Guest guest Posted January 2, 2008 Report Share Posted January 2, 2008 from your bloods I would say that you have a T3 conversion problem and would benefit from armour or a T4/T3 replacement as opposed to just T4 (thyroxine). If you have a look at the web site you will see that there is a complete recommendation of what supplements you should be taking http://www.tpa-uk.org.uk/nutritionandsupplements.php. If you are paying to see someone then perhaps you would be better off getting a referral to Dr Skinner, there is no point in spending hard earned cash on someone who may not be knowledgeable enough to treat you correctly. The problem with most GP's is that they have not been taught the full story on thyroid disease and are about as much use as a chocolate teapot. I am sure others will come back with a lot more help for you, but I hope that you will get a little comfort from my tiny bit of knowledge on the subject. Luv nne Hello - After 2 years on Levothyroxine I am not feeling much better than when I first started taking this medicine. The doctor put me on a lower dose of thyroxine recently (100/112mcu on alternate days/my suggestion) as a blood test previously showed T4-25.9(11-26)/TSH-0.02(0.35-4.5)/T3-3.5(3.9-5.8) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2008 Report Share Posted January 3, 2008 HI Glynis When you are responding to somebody's message, please can you leave a little bit of text to show exactly what you are responding to. I get brain ache trying to remember. Luv - Sheila I would say that if you are paying for an appointment then you should see who you like not who you're told to see!!If the endo in question is a diabetes specialist then you will be wasting your time and money, they very rarely want to know about thyroid problems.Try looking on 'Dr. ' website and see if there is someone else near you you could see. No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1207 - Release Date: 02/01/2008 11:29 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2008 Report Share Posted January 3, 2008 I am due to see an endocrinologist on the 10th January at a private hospital whom my doctor referred me to. On the specialist's profile it says he specialises more in diabetes/insulin. Unfortunately, my doctor says this consultant is the only one available. I really do not want to waste my money on a person who might not be able to help me. -----Original Message----- From: linda74623 l.larkman@... Honestly that's rubbish. My doctor told me I can see anyone if I pay but he also said he will refer me to see an endocrinologist, a proper one under the choice scheme. He referred me to someone in the surgery who looked up endocronologists on the computer and I could have been referred to any of them. I'm going to pay to see one from the list on this group. AOL's new homepage has launched. Take a tour now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2008 Report Share Posted January 3, 2008 Hi Sheila, sorry!! Have been very preoccupied with problems at work as well as illness and have not been as careful as I should! Sorted now, I have posted my resignation in to the museum where I have been volunteering, I got so fed up of a person in a senior position trying to bully me that I have just walked away!! > > HI Glynis > > When you are responding to somebody's message, please can you leave a little bit of text to show exactly what you are responding to. I get brain ache trying to remember. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2008 Report Share Posted January 3, 2008 Where about do you live . I will see if I can find an endocrinologist in your area. It is appalling that you should have to pay for a private consultation, especially when you know nothing about the specialist he has referred you to. If you let me have his/her name, I will see if I have any information about them - good or bad. How do you know he refers you to this specialist because they are buddies and he is doing his friend a favour by getting him patients ;o( Luv - Sheila I am due to see an endocrinologist on the 10th January at a private hospital whom my doctor referred me to. On the specialist's profile it says he specialises more in diabetes/insulin. Unfortunately, my doctor says this consultant is the only one available. I really do not want to waste my money on a person who might not be able to help me. .. No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1207 - Release Date: 02/01/2008 11:29 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2008 Report Share Posted January 3, 2008 Oh dear Glynis - How frustrating that you were driven to actually resigning from a position you were volunteering. However senior this 'bully' is/was, I would write a letter to the Chief Executive (or whoever is the most senior person) complaining about the treatment you have had to put up with from this particular person. otherwise, the next person who takes over your place will no doubt suffer the in the same way. People like this should never get away with such bullying. Luv - Sheila Re: Your advice would be greatly appreciated Hi Sheila, sorry!! Have been very preoccupied with problems at work as well as illness and have not been as careful as I should! Sorted now, I have posted my resignation in to the museum where I have been volunteering, I got so fed up of a person in a senior position trying to bully me that I have just walked away!!