how to find endo and how to private message?

[Annib1]

I would like to know how to find a list of endocrinologists who work with the NHS but are willing to consider not just treating with levo. I have the list from thyroid uk but it is only private doctors. And how do we private message other members please? Someone near me geographically seems to have some information that I need.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Annib1

My list is quite old but it is a list of NHS endocrinologists and there is a separate list for private endos. Email Dionne at ThyroidUK to see if she has a list of NHS endos:

[e-mail]

As for sending someone a PM, click on their user name or avatar and it will take you to their profile page, on the top right hand side (on a PC, not sure on another device) there will be a white button with blue writing that says MESSAGE (it's between FOLLOW and REPORT), you click on that to send a PM.

[Annib1 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Many thanks.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Roughly where in the UK are you

Some recommended thyroid specialist endocrinologist are currently doing consultations on zoom

You will need to retest bloods 6-8 weeks after your recent dose increase in levo

Plus taking levo correctly should help improve absorption and hopefully improving low conversion of FT4 to Ft3

But likely to need addition of small doses of T3 prescribed alongside levo

[Annib1 in reply to SlowDragon]

I am on the Devon/Somerset border between Taunton and Exeter. Just waiting for a GP phone call tomorrow to agree I can make an appointment and will try to get him to agree I can book a blood test but if they will only do TSH then I will do the others privately. But I have raised this problem with the management team so fingers crossed.

[bantam12 in reply to Annib1]

Don't bother trying Musgrove Park as they won't prescribe any alternatives.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Annib1]

No point testing until been taking levothyroxine correctly for minimum 6-8 weeks

Always test as early as possible in morning before eating or drinking anything other than water and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

Come back with new post once you get results

[Miffie in reply to Annib1]

I may have misunderstood however it looks as if you are making an appointment directly with an endo without requiring a referral from a GP? Is that correct?I have recently been advised by GP she is totally out of her depth regarding my hypothyroidism and so has referred me to endocrinology. I have a copy of the referral and had a response from the hospital. Regrettably it’s going to be a very long wait it seems. In fact they have no idea how long and I have been told not to contact them as it’s so long.

If there is another way to see an NHS endo I’d love to know. The GP has already said she is keeping me on 100mcg levo which is 50 less than will give me ‘in range’ fT4. She thinks below reference range is ‘low’ but being 80% into reference range is ‘very dangerous’ .

Looks like either back to self medicating and not telling her or suffering for many more months.

I’d love to tell her there is something she can do to make it possible for m3 to just phone for an appointment.

Hope you get an appointment with a good endo very soon.

[Annib1 in reply to Miffie]

Sorry, I have only just found this post. I have made a private appointment with a private endo who also works for the NHS. The first appointment will be by Whatsapp. He will write to my GP after the consultation. I just could not wait for my GP any longer. I got his name from the Thyroid UK list and booked through topdoctors. Another member here sent me a private message with his name too as she was pleased with him. What area of the country are you in? Maybe you could post a request for a private message from someone in your area? There is presumably a problem though about seeing an endo privately and not waiting. Maybe it means you can never get a prescription unless you pay? I disagree with going private as I feel it is what they want us to do and not everyone can do it. But......

[Miffie in reply to Annib1]

Delighted you have found a private endo and are sounding positive.I am loathe to go private as with sixty years experience under my belt I am quite able to self source and treat for now.

I am in no hurry to have my GP refuse ant endo recommendations. I have seen through Open prescribing they don’t prescribe T3 for any patients. In the CCG with the second highest number of patients on T3 in England it shows how miserable a practice they are.

Good luck I hope you get your problems resolved.