Tomorrow I have an appointment with a new GP (my old one having left) I've been going to the GP for years on and off complaining of fatigue, constipation, migraines, brain fog generally feeling unwell (too many things to list), and she has done blood tests-(the last was over a year ago) but never tested more than TSH (2.43miu/L (range of 0.27-4.2) & Serum Free T4 (15.2pmol/L (12-22). As these were in range it was not thought to be Thyroid, and she diagnosed depression. To be honest I was quite low at the time, but am not now (apart from the frustration of this!) I've also done saliva cortisol tests that weren't acknowledged but very low, and spent a couple of years following adrenal fatigue diets/taking glandulars & buckets of supplements/vitamins/pacing etc to no real gain.
I recently did a finger prick Thyroid test (results below- Grey goose has already given me some pointers thanks!) but am nervous about showing this to my GP as they don't ever seem to like self diagnosers. I know they are under pressure, and only following guidelines, so I want to make it as easy for them to help me as possible. I did actually really respect my last GP, and even she thought that there was some merit in the idea of adrenal fatigue, but didn't feel that beyond recommending a mindfulness course, and pacing was much she could do.
Basically because the numbers are all in the reference range I'd like to know if you lot think I have a thyroid problem, and some pointers on how to handle the GP consultation. What to ask for/point out etc, and a clear way of setting out my case that my foggy brain can handle (facts I can use/evidence etc)
Medi-check finger prick results:
TSH 2.82miu/L (0.27-4.20
Free Thyroxine 14.92pmol/L (12-22)
Total Thyroxine (T4) 100.2nmol/L 59-154
Free T3 3.89pmol (3.10-6.80)
Thyroglobulin antibody <10 IU/ml (0-115
Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies 14.27 IU/ml (0-34)
Vit B12 298pmol/L (140-724)
Folate (serum) 19.98 ug/L 2.91-50.00
CRP 0.5mg/l (0-5)
Ferritin 62.82ug/L (13-150)
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FeelBlah
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I had a diagnosis of low Vit D about 2 years ago & now supplement. my last bit D result was 135nmol (in January), which is not too bad, and has been higher, so I'm not worried that its Vit D.
The reason I'm saying various things is as your thyroid hormones are all in range you will be told there is nothing wrong with your thyroid.
In addition your ferritin, vitamin B12 and folate are in ranges so the GP will say there is nothing wrong with them. However with these they aren't optimal therefore need to check there is nothing showing on a full blood count that indicates they are worse than this.
Good news all your results are well within the range.
Bad news it will be up to your to supplement your folate, vitamin B12 and ferritin to get them optimal as you aren't so deficient in them so the NHS won't help you.
Vitamin B12 should be over 500 to avoid symptoms. This website has more info - b12d.org
Folate should be halfway in range and to raise this you just need to take a good vitamin B complex.
Ferritin should be halfway in range to 100. I would take a solgar gentle iron.
You can find all the supplements online via Amazon. Don't bother with the high street as they tend to sell junk plus things you don't need mixed in with them.
Your thyroid numbers aren't good but in the UK you will not be treated for it as you are in range. If you want to treat your thyroid you have to research yourself and then self-treat.
To be honest, I'm finding that all VERY confusing. Is there a document somewhere that makes it clearer. I even bought a book, which took me through everything but what to do! I feel like I'm in a cotton wool cloud most of the time. I wouldn't have a clue what to take, and where to get it, let alone how much. Also i'm slightly wary of self medicating. Is there such a thing a private GP's or specialists that can help, or am I looking at nutritionists/functional medicine? I'm a bit wary of those too, as they often seem intent on a particular diet.
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