Hi guys,

Does anyone know of a Thyroid Specialist in the West Midlands??? Or any web site that could maybe help me find one....the GP is just a nightmare and even though I was 'borderline' on my last tests will not provide me with any medication...I am at my wits end...

Thanks folks..

Becs
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Hi Becs.

There's a UK forum here:
http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum...ag=ab-thyroiduk

You have to register but there are some real expert people there who can help you, plus give lists of docs in your area.
You might have to go private but if you can pay, then go for it. If not, I suggest you either go and see another doc in your practice (if there is one), or you change doctor completely.

Have you asked for a 'Trial' of thyroxine?
Have you taken a list of symtoms with you to present your doctor?
Did you quote that the NHS best practice says that TSH levels should be 1 or under?
Have you asked him for a referral to an Endo?

Can you post your results so we can have a look?

The other board will definitely be able to help you. I'm on there too as 'Isbellnecessaryonabicycle' so I'll look out for you.

Hi thanks for the reply, I have printed it off and will be taking it with me to the docs when I get the tests results through. I had the blood tests taken this morning and they take about a week. As soon as I get the results I will post them.

I am writing down a list of the symptoms etc and getting all my facts together before I go to the doctors again.....as the test was borderline before I think it might come up worse this time as this was a fasting test and more accurate.

I had a look at that forum - thanks loads for that. I am going to see how I get on with my Doc this time and if I don't get any movement and it takes a while to see a specialist I will go private I think......anything to feel normal!!!

Becs
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Good luck, Becs! Looking forward to hearing your results. Did you decide on a new doctor? Or are you trying your regular one again?

Hi I have decided to give my Doc one last try, but I have also written to a specialist in Birmingham Dr Skinner who is meant to be excellent. I get the results this Friday and will post them as soon as I get them.

Then got to see my GP again next week to discuss the results...everything takes such a long long time!!!

Hopefully this time I will get some answers though...here's hoping........
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Ahhhhhh, the lovely Dr Skinner! Becs, you're onto a winner there. He's superb and SUCH a nice guy!

You're right, it does take a long time, even when you get your meds it takes time to get them to the exact right dose, but then you start feeling better over time so it's not so frustrating.


Good luck Becs.

Keep us informed how it goes.

Annabelx

Hi

I have heard that Dr Skinner was called to the GMC this summer and they placed quite a few restrictions on him (I was so angry!). There is an article on the Thyroid UK website.

Please let us know if you manage to get an appointment with him.

Regards
Michaela

They have placed some restrictions on him... I believe one of them is that he has to record EVERYTHING within the patient notes, plus copies. He's a radical doctor, in their view, but at least they let him continue practicing. There was a chance that they were going to suspend him for a while.
He's helped an awful lot of people over time ... Their stories helped I am sure.
Becs, don't let this put you off. He's superb.

Hi folks,

I did hear he had some problems last year. But with all I have read from other patients he sounds fantastic....

I belive you have to be referred from your GP to him now? I tried calling his surgery but you can't speak to anyone you just have to write in?? I have written in but haven't heard anything yet.

Becs

What about Dr. Peatfield, I know he's in England, I just don't know where. We've had other folks in the forum rave about him.

Yes, Dr Peatfield is great too. Wait for a reply, Becs. I'm sure you'll get one. They're just making sure everything he does is traceable... I got the feeling he hadn't been brilliant with paperwork, so they're 'punishing' him. Surreal!

Hi guys,

Just rang the Docs and have an appointment for this coming Tuesday....though the test results have said 'normal' apparently!!!! But last time were borderline...who knows.......!!!

I am getting seriously fed up and my Doc looks at me when I go in like I am mad - has anyone tried Alvidar or Thyax?????? From looking on the net they seemed to have helped a lot of people....

Becs
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Haven't tried those, Becs. You might like to mention your friend, Annabel33, who was 'borderline' with a TSH of 4.1 at last count, who was so ill she couldn't walk up the stairs without becoming breathless.... and that I'm now around a TSH of 2... and feeling so much more normal on 100mcg of thyroxine per day. TSH tests are highly unreliable and it's symptoms they should be looking at. If your doc can only see numbers, change him.

BTW, what is your TSH level? Let us know.

Have you also checked adrenal fatigue as a posssible cause? It mimics thyroid symptoms...

Thanks Annabel33, your post has cheered me up. When I see the Doc on Tuesday, if I have any problems being referred I will tell her about you!


I guess I should hold off buying stuff off the net until I have seen someone properly....

I just hate going to the Docs, they look at me like I am mad!!!! When I get the results will post them on Tuesday as thats when I see the Doc next.

I ahve never been tested for that no, do you get weight gain with that too?

Becs
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Yes Becs, you can. Here's a good URL to check out and see if it sounds like you. Either way, you need to bypass your doc and find an endo who can deal with whatever it is. The problem is, a GP is just that... a general practitioner .. and therefore they can't deal with specialist illness.... Ask for a referral to an endo...and ask for that thyroxine trial to see if you do feel better on it.

My thyroid probably started by adrenal stress ... I had a lot of really terrible stress over a couple of years and it completely screwed up my system. Adrenal stress can be treated, but it needs an expert ... But there are supplements you can be taking anyway.
I've read that if you have thyroid probs, then the rest of your adrenals need treatment regardless. There's no harm in going with this either... Better to have everything covered, I say!

There are plenty of people I can quote to you who have been very ill with a TSH of 2. Borderline means nothing essentially, if you are very symtomatic. TSH results are not very accurate, my own doc told me this morning! Good for him!

As for your doc looking at you like you're nuts... You are not nuts and they are unprofessional if they feel they have to treat you in such an appalling manner.

Anyway, that URL ... and I would hold off taking any thyroid stimulant type stuff until you know what exactly is going on with you ... It might not be thyroid at all!

http://www.drlam.com/A3R_brief_in_d...nal_fatigue.cfm


One of the clues of adrenal fatigue is that very often you 'wake up' or feel much better after 6pm.

Let me know your thoughts.

Annabel
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