referral to NHS endo

[malohant]

Hi everyone

I have a question... I asked for a referral to an NHS endocrinologist about 18 months ago, and was told that as my TSH had crept into range I shouldn't expect it to be picked up. As a result I went to see a private endo about 7 months ago (which I'm not entirely satisfied with - see other posts).

However I have just had an appointment letter come through for an NHS endo at my local hospital! I have heard that if you go private NHS will no longer want anything to do with you... My initial goal was to fet seen on the NHS as I can't afford private really but felt I had no choice, what should I expect/what should I do?

Thanks as always

M x

[Hedgeree]

Hi malohant,

I think I would go to see the NHS endocrinologist. You never know you might be lucky to find one of those very rare thyroid knowledgeable endo's and not a diabetes specialist.

From what I've read of your posts you had expected more of a battle to get a referral. Also as others have said your referral was accepted by the endo as they do sometimes get turned down.

You also may get offered more relevant or useful tests by the hospital. Having the input of another specialist might be useful also as you may get a different opinion on your thyroid issues.

I'm fairly new to the world of thyroid problems and am still without a full diagnosis other more knowledgeable forum members may say different. These are just my thoughts.

Does your GP know you've seen a private endo and have been prescribed T3? Apologies if you've mentioned that in a previous post as I've not read all of them.

As I said before other more experienced forum members will be able to give you further advice.

Best wishes.

[waveylines]

Be very careful. Who have you been referred to? Make sure you are seeing a thyroid specialist not diabetes! The diabetes endocrinologists often know no more that the GP which is very little. If it doesnt say who it is ring appointmrnts and ask. Then research them.If no good find out the names of the others in the department (usually listed on the hospital website) and research them. We dont have the right to ask to see a specific endocrinologist but if you are with a diabetes specialist you could ring one of the secretaries and make a polite request explaining why. You may have to wait longer but its worth a try and may save a frustrating upsetting consultation.

[malohant]

Thanks for your thhoughts Hedgeree and waveylines

I have looked the endo up, they appear to have some specialism in thyroid treatment (although not necessarily in T3-forward hypo treatment). Also asked in a local group if anyone has any knowledge of them, no reply yet.

Yes my GP knows I have seen a private endo and am on a trial of combination T4/T3 therapy. He was surprised when I went to see them to ask his opinion as they said private treatment was nothign to do with them. How lucky I am to have someone who cares.

I am definitely going to the appointment, although not raising my hopes too much.

Thanks again

Mx

[McPammy]

I see both private only Endocrinologist and an NHS endocrinologist. I get my bloods checked every 3 months through my GP also. I send those results to both private and NHS endocrinologist. There has never been any issue with having a private only Endocrinologist and an NHS endocrinologist in my experience. I believe it helps my situation as I have back up from my private only Endocrinologist, who is very senior and well respected within the NHS.

[malohant in reply to McPammy]

Oh wow that sounds like a great situation, (assuming they all work well together)! Thank you, that gives me hope

[Rocky]

I saw a private Endocrinologist last year as I couldn't wait any longer for my NHS referral and was becoming very unwell. I also kept my NHS Endocrinologist appointment which I waited 8 months for. I have been extremely lucky to have been referred to an excellent female NHS Endocrinologist, who has worked with my private Endocrinologist to help me, and I am now on T3. I only see my NHS Endocrinologist now and she is working with me to take T3 only. I have the faulty DIO2 gene and I am homozygous, which means a gene from both parents. That and my low T3 has helped me to get my T3 prescribed. I know it's pot luck who you get referred to, and I was really worried, but fingers crossed you might see someone very knowledgeable.