Ordered Thyroid Profile Advanced home blood tes... - Thyroid UK

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Ordered Thyroid Profile Advanced home blood test from Blue Horizon to take to my first endo appointment....

sip1 profile image
sip1
27 Replies

I was going to wait, to see what tests they actually did themselves - but decided in the end to save time and just do it myself, just to be sure nothing was missed out! The test checks T4, TSH, FT4,FT3, THYROGLOBULIN ANTIBODIES and THYROID PEROXIDASE ANTIBODIES. I wanted to rule out (or in) Hashimotos as I haven't had my antibodies checked, and I'm not sure if they would have done this or not? I'm also waiting on my recent adrenal stress test results, which I'll also take - along with my previous adrenal stress test results and t4 : t3 ratio urine results. I'm going to write down all my symptoms too (as I will never remember off the top of my head!) and also take in my basal body temp over the past month or two. I'm thinking, if they can't help me with all this info, then there's no hope!!!!???

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sip1
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27 Replies
sheenah profile image
sheenah

Make sure you do the BH tests as early in the day as you can - I did mine between 5-6am - made a huge difference to the TSH reading. You will be lucky if they take any notice of the basal temp readings - mine just looked at me daft because they are no longer educated regarding the efficacy and relevance of this test. Once you have had all the tests, I would write a lengthy and erudite letter to the GP explaining what all the tests potentially mean - they then have to answer you. Worked for me. When you do your test and if you have trouble getting blood out, stand up, walk around - don't put the lid on the phial too soon because as soon as you do you'll have blood spurting everywhere. -they give you 3 lancets - you will probably need them but it is not painful - just frustrating!! It is very well and easily explained - follow it to the letter. And good luck - it's worth the efffort! XX

Schenks profile image
Schenks in reply tosheenah

Hope you don't mind my muscling in to your thread,Sip, but could I ask you to clarify a couple of things, sheenah? First of all, what's a BH test? And secondly - how do you take your own blood for the tests as described by Sip? I ask because I have not taken the tests since I don't know where to get my blood taken for a private test. Thanks - and thanks to you, Sip!

sip1 profile image
sip1 in reply toSchenks

I think BH means Blue Horizon :) I don't know how it's performed, but it is a home test. I think it's finger prick, but will find out soon enough! :)

HarryE profile image
HarryE in reply toSchenks

Some are available as finger pricks, but others need blood taken.

sip1 profile image
sip1 in reply toHarryE

I ordered the home test kit - I hope that's the finger prick test? homebloodtests.co.uk/epages...

HarryE profile image
HarryE in reply tosip1

Yes, make sure you are warm when you do it, it makes the blood come out easier! But it is very straightforward and fast results too. :-)

sip1 profile image
sip1 in reply toHarryE

Thanks HarryE - sounds lovely lol :)

Clutter profile image
Clutter

It will very much depend on the endo you see as to whether they'll be interested in your results, how they're interpreted and how a treatment plan is decided. At the very least, having the information available saves time in testing and waiting on the next consultaton for decisions.

sip1 profile image
sip1 in reply toClutter

Yes that's what I was thinking Clutter - if they do accept them, it'll save time in testing - waiting for results etc. Do you think it would be useful to post my results to them in advance of my appointment?

Clutter profile image
Clutter in reply tosip1

I'd ring the endo's secretary and ask.

Don't get too excited as i did all this too and found nhs refused to accept or acknowledge the private tests

sip1 profile image
sip1 in reply to

Sure, I'm prepared for them to not accept the tests. I think more than anything, I'm doing the latest thyroid test for me, to know exactly where I stand as I'm not prepared to have half arsed tests done by them. If the results help, then great, If not, I won't be surprised! :)

Jackie profile image
Jackie

Hi I would get the gP tom do vit D too. If you take results with you it means easier to start treatment ie no waiting.

Jackie

mistydog profile image
mistydog in reply toJackie

I was told that if calcium and phosphate are within normal range, the labs won't do Vit D because it MUST be normal. That's the Bedfordshire diktat apparently.

