Hi everyone
Im a newbie to the site and am finding that trying to find an underactive thyroid specialist a bit of an internet nightmare. Been feeling rubbish for so long now that my dad (bless him) has offered to pay for me to someone private and I don't want to waste his money as he is not rich. Any advice who I can trust? I am near Birmingham. I've had this for 16yrs and Dr is an 'its normal so take your Levo n go away' type.😢
Have sent you private message. 😁
You could always put your blood test results and range on the here and other will commit to help you.
First step BEFORE seeing any thyroid specialist is FULL private testing of thyroid and vitamins and antibodies
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies and also very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
Add results and ranges if you have them already
Ask GP for tests if not been done
Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies or vitamins
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. When on Levothyroxine, take last dose 24 hours prior to test, and take next dose straight after test. 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. Low vitamins are especially common with Hashimoto's. Food intolerances are very common too, especially gluten. So it's important to get TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once .
Link about thyroid blood tests
thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/t...
Link about antibodies and Hashimoto's
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...
List of hypothyroid symptoms
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...
Come back with new post once you have all results and ranges
Thank you so much. Wish I had found this group sooner. Finally getting sensible and clear advice. I really appreciate it thanks again
Great advice from SlowDragon- get everything tested and let members on here comment before you spend a lot of money. Even the most eminent endos can sometimes know less from a practical point of view than the experienced people,on here.
So disappointing though to learn so many endos are as bad as the GPS. I can see there will be no quick fix but I shall get my bloods done and I have a recommendation for a good endo now. Thank you this group is amazing
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