royal college of physicians thyroid management - refusal to prescribe T3

[fedupfran]

I have posted to the forum before and was given great advice as to how to both interpet my test results and how to tackle my GP's refusal to address my persistent symptoms. I had a mini victory when after 16 years of asking my GP agreed to refer me to an endocrinologist.

Then i got a letter from my GP this week to say that the Endocrinologist doesn't see any point in seeing me as the Royal college of physicians has a management stance that states

"we do not recommed thbe prescribing of additional Tri-iodothyronine (t3) in any presently available forumlation, including Armour Thyroid, as it is inconsistent with normal physiology, has not been unequivolcally proven to be of any benefit to patients, and may be harmful."

So they concluded that i didnt' need to attend the thyroid clinic.

What can i do now? And has anyone else in the UK had this problem?

I can't believe how hard work it is just to get rid of the symptoms i have!

very very fed up fran

[valdab]

btw having been prescribed T3 privately, I now get the script filled on the NHS which means it costs me nothing as patients on Levothyroxine don't pay for any medications. You may be able to get away with just one visit  to a private endo then  get the T3 on repeat from your GP

[valdab]

Not much help I'm afraid, but I'm in the UK and  seeing an Endo privately. She's actually rather too keen on doling out T3 (i.e. she started me off on way too high a dose), but I'm slowly getting straightened out.
My GP did my last bloods and muttered something along the lines of 'we don't really prescribe T3' but she tested me for FT3 all the same.
When she phoned with my results, I thought she would mention the drastically low TSH but she didn't seem interested in that fortunately. Good luck.....

[gimel]

Just wanted to pass on to you this suggestion, from a fellow UK member.  She finally was successful in getting adequate testing and treatment.  


"What I have learned from my experience is that you have to go to the Dr's office and TELL THEM WHAT YOU WANT and to go backed up with knowledge.  You have to tell them that you have done your reading and looked into your condition and care about the long-term treatment of your health and thyroid.  If you fight for what you want, you will eventually find someone that is happy to go along with your wishes.  But we all have to take charge of our own health, right?"

It would also be good to take along copies of material about thyroid issues, and references to scientific studies that support the recommendations that are in disagreement with the standard UK practices.  Printed material has  more impact than just telling them about something you read on the internet.  I'm sending you a PM with the link I like best.  

[sissaphus]

I was living in the UK (London) at about the six month point of my treatment for Hypothyroid and managed to get a referral to an Endocrinologist which was also withdrawn. I brought a few months supply of Levoxyl 50 with me (paid out of pocket before I left the US). When I ran out I had more mailed to me from the US, because I could only get the one "brand" that the NHS allowed even if I was willing to pay out of pocket for the meds.

My TSH was in range. I was cold all the time (it was a beautiful summer in London) and the GP said it's not due to your thyroid. Sadly, I've recently heard this again (now back in the US). There was nothing I could have done or said to that doctor to change her mind. At the time I didn't know about FT3 and that that's what I needed. Clearly she didn't consider this herself. Just sent me on my way after my 10 minute appointment.

I think it's a good, but stubborn system and would strongly consider going private if you can.

Go to your local chemist and ask them who prescribes T3. They might not give you the info, but it's worth a try.

I'm sorry, I know it's frustrating!

[fedupfran]

i've gotten hold of the referral letter and the reply so i can see the rational. Next i'm going to ask for some advise from another GP to see if there are any GP's in the area more sympathetic.

Alternatively, i will look to find a private doctor and see what the costs involved might be.

What irks me the most is that they seem to be ignoring the fact that i'm still lactating... i feel very dismissed, like i should just put up with it. Surely that can't be right.

anyhoo thanks again... and i'll keep you posted.

[hava]

Thyroid point – press the fleshy bit on palm between  the base of thumb and wrist on both hands. If you feel sharp pain when you press, then you have thyroid problem.
Press this point about 50 times daily.

If you are interested, then I can post some exercises to stimulate your thyroid, naturally.
November 7 ,2011

[gimel]

Frustrating, I know.  The only alternative I can think of right now is the approach of one of your fellow UK members.  She finally got a doctor to write what I think she called a private prescription for Armour.  Then she had to find a pharmacy that would provide it.  Of course she had to pay for it herself, but it wasn't too expensive.  .