Free T4

[Tessica]

Have been told that my Free T4 is 27. Have been on 125 mcg thyroxine for years. Always feel fatigued with all symptoms of hypo. Gp recommended a reduction to 100 mcg and retest in 3 months. I presume this is to get T4 down. Any views please? My gp normally only tests TSH but I asked to have all done. Was advised other results in normal range.

[greygoose]

Ask for a print-out of the results - with the ranges - so that you know exactly what was tested and what the result was. Do not just trust your doctor, there's no guarantee that he knows what he's talking about.

If you still have hypo symptoms then you need an increase in dose.

[Tessica in reply to greygoose]

Well that will be tricky. Bloods were taken at hospital after Rheumy appt 4 weeks ago. No success in getting a copy. Rheumy who ordered them has obviously not contacted me to discuss. Went to Gp and she logged in to Nhs system and read out results. I normally get a copy of ones ordered through GP after I battle with receptionist. I am normally tested for TSH only. Diagnosed with fibromyalgia bur I am positive that all my symptoms are caused by Thyroid. Thanks for advice

[greygoose in reply to Tessica]

If the GP can log into the NHS system to read the results, she can print them out, can't she? Or, ask her to read them out - with ranges - so that you can write them down. You are legally entitled to a copy of your labs.

I think you're probably right about all your symptoms being caused by thyroid.

[Jose651 in reply to greygoose]

GG, That would be far to easy for us, their patients. It is so easy to be accommodating and helpful.

The satisfaction you get is wonderful when you see someone smile because you are pleasant and willing to do your best. Until recently I was a Personal Shopper in a Dept Store.

I could never treat another person the way that I have been treated by GPs receptions since I have become ill.

My surgery refused to print out results of bloods that the endo in the local hospital ordered.

I do believe that they have to pass an exam in "how to be as awkward as you possibly can to sick people"

Jose651😡

[greygoose in reply to Jose651]

Yeah, I know what you mean. They think they're so Superior, Don't they. In most of the jobs I've had, I would have been sacked to such an attitude. In doctor's surgeries, it seems to be encouraged! Keep the patients in their place!!!

But, as I said, it is your legal right. They are breaking the law by not giving you your results when you ask.

[Oliva1955 in reply to Jose651]

I asked for mine at my local surgery and they obliged.....I was ready for a fight! Do as grey goose says ...she is so strong and knows ahoy she is talking about ... She has got your back ... Go back and tell them you will not leave the surgery without the copy ... Good luck

[Marz in reply to Tessica]

Hi Tessica

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/NHS_In...

[faith63]

please google non conversion, high reverse t3 and Dr Kent Holtorf..this is your situation.

[waveylines]

I think Faith could be right but you need more info on your bloods. You could contact your Consultants secretary to ask for them and are likely to have to put in writing -likely to take some time I suspect.....lol. You might decide to run a private test or ask your GP if they will read out the results again so you can write them down with the ranges -they. could do this through a telephone consultation - In your shoes I think I'd go the GP route -it's probably quicker!! I very much doubt they will have done a FT3 so you'll probably have to get that checked privately.

It maybe that with some T3 added in whether synthetic or a NDT that is enough to move things on or you may have to go the whole hog and move to T3 only but it's far to early to say. Clearly things are not right as they stand and it's rather simplistic of the doc to want to reduce meds without looking further as to why your Ft4 is so high but TSH is in range and you feel ill -it should be a red flag to him/her really. Louise has a list of thyroid friendly endos if you choose to seek a second opinion which of course is your right. You might want to look at the NICE guidelines too 😊

[Tessica]

Thank you everyone for your help. Waveylines I have asked my GP in the past to be referred to an endo but she said that surgery policy is not to refer and gps are able to treat thyroid issues. It all seems hopeless at times an uphill battle. I have been to GP this year with issues of breathlessness, weakness and chest pain. Now thinking that it is down to this high T4. So tired of it all and trying to hold down a full time job.

[Tessica]

Forgot to ask does anyone know how much it costs in uk to have full thyroid test and can you do it without your GP knowing. Thanks