Frustration at GP: Hi everyone. Hoping someone... - Thyroid UK

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Frustration at GP

Celestineuk profile image
11 Replies

Hi everyone.

Hoping someone can give me some advise. I've recently had my bloods done for my underactive thyroid. The results as I've attached. There is no T3 T4 as my doctor says my TSH is within normal range. I have also attached a private blood test I had done last year. My TSH has gone up... could this be why I am not feeling at my best? I currently take 75mcgs Levothyroxin. Thanks guys.

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Celestineuk
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11 Replies
Blondiejayjay profile image
Blondiejayjay

Has the GP ever checked you antibodies TPO and Thyroglobulin?

If not then that needs doing along with iron, folate,B12, Vitamin D

mistydog profile image
mistydog

Your doctor doesn't understand thyroid problems. 75mcg levothyroxine is only just over a starter dose. For people on thyroid replacement, it is generally agreed that TSH needs to be below 1,even at the very bottom of the scale, to feel well. Also, you cannot know if you are converting the drug T4 to the active form t3 without the additional tests. The tests Blondiejayjay mentioned, you need all these to be optimal (not just in range) in order to convert successfully.

Did you have your tests done first thing in the morning (before 9), on an empty stomach and only drinking water? (patient to patient tip, not known to medical professionals).

If you can see a different doctor, ask for an increase, as your TSH is obviously rising and you don't feel well.

Don't let them tell you that you will have heart problems, it's very unlikely at this level, and more likely if you don't have sufficient thyroid hormone.

Me2U profile image
Me2U in reply tomistydog

Yes thats what GP told me upon trying many times to get a higher dosage (as was still feeling unwell) but keep trying,don't give up (I did ) after they conceded to an extra 25mcg taking me up to 75mcg

mistydog profile image
mistydog in reply toMe2U

Do you mean about heart problems? Tell them that they need to prove it to you. Ask for the research. There is none.

in reply tomistydog

Together with other hypothyroid symptoms, I started getting a lot of breathlessness and swollen ankles recently and was tested for a possible heart problem. Having so little energy available, the heart is likely to struggle with the rest of the body. So both hypo and hyperthyroidism can cause heart problems for different reasons.

Thankfully I found a GP who knows his stuff (better than the local endo, but that's another story!) and he agreed that, after testing heart and kidneys, which were OK, I needed an increase of Levo, in spite of all my thyroid results being within range!

So do NOT give up.

Something I've found helpful is to make a bullet list of your most troubling symptoms and how they affect your life. Keep it to one page if possible and give it to the doctor to read.

But the one you saw seems unlikely to listen anyway, so try to find another one. Don't diss the one you saw but ask the receptionist which would be the best one to see for your condition, as thyroid can be complicated to treat.

mistydog profile image
mistydog in reply to

Yes, it can cause heart problems if under or over treated, just that this isn't the case when treated correctly.

lisabax profile image
lisabax

This seems like a very low dose of thyroxine considering your TSH was so high last year. However, it is now creeping up again and you are having symptoms, so your GP should be willing to increase the dose and see how you feel. TSH alone does not tell him or you very much. If your GP won’t test T3 and T4, then medichecks offer a very reasonably priced blood test that you can do at home with a fingerpick. It will inform you and if you post the results here, those on this forum who are more knowledgeable than me what might be able to help.

Your current TSh results of over 3 is the starting point for treatment in some other countrys and as other said you do need more comprehensive testing. I have found that GPs in a surgery who have the good sense not to point out or berate you for weight issues are also better with thyroid issues. I think you should try another GP in the practice.

NHS guidlines say that TSH should be under 2 when treated with thyroxine - ask your GP why he is ignoring guidelines.

Mouldyoledoll profile image
Mouldyoledoll

Have you been tested for Hashimotos?

mistydog profile image
mistydog in reply toMouldyoledoll

Says so above.

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