A couple of months ago my GP in his wisdom decided to drop my T4 from 100 to 75 a day as my T3 was 6 (range 3.8 to 6.8). It was unexpected test and I had taken my pills 2 hours before. Anyway come round to last week and they tested again (dropped a dose as I was aware this time).
Nurse was unable to tick the "test for T3" box as it was not there, which puzzled her, so she wrote "taking T3" everywhere. No T3 done.
I picked up my results today to see the note - Serum T3 levels, this test is not allowed from this location". I asked to see the practice manager who was very good and went to find out what was going on. Apparently you have to see an Endo if you want the T3 tested now. To be fair, the GP is furious about this. He has booked me in to see an Endo, with a wait time of around 7 months. I am not sure if it is just the Hywel Dda trust (West Wales) or all Wales who have decided this.
Another way of stopping prescribing T3?
I have emailed the Minister of Health for Wales. I had to edit the email twice as swear words crept in! I have asked her to find out who made this decision and what right has he got to do this, and how it would impact patient health.
I did not add I am qualified in castration (cattle) but will be happy to use these skills on the buffoon who ordered this, with a rusty scalpel!
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serenfach
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I shouldn't have laughed, but I did (while crossing my legs - and I'm female!). But seriously, that's appalling. I await the Minister's response with interest.
When looking around for what I should put in my Vade Mecum, I found this lot. It's possible they might be of some interest - even if just finding out if there is a Wales policy.
You might have to push and submit request as a Freedom of Information request - otherwise they might be unwilling to communicate. (But that could be wholly unfair. They might be friendly and helpful.)
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Heads of health boards seem to be male here. I decided to go straight to the top with the minister, who is female. I have had an auto reply but no time scale.
Unfortunately it’s not just Wales, I had to wait 7 months for my NHS Endo appointment too. I’m in West London. That is the standard wait time now. I hope you get your FT3 test reinstated.
I have read LindaC post this morning too. Both yours and hers make the blood boil. At every turn we are diverted, distracted, subverted etc. You name it - it’s what we have come across. I will reply to LindaC post too - so much in her post! I will be very pleased to read your update when you (hopefully) receive it.
the funny thing is, they do seem to check it. My Dr has never ordered T3 to be tested, but on the 2 occasions when I stupidly took my meds before the test and T3 was high, it was included in the results.
I had a long email exchange with the labs last year, and they said they test T3 if TSH or T4 was out of range, so as my TSH was always very low, I got the T3 results. This has now changed.
I have been told I will get a response from the Minister in about a months time...
The stupid thing is that so many GPs and Endos will not prescribe T3 because it is "dangerous" but they decide it is safe enough not to test? Left hand, right hand...
Our sale didn’t go through serenfach, but when it does and I do land we will have to join forces! I’m so incredulous at the arse decisions made purely on savings. Not well being. 🤬
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Is it absolutely vital that T4 stays within range?
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Is the info on this website absolutely correct?
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