How to deal with GP who is not keen on tests - Thyroid UK

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How to deal with GP who is not keen on tests

thyroidsymtoms profile image
3 Replies

I am having issues where my GP would rather no give advise or tests.

I have to remember and follow up on test to be done and even then he can deny the tests requested.

I had blurry vision , cold hand when i stay still and body aches but doctor claims these felt by all the people though when check with another person i was told these are symptoms of hypothyroidism. Again apointment happen in 1 month are over before we start . Mostly it an eye wash and it like me seeking to dig information out of doctor who is not keen diagnosis and enviornment as if i am troublesome patients.

Doctor can make statement there any people in the surgery and we are very busy. Surgery will not entertain an request on email when few months back i was told by surgery to send email for any information .

My GP was not keen on blood test but when I result showed i had b12 he claimed i am vegetarian that is the reason for it. Though i asked for reffreal to gastro which he was not keen but. after 8 month when gastro person spoke to me first thing i was told was b12 deficiency mean my upper gut has issues and i should have biposy . I have had gut issue for ages but my doctor used to say it because of anxiety . Though now under NHS i am told biposy will happen in 13 months time.

I used to feel small insects are crawling all over my body and doctor would that anxiety but after b12 and levothroxine those sysmptoms but i remeber i used to be so embarrased feeling possibly my bed is not clean and would keep changing bed sheets

I dont trust the GP and GP system which has put me in this state.Not sure if other are same boat.

Regards

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thyroidsymtoms
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SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

welcome to the forum

How much levothyroxine are you taking, which brand

How long at this dose

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose change or brand change in levothyroxine

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested

Also both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once to see if your hypothyroidism is autoimmune

Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum

Low vitamin levels are extremely common when hypothyroid, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease

About 90% of primary hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroid disease, usually diagnosed by high TPO and/or high TG thyroid antibodies

Autoimmune thyroid disease with goitre is Hashimoto’s

Autoimmune thyroid disease without goitre is Ord’s thyroiditis.

Both are autoimmune and generally called Hashimoto’s.

Significant minority of Hashimoto’s patients only have high TG antibodies (thyroglobulin)

20% of autoimmune thyroid patients never have high thyroid antibodies and ultrasound scan of thyroid can get diagnosis

In U.K. medics hardly ever refer to autoimmune thyroid disease as Hashimoto’s (or Ord’s thyroiditis)

Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins

Post all about what time of day to test

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Testing options and includes money off codes for private testing

thyroiduk.org/testing/

Medichecks Thyroid plus BOTH TPO and TG antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes BOTH TPO and TG antibodies, cortisol and vitamins

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/testing/thyro...

Link about Hashimoto’s

thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

thyroiduk.org/signs-and-sym...

Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test

support.medichecks.com/hc/e...

Medichecks and BH also offer private blood draw at clinic near you, or private nurse to your own home…..for an extra fee

As vegetarian it’s your responsibility to self supplement and take B12 daily

And also essential to test full iron panel including ferritin

Likely to have low iron/ferritin on vegetarian diet, especially when on levothyroxine

Forestgarden profile image
Forestgarden

Hi there, so sorry you're suffering. Unfortunately many of us on here have had to battle our GPs. If you can post your results there are many knowledgeable people on here who can help you move forward.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

As vegetarian or vegan, likely need to separate daily B12 supplements as well as daily vitamin B complex

academic.oup.com/nutritionr...

The present review of the literature regarding B12 status among vegetarians shows that the rates of B12 depletion and deficiency are high. It is, therefore, recommended that health professionals alert vegetarians about the risk of developing subnormal B12 status. Vegetarians should also take preventive measures to ensure adequate intake of this vitamin, including the regular intake of B12 supplements to prevent deficiency.

Considering the low absorption rate of B12 from supplements, a dose of at least 250 μg should be ingested for the best results.3

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