Repeat blood test

[heathkick]

Morning everyone. This is my first post on your site, which I have found a great support for the many questions we have when diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I went for a routine health check which showed my Tsh at 22. The doctors called me to arrange to medicate onto 75mgs of Levo straight away that day. Not much change at all in my symptoms which seem far ranging and realise I wasn't imagining feeling unwell for some time. I am going in for first 6 week blood test this Wednesday first thing, with a doctors appointment booked for next Monday when results should be back. I am nervous about them doing the right amount of tests Wednesday and have booked a doctors telephone appointment for this afternoon to discuss this. Please can you advise what tests they should/would normally carry out and what tests I should ask them for. Also so I have a fasting blood test this Wednesday and take Levo after I have seen the nurse? Your help is appreciated.....

[spongecat]

Hi Heathkick....welcome!

It will take some time for things to even out. When I was first diagnosed with a TSH of 27 it has taken time with normal titrating for me to start feeling better.

I was diagnosed in March 2014 and am currently on 100mcg after 25mcg increases from a starting dose of 25mcg (because of my 50+ age). It is only on this current increase that I actually feel somewhat better. Not perfect but a feeling that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

I never realised that the string of autoimmune (or what is thought of) conditions that I had was my hypothyroidism. It was only by luck that the practice nurse ordered a full blood panel when I went in for a gouty toe that my hypo state was revealed! I even thought that the fat scallop-edged tongue that I had had for years was just one of those things that humans have.

I would reckon that the tests they will do will be for TSH and fT4 only, that is the way it is here. In the UK the labs don't do T3 unless it is requested by an endo. Some do, I know that UCH Southampton Path Lab do it as they have an ongoing interest in thyroid biochemistry research and my GP requested it to see if I was converting OK and they were happy to test as long as it was mentioned on the blood form that I was on rising dosage Levo medication with continuing highish levels of TSH and low T4.

On the day of your blood draw, which should be as early as possible eg. 8.30am don't take your morning dose of levo. No breakfast either so you are in a fasted condition (water is OK. Make sure you are hydrated, the phlebotomists like it because it makes your veins easier to see). Take Levo as normal after your blood test.

Always take Levo with a full glass of water and no food for 1 hour. I usually take mine if I have to visit the loo at 5 or 6 am. Take any additional supplements at least 4 hours later.

[heathkick in reply to spongecat]

Hi Spongecat

Thank you for the advice. Seems to me that it's not going to be a 'quick fix' as anything can occur. Let's hope that the doctors are knowledgeable in my area and ask for the right tests!

[spongecat in reply to heathkick]

Aye, it's a slow process. Unfortunately being treated for this condition is not like clearing up an infection with antibiotics say..."You should feel much better in 5 days".

Since this is hormonal it takes time for the meds to percolate and replace the missing parts of the puzzle especially if you have been ill for some time.

We are all different in our responses to treatment and the speed but you should be optimally treated until you feel well again. At least that's the theory!

GP's put an enormous amount of faith into the blood results but often forget to ask how we are feeling, in other words treating us holistically.

There really is not so much of one size fits all in this condition, otherwise it would be easy!

It would be a good idea to get the results of all your blood tests from your GP. They cannot refuse to do this. A lot of practices give this for free, some may charge a nominal amount for ink/paper.

You need the result and the range which is given in brackets. You can post your results on here if you like and knowledgeable members can make observations for you.

Oh by the way I completely forgot! Is your doctor testing for;

Vitamin D

Ferritin

Vitamin B12

Thyroid antibodies.

Our vitamins levels and some other minerals can really nosedive when we are hypo. You may need supplements, especially if your doctor says that you are "in range". Sometimes this is not enough, the levels need to be in upper quadrants for T4 to T3 conversion to take place and help you to get better.

Also if you can get hold of the book "Your thyroid and how to keep it healthy" by Barry Durrant-Peatfield is a brilliant read and full of useful information.

As you might have gathered this is something that we have to take a certain amount of control over, despite what some medics say!

[heathkick in reply to spongecat]

Thanks for your reply. I have already realised that it is not a well known condition in the medical world but hope that my doctor has a good understanding and is able to carry out the necessary tests. I will post the results when they are made available. Thanks again