>> HI Glynis> > When you are responding to somebody's message, please can you leave a little bit of text to show exactly what you are responding to. I get brain ache trying to remember. No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1207 - Release Date: 02/01/2008 11:29 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2008 Report Share Posted January 4, 2008 Hi Sheila, I have already made my feelings known to him and everyone else at the museum. We have already crossed swords when he was causing so much stress that other volunteers had started to suffer backaches and neckaches. He cannot delegate, he tries to do everything himself and of course nothing gets done!! The reason I had had enough was because he handed out the projects I was working on to other people, when I wasn't there, without saying a word to anyone, so all the work I had done was wasted, other people were ready to leave because they felt that they could have their hard work thrown away too. I am not the only one he has upset or argued with in the last few months so I think it will be pretty clear to everyone by now. I went in today to collect my belongings and everyone there (except him) wished me well and I even got a speech thanking me for the immense amount of work I had done there. He gave me a look enough to kill me then didn't speak to me which was good really, as all the other volunteers there are friends and I didn't want an argument to cause bad feeling. I have had a positive result from it though, I still can call on them for a reference if I want and I've been invited to drop in for tea whenever I want. I said that I am going to take some time for myself, get back into some needlework to de-stress and who knows? Sometime in the future I might go back and stand for the secretary's position.......... when his term is up!!! I walked away and kept my integrity!! > Oh dear Glynis - How frustrating that you were driven to actually resigning from a position you were volunteering. However senior this 'bully' is/was, I would write a letter to the Chief Executive (or whoever is the most senior person) complaining about the treatment you have had to put up with from this particular person. otherwise, the next person who takes over your place will no doubt suffer the in the same way. People like this should never get away with such bullying. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2008 Report Share Posted January 4, 2008 sheilaturner <sheilaturner@...> wrote: Where about do you live . I will see if I can find an endocrinologist in your area. It is appalling that you should have to pay for a private consultation, especially when you know nothing about the specialist he has referred you to. If you let me have his/her name, I will see if I have any information about them - good or bad. How do you know he refers you to this specialist because they are buddies and he is doing his friend a favour by getting him patients ;o( Luv - Sheila Dear Sheila and to the other ladies who wrote messages of support and advice. My doctor was reluctant to refer me to a NHS endocrinologist because he said I would have a long wait. Despite asking him twice for T3 or Amour, he refused initially saying he would have to get advice about the dosage for T3 and when I returned, instead showed me an NHS printout which said these two medicines were of no significant help. Then I asked to see someone privately as I am desperate to be well and would like to try T4/T3 or Armour. I live in Somerset. My doctor originally referred me to see Dr Parag Singhal(privately) at the Nuffield Hospital, Taunton but on investigation I found this Dr dealt mainly in diabetes/insulin medicine, so taking one of your forum lady's advice I went online search and found a Dr of Spire Healthcare (Bristol) who in his profile shows he has a special clinical interest in Thyroid disease. I need to confirm this but I think he runs a thyroid clinic. I phoned my doctor who is now arranging to send Dr a referral letter. I am grateful to the ladies who advised me to do this. These ladies gave me the confidence to do so. I just hope this Dr is flexible and is willing to prescribe an addition of T3 or even better Armour. I do know that my latest blood test shows I am low in T3 and high in T4 (I have already posted the results). It is awful that I should have to pay because I cannot afford to do so - as I am retired and live on a small pension. My husband is also cross, but there is no other way to get the help I need to give me some quality of life. I also agree that Dr Singhal was probably a chum of my doctors. Thank you so much for taking an interest in my plight and for offering to help me. I am truly grateful to yourself and to the other three kind ladies who all gave such good constructive advice. With love, . I . