More blood tests

[thorn777]

Hi everyone after my visit to the doc and him agreeing to do more blood tests I went the other day the phlebotomist did them not the nurse I asked what they were for she said I don't know these aren't normal ones I don't think I've done these before anyway I had a look some I couldn't understand, thyroid antibodies was 1 there were about 6 or 7 on the sheet it said something about hypoadrenalism any clues? does the doc think I have this?Thanks, perhaps I might find out what I have thought for a long time that my medication isn't really helping!!

[Hidden]

>thyroid antibodies

Thyroid auto-antibodies are tested to help determine the cause of thyroid disease. The most common cause of thyroid disease in the UK is the immune system attacking and damaging the thyroid. This is what your doctor is testing for. The most common antibody tested is thyroid peroxidase antibody.

>it said something about hypoadrenalism any clues?

Your doctor was probably doing a test for cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands which sit on top of the kidneys. Hypoadrenalism (adrenal insufficiency) is much less common than hypothyroidism. Signs and symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, low blood pressure, dizziness, low blood sugar, extreme fatigue/weakness, vague muscle and joint pains, reduced pubic & arm pit hair in women, and darkening of the skin (especially on the face and neck, inside the mouth, on the back of the hands and in the skin creases of the hands).

A single test for cortisol cannot reliably diagnose adrenal insufficiency unless levels are very low. If levels are borderline, further tests are invariably needs to confirm or exclude the diagnosis. If diagnosed, adrenal insufficiency is treated with hydrocortisone (cortisol) tablets to bring cortisol levels back up to normal. Another hormone called fludrocortisone is sometimes needed too.

>does the doc think I have this?

Probably not, but she wants to exclude it.

Hope this helps.

Bob.

[tegz]

If only more Docs would take this sensible approach to thyroid troubles.

You are lucky to have a good one that asked for the right tests. I hope the Lab doesn't intervene with the oft found 'no can do this one'- though somehowIi doubt it with your Dr!

[cazy]

good luck thorn777, how lucky are you, your doctor sounds ace, if you are new to hypo you could be the one who gets the correct diagnosis.

yours with envy cazy xx