Considerations when starting out with private endo

[Loopnova]

I’m thinking of going to a private Endo. Looking at the list, there’s none in my county.

I can travel half hour to one that’s just private and he sounds good but that means if I do get T3 and it does work, I’ll be forever paying for it (I don’t know costs yet).

There’s one that’s NHS and private that’s an hour away. So again, if I got T3 and it helped, there’s maybe a slight possibility I could eventually get it on NHS, but would my GP refer me to him particularly given he’s not a local one.

I can afford a bit privately but not hundreds a month for meds

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Most U.K. thyroid patients with private prescription get Thybon Henning 20mcg

Cutting in to 1/4’s to get 5mcg

Typically dose is eventually 5mcg two or three times per day

Some people eventually might be on slightly higher dose

Cost is £60-£80 per 100 tablets via specialist pharmacies

thyroiduk.org/get-support/t...

[McPammy]

I went private and got the T3 I much needed. It isn’t expensive at about £60 for 100 20mcg tablets. They last me 6 months. I don’t pay for a prescription privately just for a 10 min telephone consultation once a year which is £100. Since, however the NHS now prescribe my T3 also and T4 liquid levothyroxine too. So not expensive at all privately. However to diagnose costs slightly more but is reduced if you choose telephone consultations.

[waveylines]

I had to go private to get proper treatment. I paid for it for several years but then eventually won my argument for the NHS to supply. You do have to be persistent. I also was prepared to travel a long way to see an Endo who really knows his stuff, after initial visit, often follow up done by phone calls and blood tests. I know it's wrong we have to do this but the NHS is increasingly unfit for purpose. I wasn't prepared for my health and ability to earn to be affects any longer by poor health for something that when treated optimally and appropriately could give me my life back.

[Loopnova in reply to waveylines]

Thanks. I’m starting to feel the same - it’s worth paying to feel better. I’ve been feeling rubbish for the last year, I’ve had enough.

[connyankee]

When you go to an Endocrinologist, go with information to convince them of the T3 that's needed and recommended by both Paul Robinson and Janie Blowthorpe who have collected hundreds of Thyroid patient data for the last decade and beyond. They both have books, and both have FB pages and websites to get really good advice and information. When you sound like you know what you're talking about, you're bound to get support from an Endo who will listen to you! I've hired and fired 5! The 6th one retired, unfortunately, but listened to my plea for T3. I'm 65 and doing well with 125mcgs of Synthroid every other day, and 15 mcgs of Liothyronine (because USA Medicare won't pay for Cytomel) on the days that I don't take Synthroid. My only complaint is that I still struggle with memory issues and word recall. Otherwise, I'm great. Best of luck!😀