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 5, 2008 Report Share Posted January 5, 2008 Maybe that is what the government wants us to do when it wants us to take over our own health care to save the NHS money. By having to pay for our own blood tests, see private doctors, all because we are not being treated right - is this just another 'back door' tactic. I too had to have private blood tests and see a private doctor and of course have to pay for my medicines (which should be free under the NHS). However, I am sure I read somewhere that this year the NHS had a large surplus (or was I dreaming). Lilian Then I asked to see someone privately as I am desperate to be well and would like to try T4/T3 or Armour. I live in Somerset. My doctor originally referred me to see Dr Parag Singhal(privately) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 5, 2008 Report Share Posted January 5, 2008 I am so pleased that something positive has come from all thios - perhaps all the volunteers should go on strike for a week in protest of this horrible bully. That would teach him a lesson. Keep up the good work and get his job one of these days - is he anywhere near retirement? Luv - Sheila I said that I am going to take some time for myself, get back into some needlework to de-stress and who knows? Sometime in the future I might go back and stand for the secretary's position.......... when his term is up!!!I walked away and kept my integrity!!> .. No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1207 - Release Date: 02/01/2008 11:29 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 5, 2008 Report Share Posted January 5, 2008 > Dear Sheila and to the other ladies who wrote messages of support and advice. My doctor was reluctant to refer me to a NHS endocrinologist because he said I would have a long wait. Despite asking him twice for T3 or Amour, he refused initially saying he would have to get advice about the dosage for T3 and when I returned, instead showed me an NHS printout which said these two medicines were of no significant help. Grrr! - these would be the two statements on Armour Thyroid and T4/T3 combination therapy that the BTA wrote and placed on their website., They backed up their statements with only 4 references - and they are completely baised, misleading and in parts, incorrect. I am sending the BTA et all, all endocrinologists and many others in teaching positions etc a response from TPA showing how wrong the BTA statements are. Watch this space. Then I asked to see someone privately as I am desperate to be well and would like to try T4/T3 or Armour. I live in Somerset. My doctor originally referred me to see Dr Parag Singhal(privately) at the Nuffield Hospital, Taunton but on investigation I found this Dr dealt mainly in diabetes/insulin medicine, so taking one of your forum lady's advice I went online search and found a Dr of Spire Healthcare (Bristol) who in his profile shows he has a special clinical interest in Thyroid disease. I need to confirm this but I think he runs a thyroid clinic. I phoned my doctor who is now arranging to send Dr a referral letter. I am grateful to the ladies who advised me to do this. These ladies gave me the confidence to do so. I just hope this Dr is flexible and is willing to prescribe an addition of T3 or even better Armour. I do know that my latest blood test shows I am low in T3 and high in T4 (I have already posted the results). Can I suggest that before taking up any appointment with Dr , that you telephone him and ask his thoughts on treating hypothyroids with combination therapy of T4/T3 (or T3 alone). There are many endocrinologists who appear to have a speciality in thyroid disease, yet insist that thyroxine alone is the ONLY treatment that is required. Look at our dear Professor Weetman who is the President of the British Thyroid Association and has a MASSIVE interest in all things private, yet he says categorically that no combination treatment is necessary. I would hate you to travel all that way and spend your money on such a chappie. Here are some doctors who I know have used combination therapy or Armour, but I cannot vouch for the bedside manner of some of them. Dr N Hembry, B.Sc, MB BS, 9 Repton Hall, Carriage Drive,Royal Park,Bristol, BS10 6TE Dr S Myhill MBBSUpper Weston, Llangunllo,Knighton, Powys,Wales LD7 1SL Dr Gordon Skinner MD(Hons) DSc. FRCP Path. FRCOG 22 Alcester RoadMoseley BirminghamB13 8BE Midlands Dr. P Newrick MD FRCP Worcestershire Royal Hospital Worcestershire WR5 7DD Dr Newrick Kidderminster Hospital (Heard excellent reports about him) Some of these do NHS and private. > Thank you so much for taking an interest in my plight and for offering to help me. I am truly grateful to yourself and to the other three kind ladies who all gave such good constructive advice. With love, . Sheila> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 5, 2008 Report Share Posted January 5, 2008 HI I am sure I have come across you before, but quite some time ago. Have you been a member of this forum before or have I come across your name elsewhere? Sheila Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 5, 2008 Report Share Posted January 5, 2008 Hi, You might like to consider Dr. Lewith at Southampton. He prescribed Armour for me some while ago. I’ve still got contact details if you want them. Re: Your advice would be greatly appreciated sheilaturner <sheilaturner@...