My dilemma is going to see my GP and either doing what I’m told and sticking to what I feel is too low a dose of Levo or virtually telling her she doesn’t know her job.
I’m only too aware that GPs are under a great deal of stress and with me being a bit ‘old school’ it goes against the grain.
If she tells me that on a higher dose I could have heart and/or bone problems, how can I tell her she doesn’t know what she’s talking about? She’s the trained person, not me.
There’s a grown up conversation to be had with your gp. It’s not a case of telling her that she doesn’t know her job - she’s advising you on the basis of her medical knowledge. You are asking her to listen also to your expert knowledge about yourself. How too low a dose affects you.
I remember a conversation with a GP many years ago in which I elected to risk the hypothetical long term adverse effects of too high a dose in the interests of a dose now with which I could feel well and live my life. 25 years down the line no such problems have appeared yet (well, apart from palpitations) The research evidence is not that great either - perhaps others can provide you with links.
When you feel poorly now, the future hypothetical risk is not such a concern, well that was my decision anyway. And I have no regrets. Good luck
Hi
I can understand your dilemma, however, one point you are missing is that do you feel well on your current dosage?
If not, then you need to politely but, firmly tell her that on the current dosage you don’t feel well.
If she starts telling you about heart risk/bone problems ask her for evidence, and or say you would rather have quality of life (getting your dosage right) than quantity of life.
I’m sure someone on here may provide you with evidence to say the heart risk is a load of rubbish.
You could also mention that since this journey you have now become a member of several thyroid charities and you have been getting support and guidance from them.
You also have to remember that this GP is not living with a thyroid condition and has no idea how much it impacts on your day to day living.
If she takes offence at you wanting to feel better then she certainly doesn’t have your best interests at heart.
Keep in mind that it’s often the case that despite the training they don’t know enough about thyroid issues either.
It’s your life, and you need to take control of it, to get you on the right road to recovery.
Many on here are forced to self medicate because we don’t feel well under our GP or get on with Levothyroxine.
I personally wouldn’t give a damn what my GP thought of me or if I offended him, he is a man I rarely see and when I do it’s less than 10 minutes.
Best wishes & Good luck.
Peanut31
I don't think your alone here I currently have the same issue with my doctor won't increase my dose as they feel it's not in my best interests also mentioned heart problems. The problem is they don't understand and don't have answers leaves little faith in them. I have gained a wealth of information from here and lovely people have shared their knowledge which has given me the confidence to question my doctor 😊
Many here seem to have had similar problems. My TSH was just under 6 at its highest and free T4 within range each time it was tested. Thankfully I was eventually started on a 25 mcg trial dose of Levothyroxine, which did help a bit. But when it was increased to 50 mcg the symptoms were no better than with 25mcg. There was a slight improvement in the first few weeks then a gradual deterioration from about 5 weeks onwards. Even though TSH was now well within the official range at 2.99, and the Ft4 had risen to 15.9 (range 11.0-25.0) from around 12 to begin with it was obvious that another increase in Levo was needed.
The nurse who did the next blood test pooh-poohed this and was far more concerned about my "High" cholesterol (not that high really, and beginning to come down slightly).
I was really stressed at the thought of being refused an increase in Levo, and eventually decided to make a list of how I saw the problem, the continuing symptoms and how they affected my quality of life. Just one sheet of paper, and no implied criticism of my treatment thus far, just the simple facts:
• "I still have hypothyroid symptoms"
• "They affect my quality of life quite a lot"
• "It seems that TSH and T4, though now within range, are not yet optimal for me"
Thankfully it was a different nurse when I went for my results, much more willing to listen.
In fact she actually scanned the paper to add to my notes! She then had a word with the pharmacist and agreed to increase the Levo!!!!
WHAT a relief!!!
Maybe this approach will help you to get results as well? Although a lot also depends on who you see. The other nurse was nice enough, but much more of an old school - "Nurse knows best, Dear" - type
All the best x
Thank you, that’s very helpful
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