Meds or not?

[henrythewasp]

I am in for a Thyroid blood test in the morning,11.30 am. Do i fast and not have my Thyroxine in the morning i can't remember?

[humanbean]

Having your blood test done later in the day will produce a lower TSH result than a test done first thing in the morning.

Since a lot of doctors decide your dose on the basis of TSH only you may get your dose reduced because of it. Having your test early reduces the risk of this happening, so you should rearrange your test.

Assuming you usually take your levo in the morning, delay taking it until after the blood is taken, then take your levo immediately after.

If you normally take your levo at night then miss out your dose the night before the test, then take the missed dose immediately after the blood draw. Then take your evening levo as usual.

As for fasting... There are different opinions on this. If I possibly can, I always fast (apart from water) for every test I have. I know there are some blood tests where fasting is mandatory. I don't know of any where eating is mandatory. So logically, I just think fasting is the way to go.

However, if your test is done at 11.30 that may be too long a wait for food. I don't think I could last that long!

[Muffy]

Definitely have your blood drawn earlier in the day, best around 7.30 - 8.30 a.m. if possible.

[henrythewasp in reply to Muffy]

What if i stay in bed and get up an hour before?......If my alarm isn't set then i will sleep.

[Clutter in reply to henrythewasp]

Henry, TSH is highest early in the morning which is why early morning testing is recommended for anyone hoping to get a dose increase. It will be easier to fast if you get up nearer the time your blood test. TSH is apparently lower after eating.

[henrythewasp in reply to Clutter]

I don't eat early anyway,normally always the afternoon before i can face anything but its done and dusted now,went to bed early hours of the morning and got up around 10 am and had nothing,no food,coffee,water,nothing!...Normally have Thyroxine around 7.30 am but had it around 12 midday instead today after the test.