When to have next blood test??

[Thyroidprobs]

I see everyone posting on here about having blood tests every 6 weeks but I was diagnosed last Friday and my gp said to take 50mcg Levothyroxine every day and have repeat bloods in 10weeks and see her again in 12weeks?

Is this normal?

[Nanaedake]

If it were me, I would not be happy to wait 10 weeks. I would book an appointment with the phlebotomist for 6 weeks time and see a different GP to get dose adjusted.

You can get your blood test results online if you ask your GP receptionist to organise it. Make sure you ask for enhanced online access. Otherwise you can get a print out from the receptionist. If you post the results on here, people can give you advice then you'll be better prepared when you visit the GP.

[Thyroidprobs in reply to Nanaedake]

Great thanks. I'll leave it a couple of weeks then try to get an appt then with the phlebotomist.

I've got to go into surgery this week anyway so I'll ask for enhanced online access when I go. Thanks

[Nanaedake in reply to Thyroidprobs]

You might have to provide ID and get a doctor/nurse to sign the form so take ID with you just in case. Some surgeries are behind the times but from 2015 all surgeries had to provide online access for patients. Speak to the practice manager if the receptionist says it's not possible.

nhs.uk/chq/pages/1309.aspx?...

[Thyroidprobs in reply to Nanaedake]

Ok will do thanks. I have normal online access but only for making appts etc.

Thanks for the link

[Nanaedake in reply to Thyroidprobs]

I don't know if anyone else on here has already said to leave 24 hours between taking thyroid meds and blood test and take your next levothyroxine after the test for best results.

Always take thyroid meds on an empty stomach with a full glass of water and don't eat or drink for one hour afterwards (water is ok). Leave at least four hours until you take any other medication or vitamins.

[Thyroidprobs in reply to Nanaedake]

Yeah I've seen others have written that so I'll bear it in mind for my next test: when I had my last test it was 6pm in the evening and I'd eaten all day as wasn't expecting blood tests. Thanks

[Rmichelle in reply to Nanaedake]

Nanaedake hope you dont mind me jumping in here, do yku have to book in with your doc first to arrange blood test and then he gives you docs to go for bloods at hospital? Or is there a easier way. Xx

[Nanaedake in reply to Rmichelle]

Most GP surgeries have a phlebotomist trained nurse who can take bloods. You should be able to book a blood test with the nurse. You might have to ring the doc first to ask him/her to put the request through. Ask at reception how it works at your surgery. You can then view the results online and book at appointment with the GP to discuss them.

If I don't feel well and I'm not due a blood test, I visit the GP first and sometimes the GP will take the bloods so it does vary. If you can get a system that works for you it would be good.

[Rmichelle in reply to Nanaedake]

Thankyou for info i will ring and check now but something tells me they dont take bloods anymore. My husband today is ordering some solgars 25mgs gentle iron tablets as they are meant to be less harsh on the stomach.x

[Nanaedake in reply to Rmichelle]

Your GP may not be able to do the full range of bloods the hospital can but I imagine they can do regular follow-up bloods.

[Rmichelle in reply to Nanaedake]

Sorry i have another question, when you have bloods done every month do i ask for just thyoid panel and antibodies and iron level, just dnt want doctor fobbing me off.

[Nanaedake in reply to Rmichelle]

I'll PM you as I don't want to hijack the post.

[eeng]

Also you should ask for the blood test to include tests for ferritin, Vitamin B12, Folate and Vitamin D. These are very often low in people with hypothyroidism and it makes a big difference to how you feel if you can get the levels up to mid range.

[Thyroidprobs in reply to eeng]

Ok thanks. I'll make a list of tests to ask for