T4-T3 convertion discussed in the ish Parliament. Second Post on TPA

[Guest guest]

17th November 2010 Patient Rights (Scotland)Bill: Stage 1

Elaine (Labour)

Quote:

Regarding Hypothyroidism: " Many very ill people with throid dysfunction are not

being diagnosed by general practitioners, are on the wrong levels of thyroxine

or are on thyroxine but not converting from T4 to T3, and they need advocacy " .

Dr Antony Toft, believes that it is of prime importance that GPs consider how

patients present, rather than simply accepting the results of blood tests. He

suggests that doctors should take a whole- picture approach that takes into

consideration all the patient's symptoms and does not rely totally on tests.

That is important in the case of a lack of T3. In such a circumstance, the

tests show that T4 is fine, and the GP will insist that there is nothing wrong

with the patient's thyroid function when, in fact, they are gravely ill and

getting progressively worse.

End Quote:

I got in touch with Kennedy after coming back from meeting Sheila

, and his office took it further (my friend and I bombarded him with

info). The subject was discussed in the ish Parliament. Perhaps Scotland

does not have to follow the GMC in London. S.I.G.N. told me they do not have

thyroid guidelines in Scotland, so this might be the place to start and Elaine

MSP a good contact.