Update after GP call

[Heappestre]

Had my call with the GP that I mentioned in my last posts. That was a bit of a disaster, although not as bad as it could have been.

She did not read my notes or blood test results before the call. She asked me about symptoms, but was only concerned about weight gain and dry skin. I had already gone through all my symptoms last time, so this was very disappointing. She then said that my TSH is high, and she wants to bring that back into normal range. (TSH was 7.5 2 weeks ago). So she wants to start me on 25mg levothyroxine for 3 months. Didn't even look at my T4. She then sent me a leaflet that contains very basic information, even less than what's on the NHS website.

That's it. Point black said no when I asked if there were other tests that needed to be done. Said no when I asked about vitamin or mineral testing. So I didn't mention about Coeliac testing. And told me to go talk to the HRT clinic about starting HRT. A clinic that doesn't actually exist according to reception, but that's a story for a different forum.

Asked reception for the form for free prescriptions, got told they don't know anything about it as they are not medically trained. Sigh. Why is it always such a fight?

On the plus side, I'm going onto levothyroxine, so hopefully I get some relief. And I can order the vitamin and mineral test online. If she was going to refuse anything, this was the better way around for me!

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

I would say that although you didn;t get everything you want or need you still managed to get prescribed Levo so thats one good result.

Get going on that, 25mcgs is a low starting dose so see how it goes and maybe try and get 50mcgs prescribed by a different doctor. You can also ask again about the coeliac & vitamin tests with another GP.

You could also be tested sooner than 3 months. 6-8 weeks is plenty especially on only 25mcgs.

I'd ask a different receptionist about the medical exemption certificate form. Perhaps the one you spoke to was new.

If all else fails you can buy the private medical vitamin tests.

[Heappestre in reply to Jaydee1507]

I agree, it's not the worst result, but the lack of conversation and to just be told no, it's not a thing, it really was disappointing.

I just been to the pharmacy and when I said what surgery told me to ask them, she just rolled her eyes and told me the from number to ask them for. I don't think my surgery have the best of reputation 😂.

Thanks, I will wait a few weeks see how it goes, and then ask for a retest and hopefully that'll be a different GP. The vitamin test I'm definitely doing via private medical, it'll be quicker. I want to get my Vit and Min into optimal ranges soon instead of arguing with the GP over it for weeks. It takes 2 weeks just to get an appointment, and that when they decide they need to speak to you. If you ask for one, it usually takes 3

[Jaydee1507 Administrator in reply to Heappestre]

There's GP surgeries and GP surgeries. See how you go with this one as you might find different answers from a different GP.

If you need antibody results then go for Randox or medichecks or blue horizon for blood tests.

[Heappestre in reply to Jaydee1507]

TPO is 426, so I know it's autoimmune, which explains why my other autoimmune condition has kicked off, despite being controlled with no flares for 5 years. Yeah, I'm a complicated mess, I know 😂

[Schilddruse]

That sounds like such unkind treatment - I'm sorry you were treated like that. A couple of points occur to me.

First, are you aware that you can order a coeliac test relatively cheaply online?

Secondly, the form for free prescriptions needs to be signed by a GP, so it can't all go through "Reception".

I would say change GP, but I don't know if you'll find anyone better as yours is such a familiar tale. I guess it's worth a go.

Good luck with the levo - it's a start, and I hope it helps a bit. Take care of yourself.

[Heappestre in reply to Schilddruse]

Last time I tried to change GP, all the surgeries in the area refuse transfer and are only open for patients new to the area.

I wasn't expecting reception to do it all, but I would expect them to know the process, and to know that I need to collect a form from them, fill it in and leave it with them so the GP can sign it. They are the starting point, so why tell me they don't know?II found out the process from a friend who uses the same surgery

[Schilddruse in reply to Heappestre]

I was only commenting on how unhelpful your GP was being. They should have explained the process to you.

[Heappestre in reply to Schilddruse]

Oh, I totally agree! She was really not helpful at all! I'm hoping next time I get the GP who ordered the blood tests, she was much nicer than this one

[Sparklingsunshine in reply to Heappestre]

They are probably hoping no one knows about the free prescriptions bit. I did know so when I started on Levo so made sure I was asked about the form and was told to fill it in and return it for GP to sign. They didnt volunteer the information though lol.

I got my exemption card a few days later. I'm wondering if you can print one off from somewhere.