Thyroid issues - what to do

[Bograt]

Hi all,

I have a thyroid problem, and trying to get help from doctors in the UK is a nightmare. They contradict each other, do only basic tests, are really confusing and I've lost faith. I'm in Cyprus several times a year and have decided to try and get myself sorted out whilst on my trips.

The way I understand it, these are my options:

1: Get some tests done at one of the private labs, then take them to a doctor (maybe Dr Mala in Chloraka, or one of the Peyia Medical Centre ones?) Or - do the labs then prescribe medication for you, avoiding the need for a surgery visit?

2: Go straight to a good doc, (any advice gratefully received on this one) and get them to order the tests they need and let them take it forward.

3: Choose an endocrinologist at one of the private hospitals and go from there.

I'm very happy to pay for this, I won't go to the General in this instance as I think I'll end up even more confused. This probably sounds really daft to you guys who are familiar with the medical system, but I don't have a clue!

If somebody could supply an idiots' guide on the best way to get the ball rolling, I'd be grateful.

[LouiseCastricum]

I would honestly recommend Dr. Pavlos Pavlou who is at the Blue Cross every Saturday coming from Limassol. You need to make appointment via the receptioniste at the Blue Cross. Dr. Pavlou is an endocrinologist. He let me have a blood test for the thyroid, did an ultra sound and a biopsy.

[Smoo]

I would recommend going to a doctor at a private hospital and let them suggest what tests you need. I can personally recommend Dr Symeou (internal medicine) and or Dr Dora (GP) at The Blue Cross Hospital in Paphos. Blue Cross operate in conjunction with St George's hospital and therefore have extensive facilities and staff. Good luck.

[Jim B]

I go to the Evangelismos. There is a Specialist comes every Wednesday and a laboratory in the hospital.

Jim

[Bograt]

Thank you for the replies. It looks like straight to one of the hospitals is the answer for me then. I have every confidence that Cyprus will help get me sorted, phew.

[PaphosAL]

Amazed (and ashamed) that you cannot get this sorted on NHS in UK, tbh... Good Luck with Cy!

[PhotoLady]

If you live in UK, once diagnosed with thyroid issues and if you're under 60yrs of age (I'm guessing here - because I don't know you) then apparently you're eligible to get free prescriptions for thyroid and any other prescribed medicines.

If all of that applies to you, it's probably well worth persevering and still going through the motions when you have the time to do it - back in the UK.

[Bograt]

Amazed (and ashamed) that you cannot get this sorted on NHS in UK, tbh... Good Luck with Cy!

Thank you! Yes it is ridiculous. Without being boring, the NHS do not offer the full range of tests that other countries do. They get by with the least they can. That works in the simpler cases, but when things got a bit tougher, as in my case, the doctors were just not interested. Three doctors in the one practice all gave me conflicting information. I tried to challenge one of them but was met with a patronising attitude and a "there's the door, your time is up" kind of look. I don't want to complain, and again, in the NHS it's all about how to hide your mistakes, not learn from them. Sorry that this is so negative, but I used to work in the NHS, I know how it works, and believe me it is best to be wary!

[Bograt]

If you live in UK, once diagnosed with thyroid issues and if you're under 60yrs of age (I'm guessing here - because I don't know you) then apparently you're eligible to get free prescriptions for thyroid and any other prescribed medicines.

If all of that applies to you, it's probably well worth persevering and still going through the motions when you have the time to do it - back in the UK.

Yup, spot on with the prescription costs. And crazily, even if you come off the thyroid meds you still get free everything else....

I just don't know how to persevere any more, as one tells me one thing and one another. Which is right? Who is wrong?? I could go to yet another partner in the practice I guess, but until they agree to do the full tests they can't really get a proper diagnosis. You have made me think though. Perhaps I can insist on a referral to an endocrinologist. Hmm, that'll go down well....!

[PaphosAL]

That's not just scary, but it's plain bloody frightening, bograt...

[PhotoLady]

Yup, spot on with the prescription costs. And crazily, even if you come off the thyroid meds you still get free everything else....

I just don't know how to persevere any more, as one tells me one thing and one another. Which is right? Who is wrong?? I could go to yet another partner in the practice I guess, but until they agree to do the full tests they can't really get a proper diagnosis. You have made me think though. Perhaps I can insist on a referral to an endocrinologist. Hmm, that'll go down well....!

Nothing to stop you still continuing in Cyprus with the process either..... and you may find the Thyroid meds are a decent price to buy there. I know a friend of ours came on holiday to Cyprus from UK one Christmas and realised she'd left her meds at home. She went to one of the pharmacies in Limassol and she could buy them over the counter and was surprised at how cheap they were.

Then, once you're diagnosed and have a UK prescription - just get your other meds free in UK.

It's a pain isn't it? I'm glad I stocked up on all my prescribed meds in Cyprus before we left. Been back now almost 12 months and I still haven't had to go to see my GP for any prescriptions yet

[Jim B]

Thyroxine is very cheap in Cyprus and you are correct regarding Free Prescriptions Jules, There are two tests available and the cost is not too expensive. There are several types of treatment for an overactive Thyroid from Surgery to Nuclear Medicine which I had at the Liverpool Teaching Hospital. The Specialist at Evangelismos is very knowledgeable and professional, his appointment book is always very full,

Jim

[Bograt]

Thyroxine is very cheap in Cyprus and you are correct regarding Free Prescriptions Jules, There are two tests available and the cost is not too expensive. There are several types of treatment for an overactive Thyroid from Surgery to Nuclear Medicine which I had at the Liverpool Teaching Hospital. The Specialist at Evangelismos is very knowledgeable and professional, his appointment book is always very full,

Jim

Thank you Jim. Would you happen to have this specialist's name to hand? In case there is more than one.....

Looks like I am spoilt for choice in Cyprus, wonderful. Thank you everyone for your help and advice. Onwards and upwards!

[Jim B]

I don't have it to hand but a quick call in to reception and they will give his Secretary's number. His Surgery is usually very busy so best to arrange it asap.

Jim

[Lofos-5]

I don't have it to hand but a quick call in to reception and they will give his Secretary's number. His Surgery is usually very busy so best to arrange it asap.

Jim

Hi Jim,

there are three listed on the Evangelismos website - which one you are referring to please?

Dr. Aggelos Kyriacou
Dr. George Zavros
Dr. Trifonas Christoforou

Thank you, A.