I cannot seem to get through to my doctor!

[Katewol]

I am new to this site and am after some advice. I have a lot of symptoms of hypothyroidism. I have suffered from anxiety and depression on and off throughout my life (I'm now 40) and the doctors only seem to want to focus on this. I have thyroid tests done every year (I'm assuming it's the TSH test ) because thyroid problems run in my family. But they always seem to come just within the range. I just can't seem to get them to take me seriously! The last doctor just said,'just because it runs in your family doesn't mean you will have it'! This is not very helpful at all and surely if it does run in the family it should be worth a closer look? I have got an appointment with the doctor next week to discuss the blood test results and want to go in armed! So any advice would be really appreciated. I am fed up feeling tired all the time and suffering with aches.

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum, Katewol.

Arrange your blood draw early in the morning when TSH is highest and fast (water only) as TSH drops after eating and drinking.

NHS won't diagnose hypothyroidism until TSH is over range or FT4 is below range. Always ask the receptionist for a printout of your results and ranges 2-3 days after your blood test.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/diagno...

Ask your GP to test ferritin, vitamin D, B12 and folate too. Musculoskeletal pain and fatigue are often due to low/deficient levels.

[Katewol in reply to Clutter]

Thank you. I was never asked to fast for my blood test. Even my dad (who had his thyroid removed) said he always has to fast when tested!

[Clutter in reply to Katewol]

Katewol,

Fasting isn't a requirement. It's a patient-to-patient tip which can help obtain a diagnosis or dose increase and avoid a reduction in medication which can happen if TSH is too low.

[cazza1001]

Have you had the blood tests done ? if so get a copy from reception and post the results on here ( with the ranges ) you will then get opinions on your levels and treatment options - I was sent a PULSE article from here and it persuaded my doctor to treat me differently .

[Katewol in reply to cazza1001]

Yes I have. I shall do that. Thank you.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Also make sure your GP tests for both types of thyroid antibodies- TPO & TG. They rarely test for either, but especially TG. If both or either are high this is autoimmune- called Hashimotos, the most common reason in UK for being hypo & autoimmune issues often run in families

More common to have raised TPO, but is possible to have low TPO & raised TG (then if TG not checked diagnosis is often missed)

If you have raised antibodies, then even if TSH is within range, and you have symptoms, NICE recommend starting Thyroid replacement.

If GP won't test these or vitamins, then like very many of us on here, you can get private tests via Thyroid Uk - see web page about private tests. Blue Horizon or Medichecks offer a full thyroid & vitamin test for £99 DIY finger prick, or pay a bit more for blood draw at private clinic

[Katewol]

Thank you I may have to get it all tested privately. The doctor did my tsh level which was 0.52 mu/L. My liver function which came back borderline raised, so have another test due this week to re-test. Vitamin B12, which was normal (210 ng/L).

[puncturedbicycle in reply to Katewol]

The b12 sounds very low. Do you have the reference range? Any b12 deficiency symptoms?

I think if you're not feeling well you may want to ignore the whole 'normal' value and think rather about optimal levels. At the bottom of the range you can feel very unwell, in which case 'normal' is just unhelpful. Same for iron and vit d in my experience, they should be much higher, closer to the top of the range than the bottom.

[Katewol in reply to puncturedbicycle]

Yes the range is 150-883. I have actually just got some vitamin b12 so now I've had my blood test I will start taking them. A lot of my tests come back on the low side but always within range!

[puncturedbicycle in reply to Katewol]

Yes, that is immaterial, just consider that if you're not feeling well 'normal' does not apply to you. Many of the ranges are artificially low or out of date as compared w those in other places.