Thyroid, how many blood tests?

[gettingbetter09]

Hey everyone

I got blood work done yesterday for my thyroid and just about everything else. Doctors secretary rang me this afternoon to tell me i need to go back in two weeks time and then 4 weeks after that for more bloods. Is this standard? Nothing else was said.

[Haze1975]

Normally it takes 2/3 days depending on how much they have. It only comes back fast if there is a leave that is to high or to low. The doctors surgery will keep an eye on it. That's why they have requested more blood test. Just to keep an eye on you. That's if you are in the uk.

[gettingbetter09 in reply to Haze1975]

Yea im in the uk. Thought it was weird as i only got bloods done yesterday morning. Im waiting on my b12 etc

Ive been having all the symptoms of hypothyroidism for quite a while, increased anxiety as well and nausea.

Thanks for replying. X

[Phoenix605]

I had bloods drawn at 0830 on a monday morning for thyroid, vit d and b12. I had a LETTER from surgery on the Weds lunchtime saying make appt to discuss!!!!!!

On my last medichecks test the delivery receipt was signed at 0820 and results uploaded at 1200 (without Dr assessment as that does take longer). I think with some tests it just depends how busy the labs are, some like RT3 just take a longer time to perform (up to two weeks).

Are you already treated for hypo? Retest is normally a minimum of 6 weeks after a dose change. But if not yet diagnosed the retest will be to see if you have further abnormal results as they dont normally diagnose on just one abnormal result unless the result is WAY out.

You are legally entitled to your test results, ask for a copy and post on a new thread, including the ranges (or upload a clear photo) and you should be able to get a good idea of what GP may be thinking, and how to influence them in the right direction if necessary 😇

[gettingbetter09 in reply to Phoenix605]

Hi thanks for replying

No im not yet diagnosed with anything. Doctors are doing bloods to rule out everything as ive had occasional vomiting, weightloss, increased nausea over months, tired all the time but cant sleep and the anxiety is awful. I have fainted a few times too.

I have an appointment in two weeks time to see doctor about my anxiety medication, so will go over everything then.

[Phoenix605 in reply to gettingbetter09]

I still think it is worth getting and posting your results as most GPs are shockingly bad at dealing with vitamin and thyroid issues. At least you are likely to get an honest opinion whether your thyroid is likely to be an issue or can genuinely be discounted as a likely cause of your issues.

They often dont TREAT hypo for instance until TSH reaches 10, the top for most ranges is 4-5 and most of us dont feel well until it is under 1!! Until you hit 10 they use words like OK and fine when actually you are anything but.

They are the same with vits as long as you are somewhere in the range they are happy, but scraping along at the bottom tends to feel much worse than near the top and can also stop your body absorbing and metabolising certain medications/hormones properly.

My major symptoms of under active thyroid and later under- medication were serious anxiety, depression, hair loss, dry skin, dry eyes, the list goes on. I was offered anti depressants, anti anxiety meds, steroids for ezcema, told I was probably menopausal so hard luck with the hair and wearing contacts again.

I am not menopausal but was hypo and deficient in vits D and B12, now I am optimally treated all those symptoms have greatly improved or gone but I had to fight for the correct treatment and see 4 different GPs before I found my current good one.

[AngieAsh]

I have had blood tests 5 weeks ago for TSH and FT4 thyroid and general bloods. 2 weeks ago because some results were not within range I had further thyroid antibody test and more liver, bone density, b12, ferretin folate etc.. blood tets and now she wants me to go back again in another 2 weeks for more bloods aimed at kidney function. So yes other undiagnosed people also have lots of tests. My doc says she is trying to eleminate things that it isn't one at a time until she finds what it is and has now referred me to an endocrinologist. I'm getting the feeling that any time your results or symptoms step the slightest bit outside of the text book GP's get the urge to drain you.

[silverfox7]

When I was working I once spent a day in a haematology lab as I was preparing a display to show new medical students what happens to the blood once is been taken. So I watched the blood go into the machine and testing is so quick! Out came the printout before you could blink or so it seemed. The hold up comes later as the chap in the lab will give them the ok or not and now it's faxed to your GP though it takes time for them to read it and give permission for you to access if you wish so the speed isn't unusual.

Remember as well the lab down have access to your previous results so they may suggest a repeat which knowing any facts and I expect it is easier to ask you back for a re-run. It could have been contaminated, your nurse/doctor could have put it in the wrong tube so the wrong coagulation usedand I expect there are many more. Getting you back twice thought you may have picked up a virus you aren't aware of which should. Lead up soon so and ealuer retest and if still not clear another later on. Try not to worry but be thankful they are taking good care of you and want to make sure things settle back to where they should be.