Don’t know where to turn next

[Winniepoo15]

Hi everyone. I hope you’re all keeping well. I could do with some help & advice please as just don’t know what to do. Ive had it with GPs. I’ve been unwell since Jan 21 & cannot get myself better. I lost my sense of smell, taste, have no appetite & struggle to eat. Lost a stone in weight, diarrhoea, lost muscle tone, feel nervous & jittery, fatigue & insomnia & high Bp. I still have all of these symptoms but have gained a couple of pounds. The worst thing is the high Bp. Over the past twenty months, I’ve had dangerously high Bp & meds have been increased SIX TIMES. Monday just gone, I was monitoring it as was very high again & decided to see the nurse. My readings were 203/98 & there about but she insisted my monitor needed calibrating & I was shown to the door. Less than four hours later, to my shock, I was in A&E with a suspected stroke. I had had a mini stroke. Later that eve Doctor told me it was likely something to do with my underactive thyroid & to let my Gp know, & to have a Bp med review. I’ve just spoken to my gp. She has refused to review my Bp meds as the Hosp should have. Apparently, my thyroid is perfect (how patronising) & I do not need a referral. I have been let down so many times now so I have no option but to go private to try to gain some of my health back. Sorry for such a long message. Would you lovely, knowledgable people please advise. Much appreciated.

[pennyannie]

Hey there again :

Do you have the patient to patient list of recommended and sympathetic endos and specialist, both NHS and private that Thyroid Uk hold : emil admin at thyroiduk.org :

Other than change your doctor which I know is easier said than done I think you need first a referral to the NHS endo - who I believe, can be of your choice, and if you get nowhere consider seeing someone who will be recommended to you privately through asking the question on the forum.

As I understand things in the current climate many specialist are consulting over phone or video link/ zoom, so distance does not have to be an issue for the right person - though of course you may prefer a face to face - I know i would.

I'm so sorry you are having such a tough time, just a pity the hospital didn't refer you on when you there and save time.

[Winniepoo15 in reply to pennyannie]

Hi. Yes I know. I just didn’t give it a thought about a referral at the time. I do have the list of private & NHS endos so will ask the forum later.

[Anthea55]

Hi Winniepoo15, you seem to have had a dreadful time. My first thought is that you need to see a different GP. Is there another doctor at your GPs practice? This one is doing you no good at all.

Do you have these 'perfect' thyroid results? They would help people to give advice.

[Winniepoo15 in reply to Anthea55]

No, I haven’t seen these perfect results but I will get my own private set done as are due. You are right about changing gp but they are all locums.

[Anthea55 in reply to Winniepoo15]

You can ask your GPs reception to print out your results, or you can sign up to see them online.

Can you get back to the hospital and tell them what your GP says. Ask if they can do the BP med review and maybe they can refer you to their endo as your GP is not being helpful.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Before considering booking any consultation you need FULL thyroid and vitamin testing..

Suggest you use Blue horizon again as your cortisol was very high last test

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Test early morning, ideally just before 9am and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking

Vitamin D was too high in previous test

[Winniepoo15 in reply to SlowDragon]

Slow Dragon thank you so much for bringing that to my attention. My past two cortisol readings were high but didn’t really notice. I was so engrossed with my Pernicious Anaemia diagnoses & getting that sorted out. You’re my saviour. I take all relevant supplements but not really felt the benefit this past year or so. Now going to order my blue horizon kit. I’ll be back with results.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Winniepoo15]

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning

Test just before 9am and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

If taking any supplements that contain biotin, eg vitamin B complex, stop this a week before blood test

Beware of postal strikes at moment