Re the Endo who was determined to take away my T3 whilst all I wanted was a blood test to include T3. After an exchange of letters, he phoned this morning. He had back pedalled so far he was out of site. He agreed T3 was vital, he agreed testing the full TSH, T4 and T3 were needed to make a positive and accurate diagnosis, he said the prescribing of T3 was on the rise, which was a good thing, and told me they were working on a slow release T3. I knew this. He is going to write to my GP to help get the T3 tested in future.
He ignored that the GP is not allowed to order a T3 test. Never mine, I am fighting that one on another front. So a positive phone call, maybe he had actually read the letter and all the research links I had given him. No, I dont think so either
Then an email back from WLAMS (Welsh blood test bods in charge), to whom I had sent a four page letter detailing why testing T3 was vital.
"In the scientific world experts may have differing opinions on what is right or wrong therefore we follow the NICE guidance (NG145 in this case) when we provide advice on appropriate testing.
As previously stated, in patients on combination therapy, if TSH is low or suppressed, free T4 or free T3 should be measured and it should be stated on the laboratory request that the patient is taking liothyronine.
As for who can request free T3, any appropriate healthcare professional may, when it is clinically indicated. FT3 can be requested if appropriate clinical information is provided."
They completely ignored that the GP is not allowed to ask for T3 to be tested, and there is nowhere on the lab request to ask for it. Even if your TSH is 0.01, they do not test T3. So they are breaking their own protocols.
"Unfortunately we are unable to assist any further with this matter, if you are still unhappy you may contact the Ombudsman."
Oh how gracious of you! First I will go after the labs and ask them what penalties there are if they break protocol, then go to the Ombudsman. I have found in the past they are as useful as a chocolate teapot. Never mind, I have a big spoon to stir!
Right, off to cuddle a sheep to calm me down.