Desperately seeking an endocrinologist sympathetic and understanding of Hashimotos

[msmono]

Hi, I just had a dreadful G.P. appointment where she tried to write me off with CFS saying nothing they can do to help me even though my full-thyroid results are only just within normal ranges and show high anti-bodies (done privately) not to mention awful symptoms, suggest Hashimotos. She has at least agreed to refer me to an endocrinologist but I resisted rushing into a referral to a local consultant as I don't want a repeat of the above. Not sure if you're allowed to recommend on here but maybe someone could DM me if you know of anyone, good South/London/Midlands. I would really like them to be NHS but am that desperate I'm prepared to dip into meagre savings. Does Mark Spring still do NHS work? Is there anyone else? Will be so grateful for help

[msmono]

Hi :

TOTAL THYROXINE(T4) 107 nmol/L 59 - 154

THYROID STIMULATING HORMONE 3.45 mIU/L 0.27 - 4.2

FREE THYROXINE 13.7 pmol/l 12.0 - 22.0

FREE T3 4.3 pmol/L 3.1 - 6.8

Thyroid peroxidase ab's * 67.9 IU/ml 0 - 34

Thyroglobulin Antibody * 616.0 IU/mL 0 - 115

The THS has just been re-done by the GP even though it was only done 4 weeks ago and has gone up to 4.1. I have lots of symptoms and they're fairly consistently there all the time. What is NDT?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

BEFORE seeing any endocrinologist, especially if paying yourself, absolutely essential to get vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 tested

Also have you had coeliac blood test?

See if GP will do these

Or get private testing

Email Dionne at Thyroid Uk for list of recommended thyroid specialists.

please email Dionne at

[e-mail]

Best option if possible is to see a recommended endo who works in NHS and private. Pay to see privately initially to avoid wait, then hopefully transfer across

[msmono in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi Thank you, the G.P did all those except vitamin D which seems doubtful as I get lots of sun at the moment. Apparently all normal although they said that before and the dermatologist said iron was too low and sure enough when I took iron my hair grew back! I did one of those home coeliac test and it read negative which surprised me as I have diarrhea every morning (sorry for the over-disclosure there) I will email. Thank you

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to msmono]

Always get actual results and ranges on all tests

Never accept "ok" or "normal ", that's only an opinion, ......often a wrong one

You need actual results and ranges on folate, ferritin and B12

Getting vitamin D tested here via NHS postal kit

vitamindtest.org.uk

With Hashimoto's we are frequently very low in vitamin D.

Hashimoto's frequently affects the gut and leads to low stomach acid, poor nutrient absorption and then low vitamin levels

Low vitamin levels affect Thyroid hormone working

Poor gut function can lead leaky gut (literally holes in gut wall) this can cause food intolerances. Most common by far is gluten. Dairy is second most common.

According to Izabella Wentz the Thyroid Pharmacist approx 5% with Hashimoto's are coeliac, but over 80% find gluten free diet helps, sometimes significantly. Either due to direct gluten intolerance (no test available) or due to leaky gut and gluten causing molecular mimicry (see Amy Myers link)

Changing to a strictly gluten free diet may help reduce symptoms, help gut heal and slowly lower TPO antibodies

While still eating high gluten diet ask GP for coeliac blood test first or buy test online for under £20, just to rule it out first

As your test is negative you can consider immediately go on strictly gluten free diet




(If test is positive you will need to remain on high gluten diet until endoscopy, maximum 6 weeks wait officially)




Trying gluten free diet for 3-6 months. If no noticeable improvement then reintroduce gluten and see if symptoms get worse

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

amymyersmd.com/2018/04/3-re...

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

scdlifestyle.com/2014/08/th...

drknews.com/changing-your-d...

restartmed.com/hashimotos-g...

healthcentral.com/article/t...

Other gut issues due to being hypothyroid

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

But don't be surprised that GP or endo never mention gut, gluten or low vitamins. Hashimoto's gut connection is very poorly understood

[green-rose in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you 🙂

[SAUK]

Dr Spring only does private now 😔