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I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism several years ago af...

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Guest
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I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism several years ago after suffering a number of the classic symtoms for some years prior to my GP agreeing to finally test me. Although the severe menstruation problems (for which my GP was suggesting I consider a hysterectomy) ceased fairly quickly, along with the extreme feeling of exhaustion and being contantly cold, even in summer - I still suffer the following symtoms. Despite following a strict weightwatchers diet, and walking the 30minute journey to my full-time job five days a week and running a home I have been unable to lose the 40 lbs I gained before diagnosis. Additionally I suffer from fibromyalgia and occassional strange rashes. I was sent for arthritus and lupus tests for these symptoms (both proved negative). I frequently have bouts of 'foggy-brain' and often feel depressed, despite never having suffered from any cerebral problems previously in life, and having a happy home life. I suffer from insomnia, despite often being really tired when I go to bed. I have read much about my subject and have taken relevant downloaded internet material to my panel of GPs - hoping that I might gain some different medication which would return me to the lively, energetic, fully functioning and normal weight person I once was. The reaction from my GP was 'I do not have time to read about such things, otherwise I would have no free time'. 'These treatments are based on USA and Canadian medications, and we would not be able to prescribe them in the UK as we do not know enough about them'.

The opinion of the NHS seems to be that as long as doctors give the usual prescription, and the patient does not show any life threatening reactions to the medication - the job is done. In consideration that many thousands of people in the UK suffer from hypothyroidism, which if not properly treated will cause angina and osteoporosis for example - both conditions which are much more costly for the NHS to medicate. This does not take into account the reduced quality of life of the sufferers of this condition. All I know of thyroid problems has been gleaned from my own research, via books and the internet - I was not even advised by the GP to avoid goitregenic food such as the brassica family which reduce the efficacy of my medication, or to avoid proprietry cold-cure medications from the chemist. In consideration that it is well known that the immune system of Hypothyroid patients will be impaired, and consequently we are likely to suffer more cold & flu-like infections, I would have thought this advice would be mandatory.

For the past three years I do not even get to see a GP as the practice have delegated all thyroid patients to be seen by a practice nurse, given an annual blood test, and otherwise left to get on with things.If I could afford to do so, I would consult an endrochrinologist privately, and hopefully obtain treatment which would enable me to feel well again.

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0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    i had more help from my doctor than i did from an endrochrinologist ,she could not see me for myself and how i felt, she just saw blood test results as gospel.

    :headhurts:

    [i:d0e4b01b73]This message was automatically imported from the original Patient Experience[/i:d0e4b01b73]

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    I've been taking levothyroxine for about 3 or 4 years; yearly blood test, etc ... the result was always given as 'that's all OK' ... does this mean I'm OK taking the thyroxine at 50 mg a day, or does it mean that I'd be OK without it anyway ?!!

    I've been having intermittent bouts (every five or six days)of the runs; sleeping poorl, even when very tired; been fuzzy-brained ... until I ran out of tablets and forgot to order more, so didnt take any for nearly two weeks, during which time I slept well, was clear headed and no runs !! I re-started the tablets three days ago; the runs this morning ! So today I finally read the paper that comes in the box with the tablets and searched the web... diarrhoea given as one possible side effect ... so the other side effects given seem to be what I'm suffering from too. I must see my doctor, not just go for a blood test !

    [i:55323dafc4]This message was automatically imported from the original Patient Experience[/i:55323dafc4]

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Hi, I have to say that the tests the endocrinologist does are exactly the same as the GP's. I would suggest that if possible you change your GP to someone else in the area, very easy to do, just walk in and ask to register. You do not need to give any reason to the GP you are leaving or the practice you are joining. If GP's do not have time to keep up to date with what is going on in the medical field then they are not worth having as GP's as they do not provide you with up to date medications or have proper resources to at least be able to give you up to date information. As far as seeing nurses instead of GP's, this is in fact universal throughout the country that nurses are to lead clinics for those with asthma, diabetes, thyroid problems, bloods etc., so at least your practice have got that right! If in doubt, change GP, they get paid for having you as a patient, let the money go to someone who cares!! Suzismile

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  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    You're within your rights to ask for a referral to an endocrinologist, and it sounds like you need something like that for your own peace of mind. Blood tests are only part of the total picture, in my opinion, as the original patients they based the 'normal' figures on were healthy males. Symptoms are an important part of the picture too, and a good endocrinologist should take this into account.

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  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    It doesn't always mean when you see an endocrinolgoist that they will more interested or you will get better treatment. I felt very ill and was referred to a specialist. Blood tests were taken and I was assured that I was on the correct dosage of thyroxine and there was nothing further that could be done. Two days later i went to the A&E of my local hospital with pains and needles on one side of my body, breathlessness and palpitations. After spending the day there being checked over, I was told it was probably due to my medication. I went back to my own GP had a blood test and the dosage was changed to 25 micograms from 100 micrograms! Difficult to get any useful advice or assistance. Have to read up on it yourself!

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