GPS and Hashimoto's

[njames50]

Any ideas as to what the response of an "average" GP might be to someone who goes to them with proof from blood tests (including high thyroid antibodies) that they have Hashimoto's? Would they just say It's nothing, know that it exists, recognise it as a disability....??? Would they prescribe Levothyoxine? Thanks.

[Kes8]

Can only comment on my own GP.

Decided to have private blood test.

Went to GP with huge antibodies, slightly high TSH, history of autoimmune conditions, mother with Hashimotos Encelopathy, many many symptoms etc. etc....

And all GP would do is say watch and wait - wouldn't refer or prescribe anything. Offered antidepressants.

Private (thankfully brilliant) Endocrinologist started treatment. If I hadn't gone to him would be bed bound or perhaps even ended my life.

[Hidden in reply to Kes8]

This scenario seems to be typical in the NHS and is appalling, I know Thyroid Uk and others are trying to raise awareness but from what I've read here and online elsewhere it looks like GPs are just not getting the correct training to treat thyroid conditions, and it's rare for them to even refer Hypothyroidism cases to an Endocrinologist, I certainly haven't been referred and had to demand Levothyroxine following a private BUPA medical recommendation, the GPs all seem to want to "wait and see" even when it's obvious our health is being affected by our damaged thyroids, and waiting is of no benefit whatsoever, the condition will never resolve itself, it can only gets worse. I've have been on every antidepressant available over the last 8 years! None work!

[greygoose in reply to Hidden]

Probably wouldn't do you any good to get referred to an endo, because their attitude is usually just the same - they ignore the antibodies or say they are unimportant.

[Naomi8 in reply to Kes8]

Yet another truly shocking story of ignorance & complacence on the part of NHS GPS

[njames50 in reply to Kes8]

Thank you for your reply. This is sort of what I feared, bur so glad you evenrually fo7nd appropriate help. How did you go about finding an endocrinoloigist who understands these issues. Did you self-refer? Do you know of anyone in the Hampsire area ( Southampton, Winchester... )? Thank you so much. Really appreciated.

[Kes8 in reply to njames50]

I already saw a good NHS Endocrinologist for my type I diabetes and tried to get an earlier appointment - couldn't get one even in an emergency for six months. Tried the other two hospital endocrinologists and wasn't allowed to change and would have to wait six months anyway.

So decided to go private. One of the three endocrinologists had an amazing reputation "Thyroid King" so booked directly with the private hospital and got an appointment within 48 hours - no need for referral from GP. Have now changed my NHS diabetes care to him too.

Sorry I am in Surrey so don't know anyone in Hampshire - if you contact an admin they can get someone to send you a list of recommended Endos.

[njames50 in reply to Kes8]

Thanks so much. Surrey isn't that far from us so would be very interested to know who the "Thyroid King" is, especially as he might offer an appoinment quickly. Will also ask Admin as you suggest. Thank you so much for your help.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

They won't call it Hashimoto's (here in UK). They tend to say autoimmune thyroid disease.

Some GP's are ok with getting private tests. Others insist on repeating tests via NHS

[Hidden in reply to SlowDragon]

Why's that?. Coz it gives them full control?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Hidden]

They are suspicious of lab not being a "proper" one. But NHS may also use same labs as where private tests ones done

But if you are on T3 or have conversion issues and local NHS lab refuses to test FT3, only option is to accept private test results.

[Peanut31]

Hi njames50.

My experience wasn’t positive despite me paying for a private Endocrinologist.

Yes, he did diagnosed me with Hashimoto’s, but I was back and fourth seeing him, and his only concern were my vitamin levels, despite them improving. My Endocrinologist offered me anti depressants, which I refused and told me to go on more holidays.

This frequently visits and costs bothered me.

This is when I started to question him.

I suggested full thyroid blood, paid private with medi check and I also paid for a scan. He thought it was an excellent idea. Hey???, he was suppose to advising me.

Anyway he didn’t even look at the results.

My last appointment he told me there was nothing further he could do and any medication would make me feel worse.

I questioned this and told him was I suppose to feel like this for the rest of my life.

He then stated he wanted me to have a second opinion, I said I would not bother, more money and this Endocrinologist was based in London so not local, not an issue as would of travelled anyway to feel better.

This new Endocrinologist had emailed me after looking at my notes stating that my Endocrinologist had been thorough so felt not much point.

I went away and joined Thyroid forums, went gluten free, dairy free and saw a nutritionist.

I did feel well, but, recently I was back to how I was at the beginning, neck stiffness, depressed, anxiety, low concentration. Went to my GP for bloods and TSH 12.2, started immediately on Levothyroxine 50mg.

I took my first dose Tuesday morning, and although still very early days I feel ok.

The GP was quite cross at how I had been treated by this Endocrinologist. He was known by the GP, and said he is known as being eccentric and he did say, that if he was the last Endocrinologist on this earth he wouldn’t go to him. Not what I expected from a GP, but, we don’t know if this Endocrinologist has ignored other people’s symptoms and left them to get really ill.

Best wishes

Peanut31

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to Peanut31]

Peanut, I know it’s not funny at all but I did snigger when I read your endo’s advice to ‘go on more holidays’ because that was exactly what I was told (by a GP) three months before I had a Graves meltdown! You honestly wonder don’t you!

Good Luck now you’ve started on levothyroxine. I found going totally gluten free has massively reduced my thyroid antibodies.

[Peanut31 in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Hi Fruitandnutcase

Don’t worry I’m not offended, that’s when I know he was just as bad as the rest of them.

I was even cheeky and asked if he would like to pay towards it. I could of gone on another holiday if I hadn’t wasted my money on him.

Best wishes

Peanut31

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to Peanut31]

That’s the trouble - you go to these people so full of hope and then your hopes just die off when you realise they just can’t or won’t help you get better.

Mind you I’ve been watching GPs Behind Closed Doors recently and boy is that depressing. Sometimes I don't know whether to feel sorrier for the doctors or the patients and my husband - if he sticks around - just rolls his eyes as I make my diagnosis.

[DeeD123]

Mine just shrugged 😒

[Rmichelle]

My 1st and 2nd endo were both eye rollers and tutters with hashimotos they told me it was far to complex to discuss and said move on!! Ignorant @rses. They really wont acknowledge it but i do still like to mention it on every appointment as they are wrong😊😊.xx a big good luck.

[Hidden in reply to Rmichelle]

Most doctors are full of their own self importance!. Stick's up their rear ends...even the stick has a stick up it's@rse😉.

[Rmichelle in reply to Hidden]

Lol😊😊i agree!!