> wrote: Where about do you live . I will see if I can find an endocrinologist in your area. It is appalling that you should have to pay for a private consultation, especially when you know nothing about the specialist he has referred you to. If you let me have his/her name, I will see if I have any information about them - good or bad. How do you know he refers you to this specialist because they are buddies and he is doing his friend a favour by getting him patients ;o( Luv - Sheila Dear Sheila and to the other ladies who wrote messages of support and advice. My doctor was reluctant to refer me to a NHS endocrinologist because he said I would have a long wait. Despite asking him twice for T3 or Amour, he refused initially saying he would have to get advice about the dosage for T3 and when I returned, instead showed me an NHS printout which said these two medicines were of no significant help. Then I asked to see someone privately as I am desperate to be well and would like to try T4/T3 or Armour. I live in Somerset. My doctor originally referred me to see Dr Parag Singhal(privately) at the Nuffield Hospital, Taunton but on investigation I found this Dr dealt mainly in diabetes/insulin medicine, so taking one of your forum lady's advice I went online search and found a Dr of Spire Healthcare (Bristol) who in his profile shows he has a special clinical interest in Thyroid disease. I need to confirm this but I think he runs a thyroid clinic. I phoned my doctor who is now arranging to send Dr a referral letter. I am grateful to the ladies who advised me to do this. These ladies gave me the confidence to do so. I just hope this Dr is flexible and is willing to prescribe an addition of T3 or even better Armour. I do know that my latest blood test shows I am low in T3 and high in T4 (I have already posted the results). It is awful that I should have to pay because I cannot afford to do so - as I am retired and live on a small pension. My husband is also cross, but there is no other way to get the help I need to give me some quality of life. I also agree that Dr Singhal was probably a chum of my doctors. Thank you so much for taking an interest in my plight and for offering to help me. I am truly grateful to yourself and to the other three kind ladies who all gave such good constructive advice. With love, . I .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 5, 2008 Report Share Posted January 5, 2008 Hi , I hadn't heard of anyone in the Hampshire area prescribing armour so am quite excited to hear of Dr Lewith. Do you know what his stance is on adrenals and 'in range' TSH? This could be the stroke of luck I've been waiting for. (fingers crossed) luv Bella > > Hi, > > You might like to consider Dr. Lewith at Southampton. He prescribed > Armour for me some while ago. I've still got contact details if you want > them. > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 5, 2008 Report Share Posted January 5, 2008 If I remember correctly, it was Kate (our little mousepotato) who also saw Dr Lewith and he prescribes Armour for her too. He is on our list. Not sure what his views are on adrenals though. The next article I am going to do is going to be about TSH and how wrong doctors are to ONLY use this test. I have a stack of references, but I am going to have a rest once we have dealt with the other statements by the BTA. Luv - Sheila Re: Your advice would be greatly appreciated Hi ,I hadn't heard of anyone in the Hampshire area prescribing armour so am quite excited to hear of Dr Lewith. Do you know what his stance is on adrenals and 'in range' TSH? This could be the stroke of luck I've been waiting for.(fingers crossed) luv Bella>> Hi,> > You might like to consider Dr. Lewith at Southampton. He prescribed> Armour for me some while ago. I've still got contact details if you want> them.