Frustrations re GP & thyroid issues

[Topaz]

Hi ladies

I had a rather frustrating visit with my GP yesterday. This post is part venting, part call for help.

She's a lovely lady, but I don't think she's fully understanding the impact the PCOS is having on every part of my life.

I've always had a problem with cold of any sort (weather, water, breezes), but over the last several years it's gotten so that I can't walk outside in a cool breeze without slowing to a standstill. Winter in England has me crying from cold, with frozen hands and feet and back, if I'm outside for more than five minutes - and that's while wearing thermals, layers, hat, scarf, etc.

We had a brief discussion in which I expressed concerns about it being thyroid related, and when I mentioned I believed my last test at the gyny had come back borderline she just smiled and moved swiftly on. The rest of the conversation left me in no doubt that she was faintly amused by my theory that it could be a thyroid issue.

Now, I'm not a medical expert of any sort, but I do know my body. I've been living in it for 40 years, and I know that even for me my body isn't working up to its usual standards. I'm also having problems with bouts of severe depression. I know these things are often tied in with the PCOS. I also know that with the thyroid, it's not the numbers you get right now that count, it's how much they've changed up or down over the years. I've only had two thyroid blood tests taken, 6 years apart. That's not much to go on.

So the question is: How do I get my GP to understand how bad this gets? How can I get her to take me, and the problem, seriously? What's worked for you in getting the message through?

[celicachic]

i had a doc like that....so changed and the newer docs told me to have a blood test ..and then they started me on 'thyroxine', which im currently taking

if u have thyroid probs then the u should have a blood test every 3 months and the drs may change ur dose accordingly

[vxs24]

Hi Ladies,
I spoke to my GP last week about PCOS and requested to be referred to an endocrinologist, I explained I have researched that PCOS is affected by Diet/sugar levels and some people have thyroid issues, I suggested that I get tested to see if I have a thyroid issue, but my GP advised that diet does not affect PCOS and when I mentioned insulin resistance he replied ah yes this is a part of PCOS....ummm so sugar absorbed from the food you eat has no affect??? he replied no??? I advised that I think I should have my sugar level tested and he said no. He put me on metformin and packed me off....after researching metformin I read it can make you B12 deficient...is this true? if so I am already B12 deficient and have monthly injections to top me up so why is my GP prescribing this to me? I have now made the decision to change GP's and go private to see an endocrinologist as no one under the NHS seems to give me any proper advise.
Thanks
Vicky

[celicachic]

well good for you and stick to your guns

some gps (in my opinion) just cant be bothered and say the easiest thing just to get us out!! and its only when you start researching yourself into things and they dont like it and feel uneased or pressured by us when we ask questions!

[Chrissy1588]

Vicky,
That is deplorable! I hope you make a formal complaint against that bafoon!

Met indeed leads to B12 deficiency with long term use, its a side effect and well documented.

Do yourself a huge favour and go private. Do not let that idiot let his incompetence have a negative impact on your life! If you are in London, try and see Gerard Conway as he's the bees-knees on pcos! Not to mention, he knows thyroids and pituitary issues too!

Topaz, you can take some academic studies in to your doc if she needs educating - women with pcos have higher rates of thyroid problems than the normal population. And the margins for hormone tests are smaller - so for a nor al woman, 3.4 is okay but it would indicate a hypothyroid condition in someone with pcos. You can demand to see an endocrinologist for assessment as she is not qualified to make that assessment. I also highly doubt she did all of the relevant tests as they usually only do one or two.

Basically, go in there and demand a referral to a specialist. If she refuses, this has always worked, ask her if her medical malpractice insurance is up to date! Also ask her when she last undertook any research in endocrinology or attended any specialist conferences in thyroid and endocrine issues to allow her to make her assessment. If she is not aware of the change in the endocrine normal ranges issued, then she doesnt have the specialist knowledge to manage your condition.

BMW owners only take their cars to authorised dealers - pcos women should only take their bodies to qualified endocrinologists otherwise you risk breaking down and there is no warranty (even if you can sue the nhs, its generally too late to help).