thyroid test results

[syl123]

hi all, I have recently been tested for Thyroid, my results are Serum TSH 2.89 miu/L (0.27 -4.2) Serum free T4 15.01 pmo/L (12-22).... I have been told I dont have a thyroid problem but i think they shoud have tested TS3? I would appreciate any help or advice. Thanks

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

syl123 Your results are in range so your GP won't be at all worried, but your TSH might be a little higher than normal in a 'healthy' person and your thyroid might be struggling.

FT3 isn't tested in primary care unless the TSH and FT4 are way off, and it's the lab's decision to do it even when a GP requests it.

You could do a private home fingerprick blood test with Blue Horizon or Medichecks, they both do a range of thyroid bundles. Good value is a full thyroid panel which includes antibodies plus the important vitamins and minerals.

bluehorizonmedicals.co.uk/t...

medichecks.com/thyroid-func...

[syl123 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks SeasideSusie, I will check out those sites, im showing all the symptoms of b12 deficiency so getting injections but not feeling any better so thought it may be thyroid probs.

[Marz in reply to syl123]

How often are you having the B12 jabs ? Are you also take folic Acid/folate ? Maybe a good B complex would keep all the B's in balance and help with the Folic Acid/folate /B9.

Have you had your Thyroid anti-bodies tested - Anti-TPO and Anti-Tg ? I had very high levels of thyroid anti-bodies but the TSH - FT4 and FT3 were all in range !! However treatment started immediately back in 2005.

[syl123 in reply to Marz]

Hi Marz, I had to fight to get the GP to give me 3 initial loading doses on the basis that i had neurological symptoms although b12 serum was 279, I then had to fight to get a further 3 doses because the gp wanted me to bounce in and say I felt much better after 3 injections, im feeling a bit stronger now after 5, I am also being treated for Vit d and folate deficiency... my GP wouldnt do any further testing for accurate B12 diagnosis so I thought my only option was injections in the hope they help. My only thyroid tests were TSH and free TS4 , family history of thyroid probs but being told my tests are normal go away. seems like i will have to pay private for tests.

[Saggyuk in reply to syl123]

What's your iron/ferritin levels like? Did you have full blood count?

[syl123 in reply to Saggyuk]

hi Saggyuk, thanks for your interest in my post. yes i did have fbc as follows

haemoglobin 13.5g/dl (11.5-16),

wbc 8.5 (4-11),

platelet 272(135-450)

RBC 4.81(3.8-4.8),

mean cell volume 87fl (80-100),

haematocrit 0.42 (0.35-0.45),

mean cell haemoglobin 28.1(27-34),

red blood cell distribution width 13.6% (10-15)

Serum Ferritin 18ng (13-150)

I asked about the RBC as it was flagged as high but was told that it was "fine"

Cant take iron tablets so have been given iron infusions in the past but since moving counties I am not being offerred anything.

[Saggyuk in reply to syl123]

The RBC is only just out of range and can be cause by simple things like smoking/dehydration.

I'd be suspicious of iron anaemia with all your levels being low and your ferritin is is very low in range and some of your others low in range as well but it's not obvious. Bear in mind Folate/B12 deficiency can mask iron deficiency similarly to how iron deficiency can mask B12/Folate deficiency so once you have the B12/folate issues resolved, I would make sure you retest for iron anaemia again maybe in three months.

Also, if your levels are always low, you might want to start thinking about why unless you're starving yourself on purpose lol! Often stomach/absorption issues are to blame - things like coeliacs and gluten intolerance so you might want to try a GF diet for three months to see if any improvements in your health. If this doesn't work, you should maybe investigate it further

[Saggyuk in reply to Saggyuk]

If you can't take iron tablets because bugs your stomach, you can try ferrous fumerate or other types that are easier on the stomach compared to things like ferrous sulphate. Also taking with Vit C drink and even porridge can stop it bothering your stomach.

[syl123 in reply to Saggyuk]

I just dont think I can absorb iron in the normal way, all sorts of investigative tests gastro and gyneachology as they thought i was losing blood from somewhere but nothing ever found. I dont like the effects iron tabs have on me but thats not the reason why i get infusions, i have been told that my levels get dangerously low so they have to act fast. Funny thing is I got lots of medical attention up north but nil attention since i moved south, not even referal to haematology and no infusions offered.I will look into the Gluten Diet thing as it may help Thanks

[syl123 in reply to syl123]

My ferritin level had to get down to 4.9 before they did my last infusion.

[Saggyuk in reply to syl123]

Yes, GF is defintely worth a try as things like coeliacs often present simply with low iron as you can't absorb it due to damage in tummy etc. My iron and blood counts were always low before GF but now much better. You shouldn't wait until dangerously low, keep trying to get them to a good level in between.

[Marz in reply to syl123]

Have you read the Guidelines for Folate and B12 Deficiency ? - Has your GP ? When neurological symptoms are involved the treatment is different

[syl123 in reply to Marz]

Hi Marz, I have accessed the guidelines on both those and quoted them to the GP when told I didnt have B12 deficiency because I was in "normal " limits. I know that treatment is to continue until no further improvement but after 6 injections my gp has stopped them and she is leaving a weeks gap before she will see me again

[Marz in reply to syl123]

Then your GP is failing in her duty if care. Your injections should continue every other day until symptoms abate.

[syl123 in reply to Marz]

I wish i felt more confident to challenge her again Marz

[Marz in reply to syl123]

Just print off the relevant bit of the Guidelines and highlight it. Also there is a Draft letter on the website ....

Will send you a link when on the PC 😊

[Marz in reply to syl123]

b12deficiency.info/b12-writ...

[syl123 in reply to Marz]

Thank you ,very useful I will do that now

[Marz in reply to syl123]

Hope it helps