Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

GP won't treat my hypothyroidism! Recommend an endo in Dublin?

  • 05-02-2017 1:22pm
    #1
    Scary Napoleon
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4 ✭


    Hi folks, at a loose end here looking for a bit of help.

    I've been having hypothyroid symptoms for a long time now (weight gain, fatigue, brain fog, constipation, hair loss... all the classics) and I finally got a diagnosis from my GP after test results came back showing a TSH level of 14.

    However... when the tests were repeated 3 weeks later, the results came back showing a TSH level of 6.4! The GP's team said they'd never seen it before.

    So my GP's attitude is that the body is spontaneously healing itself, so no meds are needed. That seems hard to believe, and I'm still feeling no better, so obviously I'm skeptical.
      So first, I'm thinking it's probably time to see an endo, and I'm looking for a doc who's game to get to the bottom of this thing. Can anybody recommend somebody in Dublin, ideally South Dublin?
      I was looking at the endo staff in the Blackrock Clinic - has anyone been to see Dr. Jean O Connell?
      Finally, I'm looking for a doc who will see me ASAP, even if it costs more to do so. Without going into details, if I can't get somewhat sorted in the next month or so, I'm going to have to take a break from work, as the hours will be getting longer and I've basically been unable to function since last November.

    Thanks guys! Any advice appreciated!


Comments

  • #2
    Wyldwood
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,162 ✭✭✭Wyldwood


    Did your doctor test for antibodies? Hashimoto's disease can cause the thyroid to flip between over- and underactive causing the TSH to shoot up and down. Ask your doc to do a full thyroid panel - Free T4, Free T3, anti-tpo, anti-tg and get Vit D levels checked. You might have a battle as they're very reluctant to test FT3 but you need to know if you're converting the FT4 to FT3.

    There is a (very) long thread already on here with a vast amount of information from other thyroid sufferers so maybe have a browse
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056215078

    Sorry I can't help with the endo as I'm not in Dublin but I'm sure someone else will be along to help.


  • #3
    mickmac76
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 400 ✭✭mickmac76


    I don't think you can make an appointment with a consultant yourself they generally insist on your GP making the appointment so you might have to go back to your doctor. If they don't cooperate think about changing GP just be sure to bring your blood test results to any new doctor.


  • #4
    Scary Napoleon
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4 ✭Scary Napoleon


    Did your doctor test for antibodies? Hashimoto's disease can cause the thyroid to flip between over- and underactive causing the TSH to shoot up and down. Ask your doc to do a full thyroid panel - Free T4, Free T3, anti-tpo, anti-tg and get Vit D levels checked. You might have a battle as they're very reluctant to test FT3 but you need to know if you're converting the FT4 to FT3.

    He only tested TSH, free T4 and B-vitamins.

    I'll be honest, I'm generally skeptical of online health claims that buck so hard against the consensus of doctors. I had asked the GP about Hashimoto's, and he told me that antibodies are present in almost all cases of hypothyroidism and that it doesn't affect the treatment strategy. He didn't mention anything about a fluctuating TSH.

    I think I'll call his office tomorrow and push back a little on the 'wait and see' approach.


Advertisement