I just had to share my experience of an appointment with a student doctor this morning.
He asked whether I knew the cause of my hypothyroidism and I mentioned raised antibodies. He immediately identified hashimotos and named it as such which I’ve never yet experienced with the GPs at my practice.
He was happy to talk with me about the patterns I’d identified in how I felt. Seemed ready to listen to them and not dismissive. And I’ve often felt rushed in other appointments but not at all here!
He mentioned that my results were all in range but because it’s only a snapshot it can’t be taken as a full picture.
He’s given me a slip for a blood test but also, off the bat without prompting, also gave me a prescription for an additional 25mcg to start straight after I’ve been tested. This with a view to testing again shortly afterwards and bringing me up another 25mcg if necessary.
I’m absolutely bloody flabbergasted! Why can’t they all be like this?!?!
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hjh88
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He may have a problem himself or a member of his family with the thyroid gland.
It is quite heart-warming when the doctor, by his reaction, shows that he knows more than many of the professionals and is willing to co-operate with the patient to relieve their clinical symptoms by prescribing sufficient doses.
Quite possibly. It’s was so refreshing though and I’m hoping that he comes from a crop of student doctors who maybe just maybe have a slightly better handle on the thyroid situation!
I believe if medical students are studying endocrinology they should have quite a number of days with patients who've had problems when levo doesn't bring back their health. They should be aware of a portion of those with hypo may have to have options, i.e. NDT or T3 etc. Not one of us is identical in our needs.
The fact is that they have to follow the guidelines laid down. Whereas it used to be that we could get NDT or T3 prescribed we can no longer trial options.
I was very unwell when on levothyroxine and I believe quite a number of people cannot recover. Also Research has shown that many feel much better on a T3/T4 combination. They seem to not read Research and make up their own minds of how we, the patient, should be treated, whilst ignoring clinical symptoms and disregarding how unwell we really feel. I thought I'd feel much better and in fact was worse.
Thankfully thanks to TUK, (no forum then) - I was so grateful that I was talking to people who were more knowledgeable as they had a similar journey to what many on this forum are now going through.
I suppose even for the most sympathetic GP it must be a difficult balance to strike with the guidelines as they are.
There really is something to be said for experience, though. And whilst it’s a shame that you and others have had to learn the hard way about the positive effects and limitations of the available options the hard way, it does mean that there’s this huge body of knowledge in places like this. If it can’t exist (or won’t because of an unwillingness to accept new research etc in the medical profession) then I’m glad it does here.
Your point about clinical symptoms I think is the crux of my relief in this most recent appointment really. He heard that I was feeling unwell, ordered the tests and gave me the increase anyway. I just find it astounding that so many can ignore the research and the unwell person literally in front of them and decide that yes, T4 only at a pretty low dose is just the ticket.
Good to hear you found a great doctor! We need many more like that one. Unfortunately we are used to doctors not listening or just being unaware of how complex and varied thyroid issues can be.
Yeah that’s my usual experience. Every step along the way so far has been a push - to get diagnosed and then every incremental increase since. So it was such a relief to find someone receptive and knowledgeable, let alone a relatively inexperienced student doctor!
Hiya ,
Are you saying although your levels are currently ok you have been diagnosed hashimotos ?
Are you saying that they have given you a prescription to start on levothyroxine already without seeing your recent levels ? Or is this a increase in what exactly ?
Do YOU already take any medications?
What's your symptoms?
Just trying to understand your explination to the doctor .
I’ve got a pretty detailed outline of my history and recent results in my profile if you want to take a look.
As for the background to this particular appointment, I started to feel hypo again so went to ask for tests with a view to increasing. I was lucky to be sat across from someone far more knowledgeable and sympathetic than usual so not much explanation needed this time. I’ve been lurking on this forum for about a year now so often find I outlaw the GP normally!
As for the tests, my surgery only test TSH and FT4 routinely so that’s what it’ll be again this time!
Depends what you mean by travel I guess. Fairly regular trips to Europe and about the UK but not much further. Barely drink anymore and haven’t ever smoked consistently. A few social cigarettes in my late teens but that’s that.
Not to worry about questions, it’s what this place is built on and how we end up getting their answers. Is there something in particular you’re looking to find out?
I am always pleased when there is a trainee doctor in with my GP. I know I will be listened to, and not dismissed out of hand. I have been known to thank the trainee for their professional attitude and to add "it makes a nice change" and watch the GP change colour!
The only time I was not happy was during a smear test at the Well Woman Clinic. A trainee male...probably the first he had ever done...I now know my tonsils are healthy!
I was diagnosed with two trainee doctors in the room. They weren’t doing the diagnosing at that point but it did make the appointment feel much more open. Maybe it’s something about the idea of showing best practice that gets the usual GP on best behaviour?
Might adopt your line and watch for reaction on future encounters if the opportunity arises!
Good grief though a smear test by a rookie! Your poor “tonsils”!! Had a not too dissimilar blood test by a trainee nurse once. Came out like a sieve with no successful draw. I find it hard to begrudge them whilst they’re learning but it can be ever so uncomfortable!
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