thyroid issues

[Nicola802]

so last year the doctors checked my thyroid due to dizzienss, racing pulse and palpitations, the results come back borderline overactive, the second bloods come back the same, 6 weeks later the bloods come back normal, despite still having symptoms, the doctors advised they didnt believe the symptoms were related to my thyroid.

i couldnt be put on beta blockers to control my pulse due to history of asthma, so was put on a mild relaxant which has helped, the doctors decided the issue was resolved.

last week i went for a full health check with bupa through work, who decided to test my bloods for thyroid issues, this time the results hace come back underactive

tsh 14.5

free t4 13.4

he advised me to make an appointment with my gp of which i did, anf am now awaitong a further blood test next week, no treatment provided as yet!

i feel like i have been let down by my doctors who made me believe my symptoms were all in my head, and now i have to wait again for more blood results, any thoughts?

[shaws]

Welcome to our forum and it is not uncommon for doctors not to diagnose us as they usually only look at the TSH and if isn't high enough and they know no clinical symptoms we remain undiagnosed.

Blood tests for thyroid hormones have to be at the very earliest possible, fasting (you can drink water) and if you were taking levothyroxine you'd allow a gap of 24 hours between last dose and test and take afterwards.

Ask GP to test B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate too. Deficiencies can also cause symptoms. Get print-outs of your results each time with the ranges. Ranges are important as labs differ.

[Nicola802 in reply to shaws]

thank you, my next blood test is booked in at 4:30pm ill ask for it to be brought forward to a morning appointment.

ill also ask for all the other tests too, after feeling so unwell for so long, its about time they get this sorted out!

really appreciate the advice

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Nicola802 Ask to have thyroid antibodies tested as well. There are two types, Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) and Thyroglobulin (TG). The NHS rarely do TPO and almost never do TG, but you can be negative for TPO and positive for TG so it's important to have the tested if TPO comes back negative. If your GP can't do them, you can get them done privately with a home fingerprick test as part of a bundle with Blue Horizon or Medichecks.

[Nicola802 in reply to SeasideSusie]

thank you, i will ask for these tests also, if not i will do it privately.

thank you for the advice, id just like to feel like a normal human again lol

[Rmichelle in reply to Nicola802]

Lol i know that feeling i was diagnosed over 1 month ago, it would have been sooner even 3 months ago when docs failed to recognise symptons , until one day i went to docs and ordered my iwn thyroid function tests and yes i was very hyper. It has been a long journey to feel better and many journeys to hospital when it takes its grip with heart palps.breathless. shaking. panic attacksMuscle weakness. I have been signed of work for 1 month at a time; i think the carbimazole 20mgs after 4vweeks is now starting to kick in slightly, it does take a while to see slight benefit. Pllease take it easy and rest and rest your body is under alot of pressure, i was told by hospital on tuesday to go home and go to bed because my heart was beating to much like ive ran for a bus, good advice to get antibodies done private as i could not get mine done after 2 attempts and are in the process of doing them private and also a ultrasound as i have my specialist app cancelled twice now!!

Be prepared for a long fight with your body and also with the doctors as most no nothing about the thyroid. Take charge of your own body. I have gained much knowledge from loads of lovely caring people on this site in just one month and they give you the feistiness to fight and make your voice heard with medical professionals, as you will have knowledge so the wool wont be pulled over your eyes again.good luck.😊xx

[Nicola802 in reply to Rmichelle]

thank you!

i slept most of the day away yesterday, and even had an early night and woke at half 8 this morning! its amazing that i need so much sleep!

would be great to get through the day eithout feeling so exhausted.

im so pleased to have come across this site, i can go back to my docs armed with some knowledge and actually push them.

[Rmichelle in reply to Nicola802]

Good. Have you started carbimazole yet? Ot ptu? Im on carbi its seens to be the 1st choice. I was told by hospital and here that when you are hyper your body is under alot of stress, please take it easy every day and if needs be take time of work thats the advice ibwas given from the people in the know here, looking back i dont know how i made the 2 months at work before diagnosis as i knew there was something wrong, i was so poorly and still battling now. Doc started me on beta blockers when first diagnosed to calm my heart down and stop blood pressure from rising but when given carbimazole i stopped them. I am on my 4th week of meds and my free 3 and free 4 levels are sort of leveling but my tsh still very low 0.5. Please absorb as much info from this site and any worries there is always loads of people here, i found it very scary when first told i was hyper as i thought i was close to popping my cloggs. Ha. Carbi takes a while to work and makes you feel worse when it kicks in the system for a while. I was told to prepare for a long fight with your body and its true. Glad you will push docs ad they seem to think they know whats best. I am going to pay for my own ultrasound on my neck as 2 months on still no endocrinoligist app as they have moved date 3 times now, i suspect i have thyroid nodules pressing on windpipe as my breathing is short. Also get your antibodies done privatley as suggested by silverfox as i have tried and been refused and dont let docs tell you they are not needed ad they are! Well ive pestered you enough for now and feel free to message anytime , but im still a newbie here and will try to help. My rant over now.😊xx

[silverfox7]

The group advises Blue Horizon and MediChecks for private testing and both offer reductions on various tests. MediChecks is usually on a Thursday on one of their tests to worth keeping an eye on for whatever you need.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

If you can't get full thyroid and vitamin testing from GP

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have money off offers.

All thyroid tests should be done as early as possible in morning and fasting.