I'm worried my GP surgery now think I'm a Levo seeking junkie!
Currently on 50mg but experiencing hypo symptoms again. Just about functioning at work but on downhill slide from lunchtime and so tired I feel ill by the evening.
Recent test on 11/10/22
TSH 4.56 (0.55 - 4.78)
Had more tests on 25/11/10
TSH 4.3 (0.55 - 4.78)
T4 13.8 (11 - 22)
All tests done as advised on the forum.
SlowDragon has been most helpful consulting with me on post below but now fear I won't get any further with my GP, who suggested testing T4 to double check, even though I believe a 25mg increase is necessary. Now that T4 is showing in range it seems I've reached the end of the line (again!) I'm losing faith in my GP practice and wonder if I should consult a private endo?
At this point I feel like putting a GP education pack together for them so that they manage hypothyroid patients better!
Thank you for your excellent advice. It’s so helpful to have these references in one place. I have no problem constructing an argument but challenging the authority of medics does not come easily! 🙏
This is really tough as we have all been brought up to think that doctors know what they're doing. It's a real awakening to be a person being kept ill by their lack of knowledge and understanding in what is wrong with us.
You need to be sure of your facts and confidently challenge what this doctor is saying. Have printed medical papers that contradict what he's saying to give to him/her. Try a different doctor at the same practice and don't give up.
A private Endo may or may not be better, best stick with what you have and that is free. I had awful difficulty getting from 125 to 150mcgs Levo as my original GP told me I had 'had enough' and 125 Levo was a good dose and enough for everyone! It took a while but I got there by seeing a different GP who wasn't so number conscious.
Just stand your ground and know you're in the right.
Thank you for sharing - glad you could advocate for yourself and achieved a positive outcome. I’m quite used to wielding evidence and making arguments (it’s my job) but questioning doctors is another story. I’ll go in armed! 😈
keep trying and don’t give up. Present evidence and be brave. If you were advocating for a friend you would look at this differently. I know exactly how you feel, I’ve got the T-shirt! But your blood test results show room for improvement and that’s all you need to request the next dose up as an 8 week trial. Go for it! We are all here cheering you on 🦋💚🦋
50mcg hardly seems a likely junkie dose. It’s a starter dose is it not? You have a good reply from @Slowdragon. I know it seems overwhelming (says I) but just try to find a quiet moment and gather together the information. It is still very hard for me to comprehend the depth of doctors’ ignorance (and fear from their peers). I am not as polite as I used to be handling them but I still find it difficult especially having brain fog.
Thank you for your sweet message and encouragement. I’m trying to take the noble view that this is the product of an overstretched NHS and lack of in depth education in particular areas . Drug companies often fund continuing education programmes for GPs but, as the conventions for managing thyroid conditions are so established, I guess there’s little incentive to update their knowledge.
I’m on a mission now for me and every other patient in the practice who’s undermedicated!
I've had a looooong battle to get to a suitable dose. 50mcg is nothing, that's the starting dose. It was a battle to get up to 125mcg which is what I am in now - took about a year or so. I'm not really great at reading the results as such, but you do need to drive the message home with the GPs. You're the owner of your body, and you understand when something isn't right. You have to stand your ground.
Good luck! This forum helped me persevere through this slog!
My rheumatologists have always been extremely helpful in recommending dosage increases, which has been a bonus, as it saves both me and my GP the hassle of any argument! However, any prospective endo, or medic currently receiving endo training in my area will not be of much help to their future patients as my partner's endo, their clinical tutor, is of the opinion that the target TSH for a hypothyroid patient on levo is 4.3!!! Luckily, in this case, our GP never reads letters from consultants, and we will certainly not alert them to the one in which this is stated!!
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Increased symptoms on levo increase.
Results & what to say to GP
What next: should I reduce Levo and increase T3?
Upcoming surgery...what do I say about self medicating Levo?
Increase in Levo or move to NDT
