FT3 only is £29 via Medichecks if you can afford that.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

50mcg is only a starter dose. How long have you been on this?

Have you had vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 tested?

What about thyroid antibodies?

For full evaluation you ideally need TSH, FT4, FT3, TT4, TPO and TG antibodies, plus vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 tested

I would get these done FIRST

Endo's have little interest in vitamins but they are often extremely low and improving levels can be key

Also high antibodies means Hashimoto's and likely gluten intolerance or strictly gluten free diet will help

Very unlikely an endo will suggest this

See if you can get full thyroid and vitamin testing from GP. Unlikely to get FT3

Private tests are available

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have money off offers.

All thyroid tests should be done as early as possible in morning and fasting and don't take Levo in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results

Link about antibodies

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/t...

Print this list of symptoms off, tick all that apply and take to GP

thyroiduk.org/tuk/about_the...

[Cn13]

Hi,

I have been on the 50mcg since early October with no noticeable improvement in symptoms. I am supplementing Vitamin d. I am self treating with Vitamin B12 as I have PA too. I have recently bought a B complex with folate added so that should be increasing the folate. I am on iron tablets to try to raise ferritin which seems to be very slow. I recently had a blood test to check ferritin levels but this was a hospital appointment so might take a while for results. No point asking GP for other tests as she is not interested and thinks everything is normal even when it's low.

I might be able to get just an FT3 test but what would I do with the results?

I will bring the symptom list next time. Thank you.

[Treepie in reply to Cn13]

Post the FT3 result if you get it with thenothers in a new post.

[Sallybones]

Hi Carmel I should have seen Dr Hammond at HGH but unfortunaley he was off ill for quite some time!! I saw a lady, see my post 'Frosty Endocrinologist". I refused to see her again. Did quite a range of blood tests but very little interest was shown in my thyroid and only TSH was checked (since then my GP has put me on Levo)!

Then my follow up appointment was with a locum and she offered me antidepressants!!!

I've several diagnosed health issues but if you decide to go with them I would love to know how you get on. I may just have been unlucky.

all the best SallyB

[Cn13]

Hi Sally,

Thank you for replying. That is unfortunate you did not get to see the doctor you were supposed to see and sounds like a bad experience. I'm not sure I will bother now. One of the reasons I would have been going would be to check the FT3 and if they don't do it not much good. Anti depressants not too good either.

Thanks