If I let them stop prescribing T4, then they'll believe that my shrivelled thyroid has magically fixed itself, and it'd be another battle to get re diagnosed.
I'm getting vit d, vit b12 checked soon. And magnesium. I have been honest with the previous gp, but this new, young one seems to want to reduce my T4 to almost nothing because of the recent anxiety about redundancies. I won't ever tell them about anxiety again.
In your case if you arent using Levo and are presumably self sourcing your T3 or getting it prescribed privately I'd be inclined to be honest with GP. If you go ahead with NHS tests then yourTSH will be suppressed, your FT4 low to nonexistent and T3 levels good. They'll soon suss its not a normal result if you were using Levo.
There's no advantage in having an NHS test and its just added stress. I'd just say you are no longer using Levo as you've found an alternative that suits you better.
They'll think you're hyper due to suppressed TSH. Unfortunately doctors greatly vary in their approach to thyroid matters. Although most sing from the same hymn sheet.
Likely you will be low in several vitamins if not deficient. Suggest you get them all tested ASAP. Ferritin, folate, B12 & D3.
See link for companies offering private blood tests & discount codes, some offer a blood draw service at an extra cost. thyroiduk.org/testing/priva...
There is also a new company offering walk in& mail order blood tests in London, Kent, Sussex & Surrey areas. Check to see if there is a blood test company near you. onedaytests.com/products/ul...
Only do private tests on a Monday or Tuesday to avoid postal delays.
I take the T4 prescriptions because if I don't, then they will (again) decide that I magically got cured from hashimotos hypothyroidism, and my shrivelled thyroid has magically started working again.
I can't go through that every few years.
I can't risk no treatment at all if I end up not being able to source t3
Please be very wary in the event you get a PM from a member suggesting where you might buy T3 without prescription.
⚠️ IMPORTANT! When you receive a message with a recommendation, please do not assume it is genuine!
Scammers are joining the forum on a very regular basis and messaging members with their assertions that they have successfully purchased xyz medication from zyx source.
Once you have what you think may be a genuine recommendation, you are strongly encouraged to message an Admin to ask whether the admin team have any feedback on the source you've been given.
⚠️ Don't part with your much needed money until you are as sure as you can be that the source is genuine.
So you are taking 75mcg T3 only and have done for about 10 years!
Why do you have this prescription for 225mgs levo which is concerning your new GP.
Did the new GP prescribe the T4/ levo but you haven't taken it
Communication between GP and yourself needs to be more open
Plan a 12 hr gap between last T3 dose and test.
No don't take some T4 before the test that would skew your results and make your results totally unreliable.
Test on your usual dose of 75mcg T3 and have an honest conversation about your personal dosing protocol with your GP
Messing up your daily dose isn't going to do you any favours
How do you feel on 75mcg T3....presumably you are buying your supply. If you feel fine then stay on 75mcg T3
On T3-only, and especially after 10 years, blood tests are not very reliable....what is important is your symptoms and those MUST be factored into any diagnosis
Monitor your resting heart rate frequently ( mine is around 65bpm) your heart rate will be fast if you are overmedicated. Check for hand tremors when arms are stretched out in front, anxiety is another symptom of overmedication. I do this automatically most days
If I let them stop prescribing T4, then they'll believe that my shrivelled thyroid has magically fixed itself, and it'd be another battle to get re diagnosed.
Not if you are honest with them!!
Many of us self medicate with T3, myself included. I wrote a letter explaining exactly why I do this, with references. My surgery accepted it and it is now in my medical records.
My GPs know this and now leave me in charge of my T3 medication/ thyroid treatment.
Your new GP cannot help you unless you are honest with them.... that means you admit that you find self medicating with T3 works for you...and has done for c10 years then hopefully they will respect that.
A number of years ago I posted about Patient Autonomy which my then GP suggested supported my decision to self medicate. Doctors can't dictate what treatments we must have....that should be by mutual discussion and agreement.....some of them forget this.
An adult patient who… suffers from no mental incapacity has an absolute right to choose whether to consent to medical treatment… This right of choice is not limited to decisions which others might regard as sensible. It exists notwithstanding that the reasons for making the choice are rational, irrational, unknown or even non-existent.
Lord Donaldson. Re T (Adult) [1992] 4 All ER 649.
If you feel you are not being listened to then complain to the Practice Manager
Consider making a list of anything you wish to say, or ask, at your appointment. It might help if you take someone with you.
I bet you've got enough boxes of t4 to fill a box room!Me personally, I'd cancel the blood test on Monday and quickly do a private test yourself just so you know where your levels are before you head into this. At least you'd know if ft3 too high and you can reduce your dose if over medicated. As you don't want that on top of undetectable tsh and ft4.
You're going to have to tell them before the gp blood test. Tell them that you've been on T3 only for some time and you've been well. You don't want them freaking out even more if ft3 is too high, that will be a nail in the coffin.
It's not illegal to self source T3 and take it, lots of people have to, I did for 8 years. It's just so wrong that the system fails us.
You are obviously one of us that can't tolerate t4, makes us ill and is like poison to us.
Perhaps you can then ask to be referred to an Endocrinologist ( hopefully one that is T3 friendly, difficult I know)
I think there is a good chance they only test TSH and so don't find out you are not taking the T4. You will have to explain lots of people get low TSH when treated.
Your TSH will likely be very liw. No Altho I suppose if it is and you then let them reduce your T4 prescription then there is no problem Any follow ups after that will be hard to explain though as your TSH would still be low.
What did they test before, what were the results like, what was said? Can you argue that you have been on the same treatment for years and have had consustent results?
Perhaps cortisol levels affected by stress at work?
I just stopped taking the T4 and so never picked up the prescription. No questions were ever asked. But I understand why you have elected to keep going with the prescriptions.
I don't agree that you have to confess like the others say. We can't know if the T3 tap will be turned off. Would just worry about that if/ when it happens.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Any follow ups after that will be hard to explain though as your TSH would still be low.
Do I need to change my dose of T4?
T3 / weight gain 
Do UK GPs prescribe T3????
latest blood results…grateful for any thoughts/advice
Can someone shed some light on my test results please?