> > > > > No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1207 - Release Date: 02/01/2008 11:29 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 5, 2008 Report Share Posted January 5, 2008 Ah, I see now he is private. I am looking for someone on the NHS who is prepared to treat on symptoms. Thank you anyway, the tide is turning and I'm sure I'll find someone eventually. Luv Bella > > If I remember correctly, it was Kate (our little mousepotato) who also saw Dr Lewith and he prescribes Armour for her too. He is on our list. Not sure what his views are on adrenals though. > > The next article I am going to do is going to be about TSH and how wrong doctors are to ONLY use this test. I have a stack of references, but I am going to have a rest once we have dealt with the other statements by the BTA. > > Luv - Sheila > > Re: Your advice would be greatly appreciated > > > Hi , > I hadn't heard of anyone in the Hampshire area prescribing armour so > am quite excited to hear of Dr Lewith. Do you know what his stance > is on adrenals and 'in range' TSH? This could be the stroke of luck > I've been waiting for. > (fingers crossed) luv Bella > > > > > Hi, > > > > You might like to consider Dr. Lewith at Southampton. He > prescribed > > Armour for me some while ago. I've still got contact details if > you want > > them. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1207 - Release Date: 02/01/2008 11:29 > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 5, 2008 Report Share Posted January 5, 2008 If you are looking for a NHS consultant who will recognise you have an adrenal problem, that could be tricky. However, there are a lot of endocrinologists who do recognise 's disease or Cushing's syndrome, so if you have either of these, you could be OK - BUT if anything other than those .........? Luv - Sheila Ah, I see now he is private. I am looking for someone on the NHS who is prepared to treat on symptoms. Thank you anyway, the tide is turning and I'm sure I'll find someone eventually.Luv Bella >> If I remember correctly, it was Kate (our little mousepotato) who also saw Dr Lewith and he prescribes Armour for her too. He is on our list. Not sure what his views are on adrenals though.> > The next article I am going to do is going to be about TSH and how wrong doctors are to ONLY use this test. I have a stack of references, but I am going to have a rest once we have dealt with the other statements by the BTA. > > Luv - Sheila> > Re: Your advice would be greatly appreciated> > > Hi ,> I hadn't heard of anyone in the Hampshire area prescribing armour so > am quite excited to hear of Dr Lewith. Do you know what his stance > is on adrenals and 'in range' TSH? This could be the stroke of luck > I've been waiting for.> (fingers crossed) luv Bella> > >> > Hi,> > > > You might like to consider Dr. Lewith at Southampton. He > prescribed> > Armour for me some while ago. I've still got contact details if > you want> > them.> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------> > > No virus found in this incoming message.> Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1207 - Release Date: 02/01/2008 11:29> No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1207 - Release Date: 02/01/2008 11:29 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 6, 2008 Report Share Posted January 6, 2008 Hi, I was taking prednisolone ( prescribed by Dr. P before he retired from full practice) at the time of my appt. He was not happy with this and wanted me to wean off with the help of my GP- this I did over the next 3 months. Not good. When I saw him next he was willing to prescribe an adrenal glandular ( not nutri) which did help a bit, but not as good as pred. This raised my already high BP so this also was stopped. Big crash. By this time I'd had enough and bought my own pred from the net ( naughty girl!) Immediately felt much better. Now I have weaned myself to half my original dose over the summer at the suggestion of Dr. S. This winter I have had colds etc. which I never had on the larger dose of pred. I will see if I can reduce further next Summer ( I really don't like the cold so won't even entertain any dose reductions during winter). As to Armour he had no problem in prescribing this or to adding T3 as needed. Good chairside manner, dictated letter to GP in front of me so I knew what was said. He also did a vega test with pressing my foot with electrodes dipped in various liquids to see if I was allergic- bit sceptical of this ( I know I'm allergic to cows milk). This did not seem to show anything up so not sure how useful it was. This is the best I can do I was originally diagnosed with a TSH of 126 and at the time of my visit my TSH was 0.01 as I was already taking Armour- this was regarded as normal for Armour. Hi , I hadn't heard of anyone in the Hampshire area prescribing armour so am quite excited to hear of Dr Lewith. Do you know what his stance is on adrenals and 'in range' TSH? This could be the stroke of luck I've been waiting for. (fingers crossed) luv Bella > Messages are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a suitably qualified practitioner before changing medication. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 6, 2008 Report Share Posted January 6, 2008 Hi Bella We all want someone who will prescribe on NHS good luck! I'm just grateful to be well. Ah, I see now he is private. I am looking for someone on the NHS who is prepared to treat on symptoms. Thank you anyway, the tide is turning and I'm sure I'll find someone eventually. Luv Bella > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1207 - Release Date: 02/01/2008 11:29 > Messages are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a suitably qualified practitioner before changing medication. