Best thermometer to use

[Nickster]

Hi everyone

Could you please advise the best thermometer to buy to check temperature in the morning? Can I use I digital ear thermometer or should I invest in a digital mouth thermometer? Many thanks in advance.

[shaws Administrator]

An ordinary thermometer is best for morning temp, which should be placed underarm for 10 mins before you get out of bed. That's called a Basal Temp test. It can also be used at a couple of times during the day in the normal manner. Also take your pulse at the same time and keep a note as it is helpful.

I believe digital thermometers bleep after a couple of mins.

[Nickster in reply to shaws]

Thank you for the quick reply. Will get one tomorrow and will start keeping a record.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Nickster]

You only need to use it until you feel much better. I only use it occasional now.

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[Nickster in reply to shaws]

I am trying to get a case together for GP so thought I should arm myself with lots of evidence/information. Have also thought about paying to have blood tests carried out privately but one step at a time.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Nickster]

Some doctors might pay attention to things we bring in. Most say don't look on the internet and have no answer or knowledge about symptoms and leave you to get on with it.

[Nickster in reply to shaws]

Very frustrating. My GP refused to even consider I might have a thyroid problem because my results were "normal".

[shaws Administrator in reply to Nickster]

It's more than frustrating it's infuriating and I think that's what keeps us going 'anger' at being left to get on with it.

[Hypopotamus in reply to shaws]

It's difficult to find a mercury thermometer these days, so the digital type will become the norm.

I bought one that I thought would do the job, but it is not reliable enough to measure basal temperature. I've tried doing ear temperature, and body temperature, but in both cases, readings can vary by nearly a degree when done one after the other. They say to take the highest temperature reading, but that doesn't sound accurate to me.

amazon.co.uk/Multi-function...

It was cheapish, and the more expensive kind may be more accurate.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Hypopotamus]

Mercury thermometers cannot now be supplied at all.

However, metal-filled glass thermometers are available, for example:

amazon.co.uk/Geratherm-Basa...

I have no idea how good or bad they are! Keep hoping someone will buy one and report back.

[Nickster in reply to helvella]

I might go and get some advice from a pharmacist.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Nickster]

I use a Geratherm and have found it is fine.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to shaws]

Thanks shaws - I didn't realise you had one!

[shaws Administrator in reply to helvella]

I've actually got two

[Nickster in reply to Hypopotamus]

Thanks. Just one other frustration with this whole thyroid issue!

[loueldhen]

I bought a digital thermometer for £3.86 from my local pharmacy. Went to buy one for my mother in law at Boots yesterday - they charge £9.99. Naughty Boots. Went back to the local chemist of course.

[thyr01d]

I can't help but can warn you against the mistake I made - the thermometer I bought has to be at a minimum of 20 degrees before starting, since my cottage is rarely that warm I can't use it!