Who Knew I'd Be Right?

[Sparklingsunshine]

So following on from my waste of time GP appointment on Tuesday, I immediately stopped the Nortriptyline I was taking for migraine prevention as it wasn't helping and I was getting unpleasant side effects, daily headaches, sweating, shakiness and racing heart.

All well known side effects from tricyclic antidepressants. I was on a very low dose anyway so cold turkey was ok in my case. I know normally you shouldn't stop such medications abruptly.

the GP has booked me in for a whole raft of yet more bloods because he was convinced it was over medication on thyroid meds. He's doing the whole lot, including B12, ferritin, folate. Despite having had loads done in May and June. Several cycles of the same blood tests being done over and over. I did argue the toss with him, but like a bloodhound he was convinced he was on the right trail.

Einstein once said the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. My surgery must need checking into the asylum then.

My symptoms have miraculously ceased, no headache, no sweating, no shakiness. Who knew? So more ammunition for my refusal to waste my time going for blood tests which will tell me nothing of value. I feel vindicated 😆

[Buddy195 Administrator]

You are the best advocate for your own health Sparklingsunshine! Your message will resonate with many others on this forum 🦋

[Sparklingsunshine in reply to Buddy195]

Well we're all experts on ourselves, no one else can know what it's like to be us. And no one else can know what's normal and what's not, except the person inhabiting the body.

[DippyDame]

They don't understand that we permanently inhabit our bodies! . We come to understand them over the years

They expect to diagnose and medicate. - perhaps following lab results / numbers only - in about 10 minutes.

Blood tests absolutely have a value.....when correctly interpreted.

BUT....it's shocking that so many don't understand how to evaluate them... right from the initial diagnostic test.....

then it gets worse!!

They must listen to the patient and include good old fashioned clinical evaluation

"Good morning, how do you feel today?"...would be a good start!

Not a mumble as they briefly look up from a screen

BUT....I have to say my GP's are more open minded than most. They have listened to me....it took a long time and a lot of gentle persuasion....and proof!

Einstein also said, " The measure of intelligence is the ability to change"

Thyroid patients need to see their medics change their thinking on treatment!

[helvella]

Earlier in the year, I was on amitriptyline for pain.

It helped and got me through the worst.

Then the side effects seemed worse (tiredness, dry mouth, etc.) so I stopped. And felt better.

For pain, I started using capsaicin cream. But that is now impossible to obtain and won't be in stock again until April 2023. Hence I checked out alternatives - and they suggested tricyclic anti-depressants!

It looks pretty obvious that any tricyclic (or other tablet) will have systemic effects. Whereas capsaicin is pretty much local to where it is applied. In my view, and based on this year's experience, utter madness to switch.

(Also found advice that repeat prescriptions of capsaicin should be refused. But that was utterly confusing and might only apply for diabetic neuropathy but seems to be being done anyway.)

(Have managed to source cream from Germany. Phew!)

[Buddy195 Administrator in reply to helvella]

have you tried this Helvella; it works for me ( I alternate this with Biofreeze for muscle pain relief):

Hotspot Devils Claw, Clove and Capsicum Muscle Rub 50 ml tub amzn.eu/d/0SCJsfR

Ps don’t use and then have a bath or go out in the sun as it makes it very potent.

[helvella in reply to Buddy195]

When I first used capsaicin cream, it was the 0.025% product. The first few goes it seemed potent. But then began to feel wimpy.

When I got the 0.075% product (which is what I should have got, but even then was out of stock) that was much more potent and effective. That, too, has reduced in what it feels like but is definitely more effective.

You link is intriguing. Can't help wondering what the other ingredients do! (Have looked them up but its just words until you try it for yourself.) Also, I wish they said how potent the capsicum is.

Thank you.

[humanbean in reply to helvella]

According to the answers to questions asked on amazon.co.uk the seller claims the product has < 3% "capsicum". Not helpful in the slightest though!

amazon.co.uk/Rowo-Hotspot-M...

The above is for the 200ml tub. There is also a 50ml tub available :

amazon.co.uk/Hotspot-Devils...

I've never tried this stuff by the way. And I'm not sure if mentioning capsicum and capsaicin together is intended to suggest they are the same stuff, which clearly they aren't, even if capsicum contains capsaicin.

[helvella in reply to humanbean]

Thank you - I should have thought to look at the Q&A on the other size!

As you say, meaningless.

[DippyDame in reply to Buddy195]

I use Biofreeze for my back but will check out the rub

Thank you for the link

I had an old uncle who used the "Aintree Liniment" for his horses for his own aches and pains and swore by it.

I've always said I'd be better going to the vet!!

[Sparklingsunshine in reply to helvella]

What's more annoying is I've used or tried many many antidepressants for Fibro pain in the past, you name one I've probably tried it. Certainly Amytriptyline and Nortriptyline are very commonly prescribed for Fibro. I know cos I used them both.

So my familiarity with their side effects is one borne of hard experience. So when I told the doctor I knew it was the drug and not my thyroid causing my issues it really angered me that he was so dismissive. I really detest being treated like an idiot 😡

[DippyDame in reply to Sparklingsunshine]

Happens all the time....getting frustrated by it is a waste of energy. Old age...I'm 77.... teaches you that.

I was diagnosed with both Fibro and ME over 20 years ago....they are syndromes not diseases. The genesis of mine , I'm convinced, was low cellular T3. GPs tried the antidepressant approach but I wouldn't play ball!! I was right too....and just grateful I found the answers.

They won't care, but the patient suffers stress and consequent symptoms, which makes them feel even worse....and so the madness rolls around.

You know you're not an idiot .... but the incompetent medic doesn't realise they are.

They carry the problem, not you....but it

But sadly, other people they treat may not be so "on the ball" ....and they will suffer.

it's going to take a miracle!!

[Sparklingsunshine in reply to DippyDame]

I know getting angry can be a waste of precious energy and I'm normally pretty laid back. But I've taken the time and effort to try and educate myself about my various illnesses over the years, its why I joined this forum. And I've learnt so much from you all.

I know some people are happy to sit back and let the doctors make all the decisions but I don't trust them enough to do that. Let's put it this way, if I'd left it to the medics I'd still have been stuffed full of opiate painkillers, sleeping pills and antidepressants. Because that's how they treat Fibro.

I've had a gutful of incompetent or downright stupid doctors.