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 6, 2008 Report Share Posted January 6, 2008 Dear Sheila - Many thanks for your help - I am going to phone the latest endocrinologist later on today to ask if he is flexible in his approach to treating thyroid problems ie introducing T3/T4 or Armour. Still feel so tired - low quality of life - go out for short trip one day - spend the next 2 days at home recovering. One other point, Sheila, my son has just been diagnosed as borderline - his test result was TSH 9.5 and his T4 14. Why do area ranges differ so much? The range in my area is TSH 0.35-4.5 and T4 11-26. My son is devastated as he is a Personal Trainer and Olympic Rower. He gets very tired as you can imagine, but says he will be guided by his GP and not me???(typical) My daughter also is hypo, but has been on additive free liquid thyroxin for some 4 years now. Also is there any literature (websites) I can send to my son so he is armed with some knowledge when he sees his GP in February, in case she continues to not prescribe medication. Lastly, to say we have corresponded in the past, but very briefly, about just under 2 years ago when I felt so ill having just been diagnosed. Really nice to be back - I scrutinise every single letter from other members as I pick up so much information. Love . sheilaturner <sheilaturner@...> wrote: Where about do you live . I will see if I can find an endocrinologist in your area. It is appalling that you should have to pay for a private consultation, especially when you know nothing about the specialist he has referred you to. If you let me have his/her name, I will see if I have any information about them - good or bad. How do you know he refers you to this specialist because they are buddies and he is doing his friend a favour by getting him patients ;o( Luv - Sheila I am due to see an endocrinologist on the 10th January at a private hospital whom my doctor referred me to. On the specialist's profile it says he specialises more in diabetes/insulin. Unfortunately, my doctor says this consultant is the only one available. I really do not want to waste my money on a person who might not be able to help me. . No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1207 - Release Date: 02/01/2008 11:29 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 6, 2008 Report Share Posted January 6, 2008 I was classed as borderline for 5 years, starting with a TSH was 8 and it took 5 years to go over 10 and only then was I diagnosed. I had high cholesterol, narrowed arteries, high blood pressure, hair loss, dry skin, constipation, lethargy, sleeping for England and a weight gain of 5 stone in as many months and still they said, YOU ARE FINE, would you like to see a dietician. You must insist that he is referred to an endocrinologist who will be able to diagnose at that level hopefully. You should also arm yourself with as much information as you can get your hands on, take that with you (it is always best to have back up at these appointments because of the memory thing) and just insist that he is given a trial of thyroid replacement. Luv nne my son has just been diagnosed as borderline - his test result was TSH 9.5 and his T4 14... [he]is devastated as he is a Personal rainer and Olympic Rower. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 7, 2008 Report Share Posted January 7, 2008 Hi > Dear Sheila - Many thanks for your help - I am going to phone the latest endocrinologist later on today to ask if he is flexible in his approach to treating thyroid problems ie introducing T3/T4 or Armour. Still feel so tired - low quality of life - go out for short trip one day - spend the next 2 days at home recovering. Good luck with this and I know you will let us know what he has to say. If he says he finds the one and only synthetic thyroxine to be the be all and end all, ask him what happens to those people unable to convert T4 to T3 (the active hormone). I am interested to know what such endocrinologists are teaching their junior doctors. Anyway, let's be positive and hopefully, this one will be a good doc. > One other point, Sheila, my son has just been diagnosed as borderline - his test result was TSH 9.5 and his T4 14. A TSH of 9.5 is NOT borderline . He is way over the reference range. In Germany the top of the ange is 2.5 and in America, it is 3.3. Your son needs to start on some thyroid replacement immediately or leaving this untreated to lead to a lot of problems for him. Is his doctor refusing to send him to an endocrinologist? If so, tell your son to drop a note to his GP asking for an immediate referral. By writing, this has to go in to his medical notes. If your son experiences any of the problems associated with untreated hypothyroidism (or undertreated) his GP will be asked questions. This is why a GP is more likely to refer him than just by asking him in the 10 minutes allotted to him when he chats with his doc. Why do area ranges differ so much? The range in my area is TSH 0.35-4.5 and T4 11-26. I think this is to do with the particular testing 'kit' laboratories use. My son is devastated as he is a Personal Trainer and Olympic Rower. He gets very tired as you can imagine, but says he will be guided by his GP and not me???