Help with gut issues

[Caze]

I was seeing Dr W for gut problems plus thyroid/adrenal issues. He no longer sees patients in London and can no longer prescribe medication so I am looking for another practitioner to help with these issues, especially the IBS problem. One member did suggest the London Clinic of Nutrition as they offer a free 15 minute telephone chat. I would be grateful to receive suggestions by private message.

many thanks.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

First step is to get full Thyroid and vitamin testing

See exactly what levels are like

Do you have Hashimoto's also called autoimmune thyroid disease diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies?

If so are you on strictly gluten free diet? Many of us find it essential

How much Levothyroxine are you currently taking?

Is it always the same brand

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested. Also extremely important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially if Thyroid antibodies are raised

All thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. Do not take Levothyroxine dose in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take immediately after blood draw. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)

Ask GP to test as much as possible.

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 special offers, Medichecks usually have offers on Thursdays, Blue Horizon its more random

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 .

IBS is often gluten intolerance of Improves significantly strictly gluten free

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_...

[Caze in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you fr yr reply. I am gluten free and keep a close eye on my vitamin/mineral levels etc. Thyroid being checked regularly - yes I have Hashis. I was really looking for a recommendation for a replacement fr Dr W so will continue looking.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Caze]

Email Dionne at Thyroid UK for list of recommended thyroid specialists

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/About_...