2. An excel file with my comparative test results [noting the reference ranges] from the last 10 years, so that I can see how they fluctuate in line with how I feel - TSH, fT4, fT3, Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobins, Thyroid peroxidase antibody, Vit D, B12, calcium, serum iron, serum ferritin, CRP.
3. I quoted this book published in association with The British Medical Association p88, 'Judging the correct dose of thyroxine'
4. And listed out all other medical issues and meds I am have, as they can, of course, be interrelated.
So you basically summarise your medical history (not too long and stick to facts) to give them a full picture before they make any rash decisions based just on your last test result.
I'm finding that they are relying far too much on their computer systems these days which only flag up the most recent issue, rather than give a full picture of what's going on...
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KikiLR
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congratulations :)Isn't it shocking that a bunch of brain foggy hypo's can do the job of researching, understanding and documenting all this stuff better than a 'trained' GP.
I am starting to think we should ask for a consultation fee alongside our repeat prescriptions.
How many more of us having consultations like that will it take before they start questioning why it is that we know more than them.
If i was a mechanic and the customer had to keep telling me how to get an engine to run properly, i'd be embarrassed enough to go and look for some answers....
For years I have kept a 'medical CV' which I keep to 1 page. It includes all the useful dates which I might need for filling in forms (when did I have ... done?) and brief info. I highlight operations in red. List current supplements and medicines. Very brief summary of parents' medical history - that's another thing they ask on forms.
I have had doctors who said how helpful it is (not all - some want their forms in their format). I had a bursitis recently and my physio reminded me that I'd had one several years ago - she'd read my CV and I'd forgotten it.
I keep a printed copy in my handbag just in case. I did one for my husband as well. Useful to take on holiday - much easier than trying to explain and remember if you fall ill and have to see a doctor when away. We will go on holiday again.....
Then there's the spreadsheet with thyroid blood test results. Email ahead certainly.
KikiLR - I did pretty much as you did, only I added a "cover" page to my spreadsheet printout, which was a graph of my results, so they were there as an image too.
I also had an even more complex one, which had TSH, FT4 and T3 overlaying each other, on tracing style paper, so that the layers showed through to the upper level. That was tricky to achieve, bearing in my the ranges are so diverse - TSH v FT4 for example, so there was some jiggery pokery done on the summary scale axis (by my OH who is a wonder-whizz on Excel), but it was strong imagery in the end.
Well done on finding a way forward. I hope you feel it's been worth it.
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