New blood results etc.

[Winegum2]

Finally got these results after 2 weeks. I'm yet undiagnosed btw. Interested in any comments. Of course I'm within 'normal' ranges for everything!

Oct 2014

Vit B12 - 240 (>180)

Folate - 13.5 (>4)

Ferritin - 18 don't know range

TSH - 3.9 (0.5 - 5.5)

Cholesterol 4.3 (>5)

still waiting on Vit D result

Oct 2009

Vit B12 - 268

Folate - 8

Ferritin - 31

TSH - 3.7

Cholesterol - 5.1

My GP wrote to an Endo re: a multi-nodular goitre which showed up on an U/S. The Endo has referred me to ENT to get a fine needle aspiration. As the Endo considers me to be Eutheroid, he won't see me until he gets the result of that test. I am currently unable to get T4, T3 or antibody tests, they must be requested by and Endo!

[Clutter]

Winegum,

TSH rises in response to falling circulating hormone so it's a safe guess that your FT4 and FT3 are low in range. You may have to wait until your TSH is >5.5 to get a hypothyroid diagnosis. You can order private FT4 and FT3 tests from Blue Horizon and Genova via thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

B12 is low in range. Most of us supplement methylcobalamin B12 sublingual lozenges, spray or patches when B12 is <500. 2,000mcg daily for 8 weeks will improve it and then 1,000mcg daily as maintenance.

Ferritin is low. Optimal is 70-90. Ferrous fumarate is available OTC. Take each iron tablet with 500mg-1,000mg vitC to aid absorption and mitigate constipation.

Folate and cholesterol look fine.

[Winegum2 in reply to Clutter]

Thank you Clutter, very helpful!

[Stourie in reply to Winegum2]

Thyroid blood tests should be done as early as possible as that is when the tsh is at its highest.

[Winegum2 in reply to Clutter]

I tried to get some Ferrous fulmarate from Lloyds today, but she wouldn't give it to me unless my dr had recommended it to me. I could try somewhere else and lie, but I hate lying! (Sigh!)

[Clutter in reply to Winegum2]

Winegum, try somewhere else (not Boots). I'm surprised about Lloyds, some members have bought FF from them.

[Winegum2 in reply to Clutter]

I don't need a prescription to get it from Lloyds (although she said that it would be cheaper if I did). She just wanted to know that I had been advised by a Dr. or that I'd had it before. My problem is that I'm just too honest!

What dose should I be getting and for how long?

[Clutter in reply to Winegum2]

Winegum, 210mg for 4 months and have another blood test a week or two after that.

[Winegum2 in reply to Clutter]

I have spoken to my Dr and he doesn't see a problem with my Ferritin as my hemoglobin is middle of the range. He advised that if I want to take anything then Spa Tone would be a better option. I'm inclined to go with that option as my main symptom is sluggish bowel and abdo pain, I don't want to make that worse. I'd be interested in your opinion on why low (but in range) Ferritin needs sorting out if Hemoglobin is fine. Thanks

[Clutter in reply to Winegum2]

Winegum, I don't have an opinion on it. Low ferritin can be an early sign of anaemia, high ferritin may be a sign of inflammation and optimal ferritin 70-90 aids absorption of thyroxine is the sum of my knowledge. If your haemoglobin is fine then I guess anaemia can be ruled out.

[Winegum2]

stourie, unfortunately I didn't know that when I had the TSH done, so I had it at midday. It could well have been over the reference range as it can vary by 50%. If the Endo finally agrees to see me, I'll ask for it again along with all the other TfTs.