Thyroid problem for nearly 30 years but never seen a specialist

[normaj]

Should I have seen one was on Vit 12 injections for about 10 years I was told I was to be on them for life, then they stopped them said I didn't need them any more but I feel awful

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Norma,

It does seem a bit odd for them to switch from saying you need them to not. Are you saying that you have deteriorated since they stopped the B12?

If you believe that you need B12 then you might be able to use high dose oral supplements rather than injections. See here:

www2.cochrane.org/reviews/e...

Suitable supplements are widely available from reputable companies on the internet. I would suggest 1000mcg methylcobalamin.

However it seems to me to be important that you find out where you are - and for that you might be able to ask your GP for a blood test. (Mind, as with so many things, there are arguments around people having 'normal' results but still suffering. But it is a start.)

Also try to find out why you were thought to need B12. If you have pernicious anaemia then you categorically need B12 supplementation.

All the best

Rod

[Hidden in reply to helvella]

Hi

Just a thought from someone fairly new to this (only 8 years suffering thyroid symptoms) it's the same trouble with my other problems, it's rare, they think you're a hypochondriac, anxiety, and the 10 years struggling on and not bothering a doc count for nothing!

Folks post on here - they bravely state how they feel,

but when you go to the docs its a different story - we presume docs know the answers and we listen and go home, still ill. My experience is they don't listen, probably 'cos they don't have time.

We have time to research though, you have to fight your corner - who else is going to?

You have a right to a specialist, an endo (endocrinologist) find one at Dr Fosters and ask your GP to be referred, I think you can even refer yourself?

However, when you feel ill, fuzzy headed and unconvincing - this is what happens.

I saw another post to take someone with you, someone who can argue your case.

Its difficult, I know 'cos I should do it too, but I just wait to see what happens.

Best wishes Jane x

[normaj in reply to helvella]

I agree I went to the doctor and asked to see a specialist he told me NO in no uncertain terms, I really do think that you are right they think you are a hypochondriac, or depressed and give you anti depressants which only make you feel even more at a losss with the world. I have just made an appointment with an endo privately which seems a bit rash, but when you feel this bad you will try anything. reason for stopping the vit B12 injections just said I didn't need them any more, but it is since then the dentist told me to have a blood test because of sores in the mouth, they lost the test for about 3 months then gave me folic acid tabs, have to say did nothing. I have done my best not to go and see the doctor because I always feel even more useless when I come away, I cry through frustration, and feel that if this is life what is the point,. After all I only want to get some of my VA VA voom back is that such a lot to ask.

[Hidden in reply to helvella]

Good luck with seeing the endo privately - I see an osteopath (for bone ache!) - costs a bit but I feel a hell of a lot better after!

Hope you get your Va Va Voom back soon! Jane x

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to helvella]

Jane,

Rare? Well it is treated as though it were rare. But with something like 2.1% of the population actually diagnosed with thyroid problems requiring them to take thyroid hormone, I wouldn't use the word 'rare'.

Rod

[normaj in reply to helvella]

I can't wait to see the specialist, as this will end years of speculation as to whether it is the thyroid/vit B12 or something else, this site is awesome in the fact that just to pour your heart out helps to relieve some of the frustration and pain in being treated so badly by the so called health proffesionals i.e. our GP,s I am now trying to change doctors, didn't realise this was do difficult as other doctors in the town do not want to take away other doctors patients, and lets face it this is really all they deserve, I have to say I have been with the same doctors for over 20years, and it has only gone down hill since they got there nice big rise, and paid per patient, we are at present running on 2 doctors in a three doctor surgery, no wonder they don't have time to listen.

Thanks for all the support and help I will keep you informed as to what happens.