Achilles reflex test

[smudger1]

Has anyone had this done? Any info would be helpful, my consultant did it and afterwards requested a blood test and said he would treat me for T3 depending on the result.

[Lina13]

My old GP used to do it and I usually had no reflex at all. She said it was one symptom of being hypo. And I have read somewhere that it is. But of course you need more than that to be sure!

[Shelley1954 in reply to Lina13]

Will have to wait for blood test result, even if he does prescribe meds for T3, it seems I will have battle to get them on NHS!

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Yes, I have but only by a private Dr. Don't expect endo to do it

Looking at your previous post you say you have high antibodies.

Most people on levo need low TSH around (or even slightly below) 1 to be adequately treated. Do you have your latest blood test results for TSH, FT4 & FT3

If they have not been done ......Suggest you ask GP to check levels of vitamin d, b12, folate and ferratin. These all need to at good (not just average) levels for thyroid hormones (our own or replacement ones) to work in our cells

ALWAYS Make sure you get the actual figures from tests (including ranges - figures in brackets). You are entitled to copies of your own results. Some surgeries make nominal charge for printing out. Alternatively you can now ask for online access to your own medical records. Though not all surgeries can do this yet, or may not have blood test results available yet online.

When you get results suggest you make a new post on here and members can offer advice on any vitamin supplements needed

If you can not get GP to do these tests, then like many of us, you can get them done privately

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Blue Horizon - Thyroid plus eleven tests all these. £99

This is an easy to do fingerprick test you do at home, post back and they email results to you couple of days later.

Usual advice on ALL thyroid tests, (home one or on NHS) is to do early in morning, ideally before 9am. No food or drink beforehand (other than water) If you are taking Levo, then don't take it in 24 hours before (take straight after). This way your tests are always consistent, and it will show highest TSH, and as this is mainly all the medics decide dose on, best idea is to keep result as high as possible

As you have Hashimoto's then you may find adopting 100% gluten free diet can help reduce symptoms, and lower antibodies too. Selenium supplements can help reduce antibodies and improve conversion

You do not need to have ANY obvious gut issues, to still have poor nutrient absorption or low stomach acid or gluten intolerance

Best advice is to read as much as you can. Vitamin and minerals levels are very important, but standard NHS thinking, doesn't at the moment seem to recognise this. You will see, time and time again on here lots of information and advice about importance of good levels of B12, folate, ferritin and vitamin D, low stomach acid, leaky gut and gluten connection to autoimmune Hashimoto's (& Grave's) too.,

[Shelley1954 in reply to SlowDragon]

TSH has dropped in last 6 months from .2 down to 0.05. My GP has reduced Levo from 100 to 75, hence my request for endo appointment, cause symptoms very hypo not hyper. The endo I saw was very good, annoyed that he did not have all my test results sent to him apart from the last TSH! I have emailed the surgery requesting all test results relating to thyroid, including ranges in the last year. The endo listened to my symptoms, checked heart, pulse, Achilles test and then arranged a blood test on site. Depending on result of this, he said he would prescribe T3 meds if needed and wanted to see me in 4 months with my current list of symptoms, amended if better/same/worse.

[TaraJR]

I've never had this done, despite seeing several GPs and consultants over 25 years.

I've recently read about it, and tried it on myself.

I couldn't get an sign of a reflex, but I expect you can't do it on your self!!

Does anyone know if it's a conclusive sign if being hypo?

[SilverAvocado]

I've heard this is one of the best tests for being hypo, as it's very characteristic. I would love to know enough to do it on myself! You can see videos on YouTube, but I can't tell the difference between responding and not.

Dr Peatfield did it on me, but I didn't get a chance to ask him what he saw.

[Musicmonkey]

My NHS Endo did a reflex test on me, but not the Achilles. He did it at the knee. No response. Now overseeing me on T3/T4 therapy (not just because of that I am sure!)

[silverfox7]

Dr Skinner did this to me and also requested that I was put on NDT or added T3. I did t find out until after his death and I got my notes that he had done this but my GP ignored him and even wrote to the GMC saying she never heard from him, I found her replies as well! Thinkfully she has retired!!!!

[Serendipitious]

I went to see Dr P last week and he performed this test on my ankles and wrists. There was virtually no response. It was like a weak, delayed response.

[JanePound]

I had it done when I was first diagnosed. It was 1988 and my, then, husband was going to work in the USA. We all needed a medical examination before going. The company doctor (who was also a local GP) did my knee reflex, took my pulse and then my temperature and said, 'I think I know what's wrong with you.' My answer was 'Children.' as I had a 4 year old and a one year old. I had noticed that 80 year old swimmers were passing me when I went to the adult swimming club but I just put it all down to breastfeeding and having two children and the associated fatigue.

He sent me for a blood test and then a chest x-ray. The x-ray showed that I had an enlarged heart and obviously the blood test confirmed it all.