Partially Self-medicating?

[notpink]

Had GP telephone apptment recently. AWFUL. Initially asked about recent Iron Panel test result. He said it was fine. I asked about the Transferrin Stn result of 59% as note below the result saying consider haemochromatosis if over 50%. He dismissed that completely - saying it looked absolutely fine. I then asked if I could get a thyroid check as I had re-instated my levo dose to 75 mcg (from 50 mg) 2 months ago and still feel far from well. "Your results look fine" he said. I said I think the levels should be higher to feel better, could I increase this. "Absolutely not" he said "rather reduce the Levo, as your TSH is suppressed". I then said my T3 had never been adjusted. He exclaimed "Your on T3!!?" "That's very unfortunate". The phone call finished very quickly - what was the point - and tears not far away. I know I'm not the only one to have such difficult dialogue with a GP. I know some self-medicate and was wondering if this is a viable option. I did also wonder whether to contact the private endocrinologist, who put me on the T3 trial initially - it wouldn't have happened otherwise, and the NHS endo. (who reduced my Levo) is a Diabetic clinic consultant and is equally clueless. Sorry, got this off my chest....and I know it's up to me to make some decision - if I can muster up the energy. Not sure where to secure T3 if I did decide to try a small increase....I'm on 5 mcg twice daily. (if I use what I have prescribed for a small increase, I'm going to run out before prescription due, and there's no way GP will give me this before its due date) Maybe someone could pm me how to obtain any. Thanks for reading and having this forum to offload is medicine in itself.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

NotpinkHave you got new test results since increasing your Levo back to 75mcg? If not I'd do that first, see where your levels lie and if FT4 is good but FT3 low then maybe contact the private endo to see if he agrees to increasing T3.

Cheapest private fingerprick test for just TSH, FT4 and FT3 is with Monitor My Health :

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

[notpink in reply to SeasideSusie]

No I haven't got new test results - GP didn't see it was needed. I can't do the fingerprick test anymore (think my blood's a bit thicker) - last attempt it was a disaster (in spite of doing all the suggested things to make it easier to flow). I will organise this soon and post them when to hand. Thanks.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to notpink]

Make sure to include vitamin testing too

[McPammy in reply to notpink]

You could call your GP surgery and ask for a printout of your latest bloods to be either posted to you or you could collect. I did this in the past. But better still is to apply for Patient Access then you can view at your leisure from your phone or laptop. We are fully entitled to both a print out and Patient Access.

[notpink in reply to McPammy]

Thanks....yes I always get a print out when test is done. I'm not sure patient access is available at the practise but will check - it would be easier.

[McPammy in reply to notpink]

I believe patient access is available across England.

[notpink in reply to McPammy]

I live in Scotland, but will check if we too have this.

[McPammy in reply to notpink]

Ahh. I see. Ok.

[SassyMH]

Hello. What an awful experience you've had. I would find an NHS Endocrinologist local to you who understands/specialises in Thyroid issues, and who also prescribes T3 and insist your GP refers you to them. You deserve to see the correct person. Look after yourself. X

[notpink in reply to SassyMH]

The endocrinologist for my area (diabetic consultant) clearly doesn't understand thyroid issues. I did get T3 started by going to a private endo. Expensive but she understood it was needed. She did say I could come back if needed in the future. Will get (private) blood test done and consider seeing her again. Thanks for your kind reply.

[SassyMH in reply to notpink]

Just to let you know i saw an endo outside my area/NHS trust who recommended T3 in a letter to my GP. Luckily he prescribes it. I know Im lucky, it may be worth a try for you. Good luck. X

[Yoll]

I wrote my GP a letter saying I was hoping we could work together so that I could find OPTIMAL health I included all my symptoms, the results of a private test plus comments from the company, asked loads of questions and commented on my state of mind. It gave her time to think about it and consider her response and the next step. Not feeling great is not normal! I feel I had a better response from her.

[notpink in reply to Yoll]

Well done for trying to be heard. Writing is certainly a more thorough and articulate way to get your issues across. Clarity of thought, when on the phone is not something we can rely on, especially with words just disappearing! I'm beginning to think that (like with conspiracy theorists) it's pretty much impossible to get them to see thyroid treatment from a different perspective which they've held onto since medical school. Good to hear your experience and hopefully you can inch forward. x