Well, had endo appointment which was a mixed experience. Feedback appreciated.

[Cinnamon]

My GP referred me to the endo to try to see about a relationship between my elevated BP and my hypothyroidism. BP measurement at clinic was 138/82 (pulse of 76). Endo's response was that she was happy with this level and didn't see it as problematic. I am hoping this will mean my GP will thus stop focusing on wanting to prescribe a new antihypertensive (she's tried two, neither of which did anything) and accept mucking about with my levo level (I've been on 50ug for a month, up from 25ug for a bit over a year).

Endo also agreed to various bloods, including coeliac, B12, and adrenal insufficiency along with TSH.

I see this as a reasonable result for the appointment. But, I also feel uneasy. I don't feel I explained myself well and I don't feel I was clear to the endo as to why I don't feel my hypothyroidism has been adequately treated at this point.

So, any thoughts/comments would be much appreciated.

[shaws]

Maybe your Endo will write to your GP and increase your levo. 50mcg is a starting dose and you have been on 25mcg for one year!

This is a link (some of the links within may not work) with an explanation of a low dose of meds. Cursor to question dated:-

June 8, 2001

[Cinnamon in reply to shaws]

Hi, Yes, I realise the 25ug was a strangely low dose, but at my last bloods, TSH was 1.91. So, she's being very conservative. The 50ug does seem to be having the desired effect on my BP, though I remain quite tired and have trouble with the cold.

By the way, there's no link in your post. Could you try entering it again, please. The endo was talking maybe 25 one day, 50 the next, so I would appreciate any info that helps me to keep the dose at at least 50. Tx

[Cinnamon in reply to Cinnamon]

Oops, see your explanation about doing a search based on date. Will do.

[shaws in reply to Cinnamon]

Apologies, I missed out link

web.archive.org/web/2010103...

[Lilypie]

Hi sounds like you are off to a good start as blood tests are being done. You will have the time to get your thoughts together and write your points down for the next visit anything you feel was missed today can be a focus for discussion next time. I always find it useful to have small notes so I don't forget under the pressure of attending the appointment.

I did find it interesting your GP referred you with a BP of 138/82 as mine is 156/100 and my GP said its not related so you have given me information I can also use when I see my endo next week so thanks for the useful info. Hope you get your levels sorted. Take care.

Lily

[Cinnamon in reply to Lilypie]

Hi, It's an irony my BP was 138/82 -- it's been higher, but appears to be coming down with the higher levo dose. My BP fluctuates a lot, but my GP decided to refer me to the endo when it was around 150/86 at the surgery (it's always lower at home) because she'd thrown two antihypertensives at it with no result and I think the NHS emphasis is on treat the BP. I had said to her I wasn't prepared to try a third BP drug unless we tried a higher dose of levo first because I'm convinced properly treating the thyroid issue is key.

[ravenhex]

Has your Dr ever asked you to have a BP check done when you are at home wearing a BP machine for 24hrs?

There is a thing called white coat syndrome, so called as patients in hosptial BP goes up when Drs are present, waiting hours to see a Dr for just 20 seconds.. Its stress and it could be your BP goes up for that reason, while your in that stressful climate BP will remain high or shoot up.

Mine goes ballistic when I go near a certain hosptial or certain thick skulled egotistical Drs. Yet at home its well behaved and remains normal.

[Cinnamon in reply to ravenhex]

Yes, I have had 24 hour monitoring. Indeed, white coat syndrome. But, yesterday's endo visit seems to show the issue is needing to get the levo dose right because the endo said she was happy with the BP measurement done at the hospital (ie, BP has moved into reasonable territory with the now higher levo).

[Jackie]

Hi Cinnamon, BP fine at this but if gets to 140 systolic (top) needs watching, so rechecks in 3 months, nurse/ Diastolic does not normally alter, it is venous pressure ( bottom figure0 but that is high, keep an eye on that, normally heart connected. Best way is to do your own 2 times a day. Make sure best monitor tested and not a wrist one. Must be sitting at a table, straight arm, no talking and sit for 10mins first. Chart.If GP continues to have high readings and yours Ok, then ask for a 24hour monitor before treatment for life. High BP with docs is often called white coat syndrome, any one can have it, so not a good measure. One of my consultants did and it had to be proved to him!Oats every day, flora for heart and keep salt near the bottom of range, sodium, U`s and E`s ( kidney function) Make sure you have copies of all letters and bloods + ranges from the endo, phone sec. if not automatic., routine often. , not a problem.HR good .Make sure you have cholesterol done T3, you may need some T3, weight , lots of symptoms and slightly lowers the TSH Diabetes, Glucose and HB1Ac , autoimmune and hormonal , not always fat. similar symptoms to start with to thyroid Vit D ( hormonal) if low, or low in range, corrected calcium before any treatment , Ca must always be in range.B12 + Foliates, iron/ ferritn. A good endo should do these on first visit but check.I hope that helps.

Best wishes,

Jackie

[Joyia]

Apologies for the cynicism but it is good to remember that Doctors are paid extra for every person they can place on blood pressure medication. I always question "is my Doctor prescribing for my benefit or his".

[Cinnamon in reply to Joyia]

Not cynical at all. I was aware of this. I like my GP -- I think she does try hard. But, the disinterest in thyroid issues and the lack of understanding is really irritating. I am hoping the letter to her from the endo stops the push for antihypertensives. But if not, I at least have some basis for argument with her.