2nd UPDATE

[Maggiesmum]

Not sure if I'm doing this right by starting a new post!!

Following suggestions from you good people I duly wrote to my 'named' GP who also now is the senior GP. Updated him on my recent consultation with the Emergency Nurse Practitioner. Described my extreme tiredness to the extent that I feel unsafe driving and other symptoms. Told him I had obtained 10 x 25mcg Levothyroxine tablets and added to my usual daily 75mcg they had made a huge difference and could I PLEASE have my meds increased, at least on a trial basis. I also mentioned the July 2019 New NHS Guidelines (page13), and the recommended 1.6mcg per Kg of weight.

My GPs reply - "May I take the opportunity to express my sympathy for the symptoms you are experiencing and if you feel you are not being listened to. Having reviewed the notes I agree with the ENP's course of action to check T4 as well as TSH in keeping with NICE guidance for someone with continuing symptoms but TSH within the reference range. I would not recommend you supplement your prescribed dose of Levothyroxine as there may be risk of serious complications of consequent hyperthyroidism notably osteoporosis and atrial fibrillation".

As well as my daily 75mcg Levothyroxine I am now taking 1 Metavive 1 capsule, and 2 Metavive on alternate days. Must admit I feel much better.

The surgery blood test will be done when things get back to normal.

Today I completed and posted off Medichecks UltraVit Blood Test - but there was only 1 tube to fill which after reading an earlier post I think there may have been a tube missing so have emailed Medichecks. I will post my test results when they arrive.

Thanks for 'listening'.

[greygoose]

You did the right thing to start a new post with an update.

I would not recommend you supplement your prescribed dose of Levothyroxine as there may be risk of serious complications of consequent hyperthyroidism notably osteoporosis and atrial fibrillation".

Scaremongering! For one thing, you cannot become hyperthyroid because you are hypo. You can be over-medicated, of course, but pretty certain that is something you will look out for, anyway. For there to be a risk of osteoporosis and atrial fibrillation, you would have to be very over-medicated for a long time. And, I very much doubt you would allow that to happen, would you. So, if I were you, I would ignore his scare tactics. He just doesn't like you taking things into your own hands.

[Maggiesmum in reply to greygoose]

Totally agree. Unfortunately there is only the one GP practice in this area so they tend to rule the roost!

[greygoose in reply to Maggiesmum]

Yes, that is unfortunate.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Unbelievable to say you risk over treatment....as your last test TSH was ludicrously high

1/2020 - TSH 5.43 (0.35-5.5)

[pennyannie]

Hey there Maggiesmum,

Just wanting to give you hug, or maybe, in the current climes, an ' elbow ' :

Having been in a similar position with my doctor, it can be a bit disconcerting, and disheartening when you write a perfectly balanced, logical letter but get answered back with these blanket statements and dogma.

Stay strong, you're not wrong but it may mean your relationship with this doctor is non existent, and yes, where there isn't another surgery in the area, it can make life difficult.

[Maggiesmum in reply to pennyannie]

I was a member of the Practice PPG when these groups were first established and all group members felt we were hitting our heads against a brick wall and that we were there merely to tick boxes. After much trying to progress and exasperation we all decided to resign so maybe I/we upset some people!!

[posthinking01]

Hi there - oh isn't it awful - and it will get worse- unless they find out that thyroid dysfunction is implicated in the figures of CV19 - only then will they give us help and listen - but I won't hold my breath on that one - I dread to think how we are all going to treated for any medical issue we visit the GP with in the future as the NHS has taken such a hit financially. Be careful telling the GP you had trouble when driving - in case they advise the DVLA you are unfit to drive. Stick with this site or visit a sympathetic private doctor if you can.

[tattybogle]

Hello Maggiesmum,

I've just read your profile and previous posts and am appalled at the lack of treatment /inadequate treatment you have(nt!) been offered.

I am so cross, that right now i think your next course of action, could with ample justification , be to remove your Gp's Thyroid gland from his neck using a blunt spoon and eat some of that, while you wait for him to understand the problem and prescribe you what you have been entitled to, in my view since at least 2008!

It's possible that this might sour your relationship with him a bit, but you could always write him a nice letter to say 'May i take the opportunity to express my sympathy for the symptoms you are experiencing'..................

yours in disgust !

Tat

x

p.s i will be interested to follow how you get on with adding Metavive as i have been considering adding a bit to Levo ,but not done it yet.

[Hay2016 in reply to tattybogle]

Oh oh. Please can I steal that!! Remove his thyroid gland with a blunt spoon- love it. May have to become my go to, usually use blunt scalpel blade and manly bits.

On a more serious note I share you abject disgust.

[tattybogle in reply to Hay2016]

Permission granted!

I think the widespread use of this treatment would do wonders for Gp's understanding of our condition.

Despite heroic efforts of everyone, to promote a 'top down' solution via the Scottish Parliament , the House of Lords, the NICE Guidelines etc, etc... i feel a more 'bottom up'!! approach may be more efficient , (assuming 15% of Gp's don't do well on Levothyroxine, like the rest of the population).

Please remember to properly sterilise your spoon first though.............. i wouldn't want to promote unsafe surgical practice.

Tat

x

p.s I have concerns that your usual technique may damage the gland ,which i imagine is not ideal for its keeping qualities.

[Maggiesmum in reply to tattybogle]

Oh that's brilliant. This GP is so laid back, very quietly speaks to your ear or wherever, not your eyes, that he possibly wouldn't realise what I was doing!