Self-dosing without self-monitoring of thyroid levels.

[helbell]

I tend to advise people who self-dose of the importance of self testing, on other online forums. The context is usually feeling unwell and intending to try something else without knowing current levels, and, or waiting for gp or endo tests of t3 at some point..if ever. Should I just keep my mouth shut? I rarely offer unsolicited advice, but someone will occasionally message for more info, usually sourcing.

[helbell]

Self monitoring as in private blood tests. I know we monitor our symptoms all the time.

[MaisieGray in reply to helbell]

I certainly don't monitor my symptoms all the time. My life is much more than being hypothyroid. It makes absolute sense to check status quo before and after implementing any change otherwise how can you know the effect, if any, of that change. Similarly it makes sense to investigate any substantial or abnormal medical occurrence or difference, should it become apparent. But monitoring my symptoms "all the time", definitely not. Boring for me, boring for those people close to me, and such a shadow over my life. I'm not sure though, that I understand the purpose of your post - are you asking should you give, or not give advice? If so, then no I don't think giving advice ie writing in absolute terms, is generally the right thing to do, not least because we don't know the person or all their circumstances - never mind the extent or limitation of our own knowledge or skills. Offering suggestions as to what might or might not be useful, what might or might not be a possible course of action, or better still, providing externally-sourced & validated hard data and allowing the person to reach their own conclusions, is for me, more valid. I'm sure I fail on occasions, but I try to couch what I write, in terms of "that might indicate" or "you might want to think about ...." and unless appropriate/accurate to do so, try to avoid absolutes.

[helbell in reply to MaisieGray]

Self monitoring symptoms does not necessarily mean plaguing others with how one feels. One is aware from day to day without necessarily doing anything off event or putting life on hold. I don't assume that we all feel the same. I apologize if my question is not clear. I, like many others, are active on other social networking forums where, such as here, folks are looking for sources because they do not feel well on their current treatment. I also recommend this forum and Thyroid UK. My post is simply: should I bother, it is it wise, to give added precautions to someone that wants to just try different thyroid medications without at least knowing their baseline measurements? Another concern would be hopping on to a T3 containing medication with little knowledge of current status and precautions necessary to proceed. In that context I suggest they research it first, refering tuk files as an excellent starting place. If I am being asked for a source, then I generally add basic self-test advice. Being asked for a source works the same as here. A poster will ask if there is anyone the can message or vice versa. I don't often give forth but I do use a reputable source and supplier which, I feel, is safer than finding less reputable, or unknown suppliers. I hope my answer is a clearer than my original post.

[MaisieGray in reply to helbell]

Many thanks for clarifying your wider thoughts for me. I think implicit in participating in any forum such as this, is the obligation to take responsibility for what we ourselves, do or say; and by definition that helps others to make a judgment about the value or use to them, of our suggestions, and take action accordingly. I don't think that our responsibility goes beyond that; because the fact of us behaving responsibly means representing our opinions only as such, and not as fact; not using generalisations especially where they may mislead; providing a sufficiency of information rather than too little to help or so little it misleads etc etc.

[helbell in reply to MaisieGray]

I would have thought it unwise to give information about sources without at least mentioning basic precautions to inquirers without knowledge of their status.

[diogenes Remembering]

Personally I would say that in starting a journey it's important to know where you start from so as to also know how far it is to a destination. Same with medicine and treatment.

[helbell in reply to diogenes]

Perfect. Thank you.

[helbell in reply to helbell]

I have read many posts where patients talk about swapping or adding in other thyroid medication unaware of their current TSH. Not necessarily because they don't want to know but because of the usual constraints.

[greygoose in reply to helbell]

If they're thinking of changing to NDT or T3, it's the FT3 that is most important, not the TSH.

[helbell in reply to greygoose]

Thanks Grey goose. Yes. I just add the basics including this.

[helbell in reply to greygoose]

Never TSH alone.

[greygoose in reply to helbell]

Absolutely not!

[Hidden in reply to helbell]

I am afraid it's not because they haven't been told but they don't listen to the good advice on this site. I joined this site listened, acted, and now feel well. Some people often ask but don't follow through.

[helbell in reply to Hidden]

So true, Bunnyjean. I have to say I have been there and now realise the pitfalls of diving in uninformed. Like you, I sought help here. And studied a lot. In a sort of door-bolted-horse fashion. I caught up with myself in the end and am doing well.

[Hidden in reply to helbell]

Great so pleased for you

[helbell in reply to Hidden]

Scared patients disbelieved and symptomatic wandering about in limbo land with one foot in self help and the other in medical care.