Just Returned from Endo Visit; Newest Blood Results

[Guest guest]

I just returned from my latest endo visit. I was so

nicely surprised! He spent about 30 minutes (or more) with me

(wonderful!). This is only my 2nd visit with him and it felt like we

are seeing each other as partners in my well-being, as best as he can given NHS

guidelines.

I took in my list of how much better I've felt since

starting T3 almost 3 weeks ago. He was impressed by that and told me at the

conclusion of our visit that the most important thing is that I'm feeling

better. He took notice of that list of about 7 things in which I’ve

improved with only being on T3 alone for even less than 3 weeks. The lab at

his hospital cannot do rT3 testing; at this point, he felt that it really

wouldn’t be necessary since I’m already in process of clearing it

(he knew quite a lot about it) and that testing for it may be a moot point now

with the positive results I’m feeling.

His PCT had ok'd Naturethroid if I wanted to

take that (since I had gotten some when in the US

and " came in " with it) but would not cover " cytomel " since

it's not available here (not lisenced here in UK). He had really “gone to

bat” for me regarding that. Today is the first I’d heard of that. I

had my own Naturethroid and have not yet needed the NHS to cover it to this

point (while I experimented with what may work for my body). He is supportive

of me ordering my own cytomel and taking it; NHS will prescribe their

generic T3 but it's not always from the same supplier so it can be different

from time to time. With how much money we save on my other medications

and treatments my husband and I are happy to purchase the cytomel from outside

sources if we have to. My endo knows that my body is very sensitive to changes

in formulations and he expressed concern with me trying an unknown formulation

of a generic versus using something that is stable in its formulation. That

factor is always in play for me with any medication I try; when I find

something that works I need to stick with that.

I was delighted with his care, interest, and support

of me trying to find what works for my body. He is happy to be a partner with

me in this. He was honest, though, about what he felt the NHS would really

cover/pay for. He wasn’t defensive – he seemed more apologetic and expressed

what he feels is an honest assessment of the reality.

I'm attaching my latest blood tests of 15/03/10 (4 days ago). As far as

my glucose levels, they keep decreasing and since I cannot tolerate medications

we are continuing with diet, exercise, etc. I supplement with ALA, too. Insulin will

enter the picture when necessary in future.

I am concerned that my ferritin is low (lower than 4

months ago); I've started a multivitamin with iron but should perhaps look to

supplement more. Sheila wrote a bit on the last forum to someone else about

this which I think I should take to heart.

I am continuing with T3, Natural Progesterone Cream, will

start DHEA (still looking at posts/info regarding starting dose), loads of Vitamin

C, and of course, my cardio meds.

Any other thoughts? I do appreciate all of the help, encouragement, and

guidance I receive here! Deborah