My consultant is ok with NDT but he left it to me. I dont think they can advice on something that isnt officially approved by NHS. Thats why you can get only private prescription for ndtIve started on a cheaper and easier to buy brand from Thailand, but now have prescription for a different brand. I wonder if I notice any difference.
Its probably the cost which is much higher than thyroxine. Besides as it is not licensed nobody wants to take personal responsibility for the treatment.Though it is little known, GPs can prescribe, and did do so when i started many years ago, there may have been a letter needed that had to be accepted first, i think, though i am not sure as it was so many years ago. Just found this site- https://healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...d-thyroid-tablets-including-armour-on-the-nhs. It looks like it is more difficult now for new users. This could be partly because it is popular and demand in parts of Europe, as far as i understood a couple of years ago, had gone up. Not very aware of what is happening now.
Today I had an appointment with an endocrinologist recommended by a friend with Hashimoto. Currently Im on NDT, supplements for vit d and iron and she recommended some further test to check cortisol. Not sure how they treat it to be honest. High level gives symptoms similar to underactive thyroid such as putting weight on, poor concentration and tiredness.
None of the doctors (gp or diabetic consultants who are also endycrinologists ) Ive seen knew or mentioned much about Hashimoto. The appointment I had today was private with a doctor in Leamington Spa and for the fist time I felt I got a good advice on how to treat Hashimoto
It was from blood, Now Im awaiting two other tests, 9 am cortisol and one other (probably 24 urinary, but not sure as I cant read the doctors handwriting!)Ewelina, when you had your cortisol testing, was it venous blood, saliva or urine?
It was from blood, Now Im awaiting two other tests, 9 am cortisol and one other (probably 24 urinary, but not sure as I cant read the doctors handwriting!)
Ive seen endo privately. She's sending letter to my gp requesting these and few additional tests. My regular consultant has never mentioned any of these testsI've had the blood, but neither other. I have asked for the saliva test, as allegedly, it gives 4 snapshots, as cortisol is at its highest in the morning, then falls during the course of the day and evening. But, you probably knew about the sort of circadian rhythm of cortisol secretion.
Why are you waiting for the tests? Doesn't the Endo just crack on and have them done immediately?
Ive seen endo privately. She's sending letter to my gp requesting these and few additional tests. My regular consultant has never mentioned any of these tests
I keep my levothyroxine tablets and a glass of water on my bedside table and take it as soon as I get out of bedI have an underactive thyroid and take 175mgm of Thyroxine a day - or I should, I keep forgetting. (Just checked, yes, forgot this morning - take them now, even though it deeps me awake)
@wolfie11969
I'm glad for you that they linked depression and under-active thyroid. Normally you would be given anti-depressives. Perhaps you found a rare example of a good doctor.
I always take the levothyroxin first thing, along with insulin, statin & blood pressure tablet xYes But it is important to get and keep normal levels
Have your Phone alarm remind you more times a day if you forget in the morning Then take it later in the day
Thanks for all of this information, I'll look in to it. I am tired at times, body hair seems to be much slower to grow, my head hair is slightly dryer but it is the emotional side I've found quite difficult. I'm often told that I have infinite patience & a lovely understanding personality but feel as if I'm changing, I've less tolerance & always feel slightly worried, with nothing to worry about. I'm on 50mg levothyroxin & have been waiting 7 weeks now for an urgent appointment with endocrinologist. But will get there!@Soplewis12 I pop in and out of subclinical hypothyroid. When I was in my late 20's, I was given a medication that brought on an intense depression until the medication was stopped two or so months later, so I've experienced the extremes. Swings either way are challenging. Right now, my thyroid function is more normal, so I'm enjoying not feeling "overstimulated", which is pleasant for me because I'm an introvert. I'm using this time to take long walks, to read and learn new things, and for reflection. But as I said, I'm an introvert. Not sure what this experience would be for an extrovert.
The good news is that you now know that your thyroid condition is autoimmune which I assume is Hashimotos. An American pharmacist, Izabella Wentz, PharmD, suffered with Hashimotos for ten years, going from specialist to specialist to get the help she needed without much progress because the treatment providers were focused on treating the symptoms not the root cause of the symptoms, or worse yet were telling her it was all in her head.
Eventually, she connected with a health practitioner who helped her restore her health. Following this, she decided to dedicate the next chapter of her life to help others. She started a blog in 2009 I believe, published her first book in 2013, and is coming out with her next book in May. It's titled Hashimoto's Protocol: A 90 Day Plan for Reversing Thyroid Symptoms and Getting Your Life Back. Here's a UK link to her two books: https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=izabella+wentz
This is from the book description:
Diagnosed with Hashimoto’s at twenty-seven, pharmacist Dr. Izabella Wentz knows first-hand the effects of the disease, as well as the value—and limitations—of medication. The key to improved health, she argues, involves lifestyle interventions. In Hashimoto’s Protocol, she outlines a proven treatment that has helped thousands heal and many others feel better—in as fast as ninety days.
Drawing on her own personal experience as well as her work consulting with thousands of patients, Hashimoto’s Protocol offers a practical pathway for healing and reversing the autoimmune damage at the root of the disease. The first step is a quick-start two-week detox that includes foods to eat and inflammatory foods to avoid, advice on supplements to support the liver, and an adrenal recovery plan. Next, readers create a personalized plan with foods, supplements, and other lifestyle interventions tailored to their body’s own unique Hashimoto’s triggers, which they can identify using self-tests included in the book. Hashimoto’s Protocol also features original recipes.
Grounded in the latest science, Hashimoto’s Protocol is the first book to offer a proven protocol by an acknowledged expert in the field to treat this condition without dangerous hormones—and help sufferers reclaim their lives.
I attended her online series "The Thyroid Secret", which included interviews with leading experts. Not sure how much I learned but it gave me a good introduction to what's understood about the condition, also that the foods we eat and the supplements we take can make our thyroid condition better or worse. It was from her or Amy Myers, MD, another thyroid expert, that I was encouraged to take a specific nutritional supplement that calmed my over active thyroid.
I've already pre-ordered the book. Just waiting now for it's release in mid-May. What I like about Dr. Wentz is that she really digs into the research and understands it! And with that information and her many years of experience working with clients, she's teaching us how to restore our health, so we can resume our lives. Can't say enough good things about her work. And it all starts with the right form of thyroid hormones, changes to the diet, and a few specific nutritional supplements.
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