(typical) The debate on getting a diagnosis and treatment is one of the biggest controversies in the NHS at the moment. If everything was hunky-dory within the NHS, why are there tens of thousands of sufferers invading Internet Hypothyroid forums, why are there loads of hypothyroid websites, why are there thousands of people who have to give up paid employment and live on State Benefits - all because doctors are not taught how to diagnose and treat this disease . The people who are getting their health back are those who leave the NHS and seek a diagnosis and treatment elsewhere - like myself. I don't wish to alarm you, or your son, but you should tell your him that some of the symptoms and dangerous consequences of low thyroid include: serious mental problems, seizures, heart disease, diabetes, including misdiagnosis and complications, constipation resulting in colon cancer, all female problems (due to high amounts of dangerous forms of oestrogen), including: tumours, fibroids, ovarian cysts, PMS, endometriosis, breast cancer, miscarriage, heavy periods and cramps, bladder problems leading to infections, and others.... My daughter also is hypo, but has been on additive free liquid thyroxin for some 4 years now. How is your daughter doing on this medication. Does she get it from dale's? You should chat to the endocrinologist and tell him about your children both suffering hypothyroidism. Also is there any literature (websites) I can send to my son so he is armed with some knowledge when he sees his GP in February, in case she continues to not prescribe medication. The best website to send your son to is our very own www.tpa-uk.org.uk as this has been designed especially to point out the problems to expect within the NHS and how to get over these. It is full of every kind of information he could want. If he is content though to be guided by a GP who allows him to have a TSH so high - and call thios "borderline", is he likely to listen to others. If he continues to listen to such a very unknowledgeable doctor, then he will have to suffer the consequences. I just feel SO angry > Lastly, to say we have corresponded in the past, but very briefly, about just under 2 years ago when I felt so ill having just been diagnosed. Really nice to be back - I scrutinise every single letter from other members as I pick up so much information. Love . Yes, I remember now - and I am glad you are learning from this forum . I think you have given the NHS long enough to help you regain your health, and I do hope this endocrinologist will do just that, but if not, have you considered looking into treating yourself further. Do you have Dr Peatfield's Book "Your Thyroid and how to keep it healthy" because he wrote that book especially for patients who need to look after themselves and guides them in how to do this. He also wrote it for doctors to help them understand better the working of the thyroid gland and the implications of leaving hypothyroids untreated. His book is invaluable - and everybody should buy a copy - and no, I don't get commission. Luv - Sheila> > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 7, 2008 Report Share Posted January 7, 2008 wrote: >...my son has just been diagnosed as borderline - his test result >was TSH 9.5 and his T4 14... [he]is devastated as he is a Personal >Trainer and Olympic Rower. Hi (and Happy New Year, everybody!!! ) I just wanted to say, it's utterly monstrous that your son has been classes as " borderline " with that TSH result. My heart goes out to him. I too row competitively and know how hard it can be to battle on and continue trying to reach training targets in the face of the overwhelming tiredness that undiagnosed or un-treated hypo-T engenders; he is undoubtedly struggling heroically if his TSH is that high. I wish you and your family all the very best and sincerely hope you find a way forward. You've certainly arrived at a great starting point by tapping into this tremendous group :-) Fran x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 7, 2008 Report Share Posted January 7, 2008 Hi , That's very useful info. So basically the armour isn't a problem but the HC would be! Luv Bella > > Hi, > I was taking prednisolone ( prescribed by Dr. P before he retired from > full practice) at the time of my appt. He was not happy with this and wanted > me to wean off with the help of my GP- this I did over the next 3 months. > Not good. When I saw him next he was willing to prescribe an adrenal > glandular ( not nutri) which did help a bit, but not as good as pred. This Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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