Feeling shaky

[Skippy10]

I'm on 75mcg, TSH is 1.4 and gp wont increase thyroxine. I feel tired most of the time and although the fog brain started to clear today I feel really shaky and abnormal. Help please

[Bramble83]

How long have you been on Levothyroxine? Is it a new prescription?

[Skippy10 in reply to Bramble83]

Hi been on it since diagnosed about 4 months ago, I have gradually increased from 25mcg to 75mcg, not new prescription 2nd lot of 75mcg and same make.

[greygoose]

Does he only test TSH? This doctor knows nothing about thyroid. Can you see someone else?

[Skippy10 in reply to greygoose]

I ask to be referred to endocrinologist and was told no as they would reject because my levels have come down. I don't get reports on my blood like some I've seen on here, they are pretty basic. Last time I was tested she did all tests i.e. Calcium, iron etc. I just want to feel like me again. I currently feel like I'm living in someone else's body, no energy, putting on weight, where I have always been slim 😢

[Treepie in reply to Skippy10]

You have a legal right to a copy of your blood results .I can see mine online. Ask the receptionist and do not be put off.

Many use private tests as the NHS rarely tests FT4 and FT3.

[Skippy10 in reply to Treepie]

Where can you get private tests done?

[Treepie in reply to Skippy10]

Yesterday on this forum it was announced that Blue Horizon had a sale on of thyroid tests and a link was provided , Medichecks usually have a sale on Thursdays also usually mentioned early on the day.

Both offer finger prick tests but I find having a nurse do the job works better for me as I never get enough blood out of my finger.

You can find more information on the Thyroid UK website .The charity is worth joining.

[greygoose in reply to Skippy10]

The majority of people on here who get print-outs of their results, only get them because they ask for them. Doctors in the UK tend to prefer you don't know your results! It makes life easier for them if you are passive and compliant - even if they are wrong! But it's better for us if we're proactive.

So, ask at reception for a print-out of your results every time you have a blood test. It is your legal right to have one.

[Skippy10 in reply to greygoose]

I have had blood results printed out before, what I was saying is that mine didn't appear to be as in-depth and informative as some I have seen posted on here.

[greygoose in reply to Skippy10]

Perhaps you didn't have in-depth testing, then. Doctors tend to be very skimpy with thyroid testing.

[HashiFedUp]

The conventional treatment path is for the GP to manage TSH through the prescription of T4 until levels are within normal range. If your GP is unhappy prescribing more T4 (ie an increased dose), AND you are still experiencing symptoms, you should be referred to an endocrinologist. It’s not the GPs right to refuse, it’s your right as a patient to be referred. Do you feel you have enough confidence to demand for a referral with your GP? Check out the NICE guidance on the treatment path and reference it with your GP. Seek a different GP of yours is not playing ball. Good luck.

[Hidden in reply to HashiFedUp]

But if you are refused by the endo that can also be a problem. If that happens (or even if not) you could ask for a copy of the referral letter and the reply if it's refused (the receptionist might say you should ask the doctor first). I had to do this recently, and was horrified at what had been put on the referral request. The tone of it (by a non-GP practitioner who usually sees me, though authorised by the GP) was more like "Please advise how to get this patient off my back", not "This patient's results are in range but still has hypothyroid symptoms, please advise".

And that was the least of it!

Taking it further. I don't want to but have to for the sake of others who probably never thought of wondering what has been written about them.

[Skippy10 in reply to HashiFedUp]

Yes, I think GP is trying to work with me but doesn't want to put me forward because she's knows it will get rejected. She is doing bloods again in 5 weeks so when I discuss them if things are no better she will refer me.

[HashiFedUp]

In that case try and different GP! Shop around until you feel supported. Or go private - I paid £150 for one appointment and I’m on my way for health. It’s worth every penny!!

[Clarrisa]

Emphasize the real shaky. If you can succeed in getting the GP to put that on your referral the Endocrinologist will feel at home with a diabetic symptom.