NHS bloods. Very low TSH

[Decant]

Hi

Latest NHS bloods, taken according to protocol.

TSH 0.01 mIU/L (.27 - 4.2) -6.6%

Free T4 (fT4) 17.7 pmol/L (10.5 - 24.5) 51.4%

I'm on 125 mcg T4 (NHS prescription) and 18.75 mcg T3 (private, NHS not aware I'm taking T3).

You may remember my story that I was

1. Prescribed 150 mcg mono T4,

2. Added T3 from abroad and dropped T4 to 125 mcg to compensate

3. NHS did bloods and my TSH was too low so they changed my prescription to 125 mcg. This the same as what I was actually taking so of course the TSH won't rise.

4. Bloods this week show an even lower TSH

I'm due a call from the GP shortly and I'm going to have to come clean. I won't let him reduce the T4, but what do I say about why I'm taking T3? I know I'm feeling better on it.

He'll possibly refuse to represcribe the 25 mcg which has just run out today.

I do have the statement from 2017 from GP saying how well I was doing on NHS T3 back then before they withdrew it on cost grounds.

No doubt I'll have to see some endo.

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

Its up to you if you confess to self sourcing T3. Remind them that they did used to prescribe for you and quote the NICE guidelines taking responsibility yourself.

The first paragraph in the NICE (NHS) Thyroid Disease, Assessment and Management guidelines says :

nice.org.uk/guidance/ng145

"Your responsibility”

The recommendations in this guideline represent the view of NICE, arrived at after careful consideration of the evidence available. When exercising their judgement, professionals and practitioners are expected to take this guideline fully into account, alongside the individual needs, preferences and values of their patients or the people using their service. It is not mandatory to apply the recommendations, and the guideline does not override the responsibility to make decisions appropriate to the circumstances of the individual, in consultation with them and their families and carers or guardian. "

[Decant in reply to Jaydee1507]

Thanks. I've just finished the call and he represcribed the 25 mcg that I need, but I'm now expecting a battle down the road!

I shall remember that recommendation when he calls back.

[Decant]

GP just called. He's worried about Atrial fibrillation and wanted to reduce my dose further to 100 mcg T4. I said no which he allowed after I explained my history of taking NDT, T4+T3, etc. He is, as he always does, going to refer this to his tame endo and will follow their guidance. I said I'd want a second endo opinion if they try and reduce and that I'd just source the T4 and T3 or NDT from abroad.

[Brightness14]

Good for you it saves all the hassle, it's well worth the money.