Getting a GP to listen!

[Sentaiger]

Hi all,

I'm new here so if this is the wrong place for this let me know.

In 2019 I noticed a swelling in my neck and it was diagnosed as a thyroid goiter. The look of it doesn't bother me too much but I'm getting a lot of thyroid related symptoms, so I've been having a few tests done.

I have "nodules" of aprrox. 2cm, but I don't know how many. Apparently they're benign.

I had a blood test last month that showed everything in the normal range, but Serium TSH level was 0.06. So I checked with my GP and she did another blood test and it's come back as normal again. I'm waiting to get the actual results as I'm not convinced.

I've got so many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism and I just can't seem to get anyone to take me seriously! I feel like I'm banging my head against a brick wall. My GP has put all the symptoms down to low Vitamin D and has prescribed tablets, but this has happened before and it made no difference. She wants me on them for three months and then to repeat the blood test, which is three more months of suffering!

I KNOW there's something wrong, I can feel it, but I'm getting nowhere!

It looks like this is a common issue among people with symptoms. How do you get your GP to listen? Or do you just go private because I'm getting to that point!

I can add more test results if needed.

Thanks in advance,

Sentaiger.

[PurpleNails Administrator]

Welcome to forum.

When TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is low / below range, it often means thyroid hormones are high.

The TSH is a pituitary hormone which signal thyroid.  So low -usually- means, reduce there’s enough hormone. What you need tested it the thyroid hormone,  FT4 & FT3.  

Occasionally the pituitary doesn’t signal as expected & hormones are very low.

FT3 is rarely tested - but can cause the largest contributions of symptoms.  

If you have had an ultrasound - it can tell you the health & size of thyroid but can’t tell you the function.  Most nodules do not function & the working thyroid compensates. Some nodule/s function normally as the rest of thyroid. Some hyper function. This would cause hyperthyroidism and with nodule/s this can occur gradually.  

Nodules commonly occur with thyroid autoimmune, but not always. But it might be worth doing a complete thyroid test including antibodies. 

TSH

FT4

FT3

TPOab &

TG antibodies 

If low TSH & high FT4 & or FT3 further antibodies 

TSI & or TRab 

Folate

Ferritin 

B12

(Vitamin D, which you know you are low in) 

Doctors like to see results 3 months apart as this confirms it’s not a temporary blip. This applies with sub clinical high TSH.  but if TSH low & FT4 high - this should prompt further investigation.  

The GP is likely to test certain things gradually but not everything.  

Many find they need a complete test to make progress & private testing often only way to have everything tested once for a complete picture.  You can make a case with results & the doctor may try & dismiss private results but you will have a strong argument for them to repeat them, especially if you have symptoms which are not being addressed.

List of companies / discounts 

thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...

You order test online the kits arrives via post sample taken by finger prick (extra fee for private venous draw). Post back and results available online quite quickly.  

Choice of private companies & different options. Some offer thyroid function only other include key nutrients & thyroid antibodies.  

Recommend on forum that blood tests are carried out in consistent way.  Which help when comparing results.  

Always check what’s being tested & collect test results with reference range.

Biotin - cease 3 days before draw to avoid possible test interference

Early morning appointment. (Book draw as close to 09.00 as possible)

Fast overnight.  This can have a slight impact.  Drink lots of water

I had 2 scans & a fine needle aspiration on 5cm nodule. I was told function normal but it was repeatedly missed / tests were not completed or results not “picked up” I had hyper levels many years before being diagnosed. Symptoms were not typical of hyper.  

[McPammy]

the only way I got a Dr to listen was to go private only. Private only means no NHS. NHS/private endocrinologists still mainly go off NHS guidelines and their hands are tied by their local CCG’s. Private only will do what is necessary to make you well and suggest to your GP or NHS endocrinologist how best to treat you. My GP and NHS Drs completely failed me. It was going private only where I got the treatment and my life back. I was a bit worried initially about the cost but it wasn’t expensive i thankfully found. If you’d like my extremely well respected private only endocrinologists details please private message me as I can’t mention names on this forum.