Thyroid antibodies

[Sewnsew]

Hi, my GP says there is no need to test for antibodies as it will not make any difference to my treatment! This doesn't sound right to me😕

[missymystique]

I think this is not right. Knowing if you have antibodies will help you know if you have an autoimmune disease. If you have an autoimmune disease you might have another one (in my case) which may cause your unexplained symptoms.

Also some people manage to reduce autoimmune attack by going gluten free etc and that helps them to reduce their thyroid related symptoms.

[Sewnsew in reply to missymystique]

Mmmm...... I was diagnosed with oral Lichen Planus some years ago, it doesn't cause me major probs, but just lets me know now and then that it is still present with blisters and soreness. I think this can be autoimmune but also due to some meds.

[Nickinoo1]

Unfortunately if in the UK this seems to be the case. Not sure what happened to proactive medicine but it doesn't happen in the UK for Hashimoto's. The Drs treat the effects on the thyroid if you are lucky but not the Hashi's itself.

I went gluten free as per advice here which has helped with joint aches.

[HarryE]

It won't make any difference to how the NHS will treat you, but you're right - it isn't right!!

If they won't test for them, you can get them done privately

[Cal123]

As missymystique states, an antibody test will show if you have an auto immune condition like Graves or Hashis. If they do show up you can then be treated accordingly and will only be in true remission once they have gone. I'm in the UK and never had a problem getting them tested.

[Sewnsew in reply to Cal123]

Hi Cal123, neither my GP or Endocrinologist tested for antibodies!!

[Marz]

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu.......

Posted the above yesterday - also Flower007 has posted similarly....

[greygoose]

What he's actually saying, Sewnsew, is that HE has no idea how to treat antibodies, so to avoid showing himself up, he doesn't test them. Where ignorance is bliss...

[Prochida]

Hi Sewnsew,

I'm just realising what a nightmare mine field this is! I have been under my NHS endo for many years, due to all symptoms of Hypothyroidsm (yet they have never joined the dots and have treated each symptom in isolation!) and they have only ever checked my TSH, which fell within their 'normal' range. My Sister recently alerted me to requesting that they also check my Thyroid Antibodies, as well as T3 and T4, the next time I was due to be seen. I had the results of my T3 (which was low, but they said was within their 'normal' range) and my T4 were ok, however my Antibodies were at 301! When the normal range quoted to me was 10-150! So mine are running at double the 'normal' range rate. In order to get the blood test, I did have to request this from my Endocrinologist, explaining that it had never been taken before and it greatly concerned me, hence I wanted it checked out. I am now due to have an ultra sound scan, however I still feel that the NHS is very behind in understanding about Thyroid disorders and appropriate treatments. It was suggested that I may have Hashimotos or Hypothyroidism, but more tests need to be taken first.

I enquired about the route of treatment, as I would rather be inclined to take natural products, rather than pump my body full of further synthetic chemicals. I asked my GP and Endo about NDT and they both looked at me blankly and stated they didn't know what Natural Dessicated Thyroid was. I was amazed. They said if it wasn't in their little yellow book of medicines, then they couldn't prescribe it! Why does it seem that the UK is the only country that makes it extremely difficult for it's citizens to get hold of NDT!

Still researching and trying to understand more about what is available out there ....will be awaiting the results of my tests, so will keep you all updated.

Thanks for reading!

[greygoose in reply to Prochida]

Prochida, better synthetic thyroid hormone than none at all! And, believe it or not, the 'natural' doesn't suit everybody. Some people are better off on synthetic.

[Prochida in reply to greygoose]

Thanks Greygoose. There is still so much I need to learn about this. I'll have my ultra sound then pay for further blood tests. I'll be trying to see my (useless) GP and if I can, my Endo at some point soon....

Thanks to everyone who has given me advice here!

[greygoose in reply to Prochida]

You're welcome.

[Sewnsew]

Thanks for all your replies. I think I will have to have a private blood test. It's difficult though as I have had to give up work due to ill health!

[Cal123 in reply to Sewnsew]

Have you thought about changing doctors before paying out? I've been hyper twice, seen 2 docs in different surgeries and both tested for everything. Guess I've just been really lucky both times.

[Sewnsew in reply to Cal123]

I think you have been lucky! In general I like the surgery, it is local and the next nearest one is in the next village. I feel I have built a relationship with this GP. He isn't perfect but I've had worse GPs! I will continue to work with him and who knows I may educate him!

I did get him to give me a trial on thyroxine and was able to report improvements in some of my symptoms.

I am trying to find out from my pharmacy, which, if any, local GPs prescribe NDT. Unfortunately it was a locum pharmacist when I asked, I will ask again.

I accept GPs can't know everything, but I wish they would admitt it when they have a lack of knowledge.

[Clutter in reply to Sewnsew]

Sewnsew, 90% of hypothyroidism is caused by autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) so it would be fair to assume that you have it and simply make dietary changes like going gluten-free to see whether symptoms improve and flare ups decrease.

[Sewnsew]

Hi Clutter, that's reasonable to assume. I've done gluten free a few years ago when I was unwell, it didn't seem to make a difference but it might be worth trying again.

Thanks😉