Plucking up some courage!

[bandicoot1987]

Hi guys, I'm new to this particular group.

I'm unaware if I have a thyroid problem as of yet, you see I'm trying to conquer my fear of the doctors so I can be tested! (yeah not helpful I know) takes me so long to pluck up the courage but I want to aim to have it done in the next week! - Is it just a blood test? Good god I'm so scared already, but I need to get to the bottom of all my problems once and for all 🐀 symptoms are getting worse 😢 x

[cjrsquared]

Yes it is a blood test. If you have a good gp they may look at clinical symptoms as well.

[Greybeard]

Hi Bandicoot, take someone with you for support, you know thinking about it is much worse than the reality. You won't get better till you are treated and they won't treat you till they have some numbers to work with. Good luck.

[bandicoot1987 in reply to Greybeard]

Yeah my partner or parents will hold my hand (at the age of 30) 😄 I am such a wimp!!

[Nanaedake]

When you get there, tell them you have a fear of docs or blood tests. A close relative doesn't get on with blood tests but they've put it on the notes and are very attentive and helpful now. Some people just don't react well so you're not on your own and staff know about this kind of thing.

[bandicoot1987 in reply to Nanaedake]

Yeah my doctor knows, I've had the phobia /fear since the age of 4 or 5 and as I've gotten older it's just got worse, it's not of needles, it's just surgeries doctors hospitals etc in general. I have an anxiety of health, so getting this test is a major thing for me 🌼

[crabapple]

Hi, bandicoot. If you have a problem with blood being taken it might be worth checking if they have a phlebotomist. It's on my notes now and she gets the blood every time, no problem. This avoids having both arms tried or two (or three) nurses trying to find a vein.

[bandicoot1987 in reply to crabapple]

It's not so much the blood - although I'm not keen I've never had a problem. It's getting my ass in the surgery door that I struggle with 😭😭😭 the thought of going makes me feel so on edge it's awful x

[crabapple in reply to bandicoot1987]

I'm sure you've had lots of "helpful advice" so none of that. You know what you want from the visit, so that's what you must concentrate on. My OH says I get stressed by GP surgery and hospital visits, but I think he's just being polite. I'm sure I become something unprintable.

[Hidden]

Just a quick note: for thyroid we need blood tested as early as possible after fasting (water OK) and if on Levo/hormone leave off 24 hours prior. Levels fluctuate during the course of the day, so this protocol gives the most accurate results.

[bandicoot1987 in reply to Hidden]

What do don't eat? I don't understand sorry x

[Hidden in reply to bandicoot1987]

You question got muddled - what are you trying to ask? Fasting is overnite, test should be first thing AM but water is allowed.

There is the option of private labs - go to the Thyroid U.K. site for the link. You can get TSH, free T3 and free T4 done thru Blue Horizon called "Thyroid Check Plus three" (and it's on sale right now) you can do this via finger prick. Medichecks has discounted labs every Thursday so have nutrients tested (folate, ferritin, B12 and D) when available. Nutrients need to be tested as we are often deficient.

[bandicoot1987 in reply to Hidden]

I'll try and get in first thing tomorrow - thank you x