Enlarged Thyroid

[AngB68]

After many years battling with the GP I have finally been referred to a specialist. They refused to refer me even though over the past 3/4 years they have been unable to stable my levels, they just up the medication. I can feel a lump in my throat and it presses on my windpipe which makes me cough and wretch. After a scan it has shown I have an enlarged thyroid gland. My GP’s comment were “well you’ll get your wish now as you will be referred one way or anothe.” When she got the results her parting comment was “ I can refer you if you want but I doubt they will do anything”.

I think it is such a shame that the lack of professionalism on not one but most of the GP’s I’ve had the pleasure to meet is appalling.

I’m sure if the patient spoke to them in the same way they would be asked to leave the surgery.

So here’s hoping that I can be sorted out finally because I’m so sick of feeling ill.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Can you add your most recent results and ranges for TSH, FT4, FT3 and antibodies, plus vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

For full Thyroid evaluation we always need TSH, FT4, TT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies. Plus vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12.

Essential to test thyroid antibodies, FT3 and FT4 plus vitamins

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS very often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies

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 ideally 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. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)

If antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).

About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's

If you have Hashimoto's then testing for coeliac disease is next step.

[AngB68 in reply to SlowDragon]

Unfortunately I don’t have my test results but I’m due another blood test now as the GP is testing it every six weeks. This is why I’m fed up because they try to insinuate that I’m not taking my medication because my levels are out and they need to increase the dosage after each test.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to AngB68]

How much are you currently taking?

You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results.

UK GP practices are supposed to offer online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need enhanced access to see blood results.

In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet

Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up. They can make nominal charge for printing but many will do so for free (£10 max and will be unable to charge at all after May 2018 due to EU ruling)

Presumably you have Hashimoto's as levels are changing

[AngB68 in reply to SlowDragon]

I’ll get the next set printed. I was also going to ask for an access number to be able to request repeat prescriptions online I didn’t know I would be able to see blood results. The GP has never said I have hashimotos. However, he said a lot of my symptoms are for hyper and I’m hypo this could explain why. Thank you for your advice.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to AngB68]

You may need to request enhanced access to see blood test results

Essential to know if you have Hashimoto's

About 90% of all primary hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's

Essential to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12. Always get actual results and ranges. Post results when you have them, members can advise

Hashimoto's affects the gut and leads to low stomach acid and then low vitamin levels

Low vitamin levels affect Thyroid hormone working

Poor gut function can lead leaky gut (literally holes in gut wall) this can cause food intolerances. Most common by far is gluten

According to Izabella Wentz the Thyroid Pharmacist approx 5% with Hashimoto's are coeliac, but over 80% find gluten free diet helps significantly. Either due to direct gluten intolerance (no test available) or due to leaky gut and gluten causing molecular mimicry (see Amy Myers link)

But don't be surprised that GP or endo never mention gut, gluten or low vitamins. Hashimoto's gut connection is very poorly understood

Changing to a strictly gluten free diet may help reduce symptoms, help gut heal and slowly lower antibodies

Ideally would ask GP for coeliac blood test first

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

amymyersmd.com/2017/02/3-im...

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

scdlifestyle.com/2014/08/th...

drknews.com/changing-your-d...

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

[AngB68 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you I will read all of the above and ask for a test. I had an ultra sound on my stomach as I suffer a lot of pain but they couldn’t see anything.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to AngB68]

That can be gluten related.

Most medics only consider coeliac as real disease, but gluten intolerance can be as serious, just no easy test