Jackie profile image
Jackie in reply tomistydog

Hi Sorry but this is really wrong. This is really Endo if under one.My D is the lowest it can be measured but as my calcium has now gone well over range I had to stop all D as then calcium so dangerous.If D very low it causes Osteolamacia, , adult rickets which is terrible, especially at night, climbing stairs etc so hard.Even when my calcium was in range and fine, my D was desperately low and I had 3 times the recommended dose,still too low,hen had to stop all of it. Endo really worries about it and I still have lots of calcium and D tests., although cannot be treated for the D.A consultant told me D, hormonal and so complicated it caan only be treated by Endo, failing that GP, rest only allowed to diagnose it.

Jackie

mistydog profile image
mistydog in reply toJackie

You know that, I know that. I am going to get it privately tested. I was told the same thing about T3 not being tested if TSH and Free T4 within range also. The Endo I saw unfortunately was a total waste of space. I'm glad you've found a good one - let me know if he's within 100 miles of Bedford!

Jackie profile image
Jackie in reply tomistydog

Hi I have sent you a PM, rules!

Jackie

mistydog profile image
mistydog in reply toJackie

Of course! Thank you!

Jackie profile image
Jackie in reply tomistydog

Sorry that is so wrong. I had normal calcium and used to have 3 times recommended dose, endo, of D still too low. Then my calcium went dangerously high, I had to stop taking the D, still dangerous calcium Now D as low as can be measured, bad Osteomalacia, adult rickets, horrible. I still have lots of tests for both. Endo worries about it but not much we can do except the obvious, which is a drop in the ocean. A consultant said once to me, D so complicated , they are only allowed to diagnose it, not to treat it.Phosphate included as I am tested for that monthly for kidney/liver disease.

Jackie

mistydog profile image
mistydog in reply toJackie

Yes exactly. I asked the Endo what he thought about my Vit B12 levels being so low (317 with levels 150-99,999) and he said we're not here to discuss that, this is an endo clinic. I can't believe these people get paid to be so crap.

Jackie profile image
Jackie in reply tomistydog

he sounds dreadful, B12 kis hormonal, very much Endo.

Jackie

JLTsirius profile image
JLTsirius

Hi

whatever tests you do must include FREE T3 not just Total T3.

This might help

naturalendocrinesolutions.c...

I didn't see an Iron or Iron Saturation in your above tests. This would be important too.

best

JLTsirius

sip1 profile image
sip1 in reply toJLTsirius

Free T3 is included in the test I've ordered :) I've recently had my ferritin levels checked, which are almost spot on. Is iron saturation something different?

Jackie profile image
Jackie in reply tosip1

Yes, most important as shows if the iron/ferritin is absorbed, if low% you need a .ot more. Two tests can be done for ferritin/iron, ask GP to do the one with this info on.

Jackie

Jackie profile image
Jackie in reply toJLTsirius

Hi My Endo says it must be Free T3, the other useless. , I had it by mistake nce.

Jackie

JLTsirius profile image
JLTsirius

Hi, yes it is. Is poss to have high Ferritin but rubbish iron saturation.

Also, the GP levels for Ferritin are not always optimal. When I first had mine done a stupid young GP told me I was normal at 30. My more informed lovely GP went absolutely ballistic. She agrees needs to be 70-90. Mine can be as high as 120 and she isn't phased.

Iron saturation needs to be a min 35%, which means the iron is 'actually' getting into your system.

Stop The Thyroid Madness website is a v good place to find out about these things.

best

JLT

sheenah profile image
sheenah

Hi All yes sorry BH is Blue Horizon. They supply you with 3 lancets to prick your finger - they hope you will be able to do it with one, but I couldn't anyway and was glad of the spares!! LOL! Very clear instructions. You then make yourself, comfortable and warm and stab your finger with the lancet - it is designed to only penetrate the skin to a certain degree, so you can't go too deep! Not especially painful, in fact not at all, and then you gently milk your finger (or fingers) until you have filled to a line in the small phial they provide. Easy Peasy - unless you don't like the sight of blood - then not to be recommended! xx

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