How often would you test blood?

Self medicating, and increasing in tiny doses. The private blood tests are so expensive but want to get it right. I was thinking every 4-6 weeks or is that not enough or too much? I've read a lot but going it alone.

[galathea]

I get mine tested once a year. When I was first self medicating I went by how I felt and just had one extra blood test after 6 months.

G

[HarryE]

I think that's too much really. I am going to have another one done in the next couple of weeks after self treating for 6-8 weeks, but that's really because I'm curious to see what's happened. I agree with galathea, yearly will be what I'm aiming for.

Hope you're feeling better, I know I am!

[Hidden]

Thanks, I'm doing temp and pulse religiously - so far so good! I guess you're right, GPs do the frequent testing as an excuse to limit dosing rather than see how we actually feel on our meds. I'm only 10 days in, fingers crossed. Good luck!

[shaws Administrator in reply to Hidden]

Before the blood tests were introduced patients were medicated with NDT and it was adjusted according to whether they felt well or not.

[HarryE in reply to shaws]

Yes, I do intend to go by how I feel as I believe it is best too. But I am really curious to see the difference too

[helvella Administrator in reply to shaws]

I don't think that the term NDT was in use when desiccated thyroid was a standard treatment in the UK. GPs would have seen Thyroid BP.

See this ancient reference from 1964:

dtb.bmj.com/content/2/6/21....

I don't know where the phrase NDT came from but I always tend to use "desiccated thyroid" (sometimes prefixed with "prescription" to distinguish to from the various over-the-counter glandular products). I can't believe that many doctors are familiar or comfortable with the NDT term. Possibly only those who have patients who use the phrase?

Rod

[Heloise]

Leamo, it's been so long I can hardly remember when I began Synthroid but I'm pretty sure it was weeks if not months before my first test. Remember your pituitary needs time to react to your external hormone and there will probably be ups and downs which may make it difficult to determine by looking at test results if done too soon. Just my opinion though. You are aiming to find your optimal dose so a slow increase, but not too slow, (but continual) increase until you feel better. Are there directions in some of the recommending reading? I would think you could increase by 25 mcg. until you reach 75 to 100 mcg. per day IF YOU FEEL YOU NEED THAT and then edge up slower if needed perhaps cutting the 25 in half.

I think the 100 mcg. tablets are cheaper than the four 25's so after you decide what you need, you may want to get the size you will take daily but check that out first.

[Hidden in reply to Heloise]

Thanks, I'm actually following the Dr BDP plan on NDT and supplements so bought some quarter and half grains. Blew the bank for the initial outlay but I figured I could tinker more easily with the quarter grains to get it right. It's the same principle on reaching a certain level though as you say, stop or push it and see if you need it or not. That sounds like the hardest bit gotta be brave, no more M.E. for ME

[HarryE in reply to Hidden]

Yes that's what I did too. I thought it was better than smashing up the 1 grain pills and wasting them

[Heloise in reply to Hidden]

Good for you Leamo. Don't be afraid...just listen to your body/mind. I'm glad you are going for the natural. Synthroid was not good and really did something to my muscles. It took six years to find a doctor for Armour. I have to say that doctors have been useless except for getting the prescriptions and now you don't really need them for that either. Good wishes, I think you'll do fine.

[Glynisrose]

Rarely, blood tests only measure what is circulating in the bloodstream, NOT whether its working or not!! Go by how you feel not numbers.

[mrsb05]

Can I ask all, how do you go about purchasing the NDT? I have approached my GP for T3 and he claims he has never heard of it (as if - more likely standard answer). I had a total removal in 97 and have progressively been getting worse year on year. Cannot get any total t blood tests done by GP only the useless TSH which as usual says everything's fine when you know it isn't. I am on 100 mcg per day. If anyone knows where I can obtain I would be thankful.

[helvella Administrator in reply to mrsb05]

See my comment further up about Thyroid BP.

Also, T3 as a medicine is called Liothyronine. That is what he needs to looks up in BNF or MIMS or wherever. Or here:

medicines.org.uk/emc/medici...

medicines.org.uk/emc/medici...

I believe it quite possible that doctors have not heard of T3 as a medicine and cannot quickly and easily find it.

Rod

[Hidden in reply to mrsb05]

I've sent you a p.m.