Endocrinologist - nice, but hopeless

[AtemiM]

Good morning all.

I finally had my first endocrinology appointment this morning. Result was not entirely surprising given people's experiences discussed here.

He was very nice but clearly clueless on thyroid issues (my appointment was in the diabetes centre, says it all really 🙄).

He confirmed I have Hashimoto's (although he said Autoimmune Thyroiditis) and hypothyroidism. He's happy that my dose (50mcg) is right as I've seen an improvement in symptoms and my blood tests were "normal" (based on his review of my TSH (only) being at 4.77 miu/l (0.49-5.23) 🤦‍♀️. He'll write to my GP to confirm the diagnosis and discharge me back to GP care to monitor my levo dosage.

I didn't bother arguing. He was clearly a diabetes specialist. I do think I'd benefit from a slight rise in dose, to raise my T4 and hopefully reduce my remaining symptoms, but I'd rather do battle with my GP who, whilst is also somewhat hopeless, will at least listen to a reasoned argument and is willing to try things if you ask.

He did tell me to keep taking the Vit D3/K2 dose I'm taking and think about a B12 supplement (so spoke some sense at least).

First hurdle done with in getting a diagnosis. I guess ongoing battle for thyroid balancing begins now.

I'm still waiting on my gastroscopy results from Friday (small bowel biopsy to confirm coeliac disease) so will likely be embarking on a gluten free journey shortly. Hopefully that will help with my remaining symptoms.

I can't thank everyone here enough for their input the last few months. It's amazing to have such a knowledgeable resource. Thank you everyone. 😊

Mx

[SlowDragon Administrator]

As you say ….hopeless

On Levothyroxine dose should be increased slowly upwards in 25mcg steps until TSH is always under 2

All four vitamins need to be tested and maintain at OPTIMAL levels

Wait results on coeliac testing and going strictly gluten free

But likely need to pay to see thyroid specialist if GP won’t increase Levothyroxine

[humanbean]

You might find this link of interest:

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[AtemiM in reply to humanbean]

Thanks for signposting to that humanbean . That graph particularly looks helpful. 👍🏻