Well, they're all in-range, for what it's worth. And, frankly, it isn't worth very much! Your TSH is too high and your Frees are too low. But because they are in-range, your GP considers them all to be 'normal'. He doesn't know any better.
But, he should wise up to the fact that your cholesterol is high because your T3 is low, not because you have statin-deficiency! But that's all they want to do, these days: prescribe statins and to hell with people's actual health. High cholesterol is a symptom, not a disease.
Thank you for this and taking the time to reply, it's what I thought. It's now how I progress, I guess I have to wait for Ultrasound results first, which apparently go back to GP; I don't see anyone at the time of the appointment. It's been a bit of battle thus far just to get them to do T3 &T4 and to keep telling them that until the cause of my high cholesterol is discovered I won't consider masking it with any statins. I do feel bullied every time I have an NHS encounter and that takes a lot of energy and effort in an already stressful life. Any tips on how I get GP (female) to 'wise up'?!
Not an easy task. Doctors really aren't interested in what you think because they think they know it all. But one thing they know nothing about is nutrition, and cholesterol is a nutrient. For that, they get their information from Big Pharma sales reps, who just want to sell statins at any cost. And I believe there are incentives for doctors to prescribe them. Not many doctors seem to have scruples. So all you can do is keep saying no.
I did that with a doctor who wanted to reduce my dose of T3 due to a TSH of 0.40! Not even out of range. Oh dear, he said, we've gone to far with the dose. No we haven't, I said. So, he gave me a long lecture about TSH, which was all wrong. And after that, every time he opened his mouth I just said 'no'. He lost his temper and shouted at me. I just looked him in the eyes. Alright, then, he said, have it your way. And gave me an increase in dose! 🤣🤣🤣 You just have to brazen it out and wear them down, I'm afraid. They are not open to reason. Just stay calm and determined. They know they cannot physically force you to take statins, so they try to scare you, gaslight you, and finally bully you. I really don't think doctors are very nice people.
Probably. But, just stay calm. And above all, don't cry! Although I know how hard that can be. Or you'll find your doctor trying to force antidepressants on you, too! The just have no idea how normal people function, and that crying can be due to anger and frustration and not just depression.
And, most important, remember that you are right and she is wrong!
Hello again , I had the ultrasound scan today - no thyroid nodules found or anything untoward. Not sure what's next - no doubt the GP trying to get me on satins. Rather than investigation thyroid any further as all NHS blood test say normal. Does anyone know anything about Polygenic Hypercholesterolaemia?
Well, I don't, for sure! But, you don't need further investigation, and your blood tests are not saying normal at all. There's nothing normal about an FT3 only 3.6% through the range. Normal (euthyroid) would be 50%. And that is why your cholesterol is high.
Keep refusing the statins because reducing your cholesterol artificially would not solve the root problem, and would put you at greater risk of a heart attack. The body needs cholesterol, it's not in any way a problems when it's high. But when it's low your body has no way of reparing and regenerating itself. It will also lower your sex hormones and, as you are already hormonally challanged, that would not be a good thing to do. Doctors have no idea what cholesterol is or what it does, their only concern is prescribing statins because it's lucrative, and to hell with the patient's health!
Thanks. I'll keep chipping away as I also believe that thyroid is the thing to focus on - not 'high' cholesterol per se. And that thyroid issues are at the root of the raised cholesterol. It is quite hard to keep your resolve at times as 'they' can induce fear which is so counter ptoductive; instead of anticipating an appointment where you might go in and chat/discuss, you go in preparing for battle!
Thanks for so much all this information. I've only just had chance to log on again. I've tried to contact GP with an email, as suggested by receptionist, but now told i need to make appointment. So that'll take a while...give me chance to look at all those links and prepare even more.
Hello again, Would you mind explaining : 'only 11.0% through range' & 'only 3.6% through range' - I don't quite understand.
And also, when you say '20% of autoimmune thyroid patients never have high thyroid antibodies and ultrasound scan of thyroid can get diagnosis' - does that mean the ultrasound scan will clearly diagnose autoimmune thyroid?
Yes, the test was done early morning and it was a fast blood test.
Would you know if an early/fasting blood test is best for antibodies/vitamins and I'm also going to ask for coeliac? GP may refuse but I'm going to try!
Ft4 only 11.0% through range' & 'Ft3 only 3.6% through range'
in a person who has a normal working thyroid Ft4 and Ft3 would be around 50% through range
Your results show you have very low Ft4 and extremely low Ft3
With such low thyroid hormone levels your TSH should be high asking thyroid to work harder
TSH is message from pituitary to tell thyroid to work
GP probably only looking at TSH
So your thyroid is struggling
Hence goitre and hypo symptoms
Would you know if an early/fasting blood test is best for antibodies/vitamins and I'm also going to ask for coeliac? GP may refuse but I'm going to try!
these can be done any time
You need to be eating gluten every day for 6 weeks minimum before test for coeliac
does that mean the ultrasound scan will clearly diagnose autoimmune thyroid?
When faced with this situation with a GP who does not know enough, I do one of two things:-
Channel Mrs Thatcher - speak slowly and calmly as it to a three year old, stand my ground and repeatedly say I am clearly underdosed, feel ill, so am requesting a higher dose.
or
Say "oh, so you have not read the paper by (make up two names before hand) about low TSH? You should read it - very clear!"
Thank you for your reply. Even the name of Mrs T gives me unpleasant flashbacks to the 1980!!! Joking apart, I understand what you're saying about keeping calm and keeping it simple. It takes a lot of energy to gather yourself and stand your ground.
I agree, and we should not have to! Remember the Spitting Image sketch about the MPs out for lunch with Mrs T - the vegetables will have the same? I keep that in mind when dealing with my GP. We should not have to be sitting in the waiting room trying to gather our strength to argue about what they should know!
The other thing I use is to tell myself "big girls pants on!" - dont know whether that may help you? Sending a hug.
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