Want to ask my gp to consult with my treating specialist.

[Fiaxseed]

Its worrying me that my gp sent me to thyroid surgeon for possible thyroidectomy without consulting the specialist that put me on carbimazole until a review in december this year. Within 3months of this treatment test results show low ft4 and surgeon tells me to stop taking it and just have it out. Specialist is unaware my function test shows underactivity and its worry me that I have stopped taking carbimazole on surgeon advise I'm attempting to request my gp consult with specialist about it but I'm having trouble with it. How do I make a simple request to my gp without annoying her ?

[shaws Administrator]

Be blunt - no need to apologise - by stating that you'd first like her to notify the specialist who first prescribed carbimazole and await your appointment with him/her in December before considering the removal of your thyroid gland.

p.s. after all - once thyroid gland is removed it cannot be restored.

It's always best to be cautious. We've had so many who've had their gland removed and thereafter they may have struggles to get onto a dose of thyroid hormones that restore their bodies to good health.

[Greekchick]

Dear Flaxseed,

Please do not be pressured by anyone to have a TT. You need to see your endo and to have a full review of your situation before it is time for that. It may be that you need one - I am not a doctor - but too soon to tell yet. Sending you good wishes today.

[Fruitandnutcase]

For a start I’d say that it is very bad form to by pass a consultant who is currently treating no with you in favour of another one who wants to treat you differently. Why on Earth did your GP Do that? It sounds very bad.

I would by pass your GP and contact the hospital / consultant who is or was treating you with carbimazole.

[Fiaxseed in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Hi fruitandnutcase. Yes that's why it worried me. I tried my public hospital where specialist is but they can't arrange to discuss my concerns without gp referral. And they recommended she consult specialist about my concerns.

So I've asked she do that and why -in writing.

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to Fiaxseed]

That’s strange when you are being looked after by the consultant prescribing carbimazole, it’s not as if you are approaching someone who hasn’t been dealing with you already.

Are you outside the U.K.? Sounds like you might be.

[Fiaxseed in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Yes I'm in austraia. And that's the way the public health system works here. You're not allowed to speak directly with the specialist who is treating you until your next scheduled appointment which for me is in Dec. Unfortunately my gp has to consult if I'm concerned about my treatment or anything. My gp doesn't know much about thyroid and in a way I feel guilty because with the help from this forum i think i know more than she does. Of course I keep it fairly quiet.

[Fiaxseed in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Yes. Show some respect that's what I say.

[Lilliepad]

Have you got a retrosternal goitre, or some other reason your GP has referred you directly to a surgeon?

[Fiaxseed in reply to Lilliepad]

No. She referred me because of the swelling in my neck. Which felt like inflammation to me. Its gone down now. But I do have goiter.