Thyroid issue? Not diagnosed

[Jasmeena]

Hi I am new. I have symptoms which I think are connected to thyroid, what do I need tested? Thank you

[Marz]

thyroiduk.org

Is the main website for this Forum - and you can find all the information you require there under the heading - About Testing

[Jasmeena in reply to Marz]

Ok thanks. All I had done was an ultrasound and that showed an enlarged thyroid with hot and hypoechoic nodules and increased vascularity. Also had MRI taken which showed enlarged tonsils.

[Jasmeena]

Wow! I can't believe I haven't had TPO or TG antibodies tested. All I have had done are TSH FT4 and FT3. Thanks

[Clutter in reply to Jasmeena]

Jasmeena,

NHS doesn't usually test TPO unless TSH is over range and NHS rarely checks TG antibodies unless patient has had thyroid cancer in which case it is used as a cancer marker post thyroidectomy.

[Jasmeena in reply to Clutter]

TSH *5.8 (0.2 - 4.2)

[Clutter in reply to Jasmeena]

Jasmeena,

Ask your GP receptionist whether thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO) were ever tested.

Are you are taking Levothyroxine?

[Jasmeena in reply to Clutter]

Thanks. No Levothyroxine prescribed and GP did not test for TPO antibodies saying they only test for them in exceptional cases.

[Clutter in reply to Jasmeena]

Jasmeena,

Did GP say why s/he would not prescribe Levothyroxine as TSH is over range?

You can order private thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibody tests from Blue Horizon and Medichecks via thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

[Jasmeena in reply to Clutter]

No she didn't. I'm struggling to understand why not if it seems like she should have.

Thanks

[Marz in reply to Jasmeena]

.... and the FT4 and FT3 results ? Your TSH is over range so what does the GP say ? Your scan sounds as if you could have Hashimotos - so get those anti-bodies tested - or at least the TPO

[Jasmeena in reply to Marz]

FT4 15.3 (12 - 22)

No FT3

TPO antibodies never checked as GP said they only test them in exceptional cases

Thanks

[Marz in reply to Jasmeena]

Has he seen the scan report ? - you could read up on that and suggest the testing of the TPO anti-bodies to rule out Hashimotos. Knowing means you can do so much to help yourelf saving the NHS thousands - that should please him !!

Please do ask him - politely ! - what the exceptional circumstances are Hashimotos is the MOST common thyroid condition in the world ... so ...

[Jasmeena in reply to Marz]

Will go back and ask for antibodies. Does that guarantee me getting Levothyroxine?

Thanks

[Marz in reply to Jasmeena]

Your TSH is over range so you need treatment and if you have anti-bodies taking Levo can help to reduce the level of anti-bodies. If your GP is not helpful then Clutter has given you the link to have Home Private Testing which is a very popular method used here on the Forum.

You may have a GP that will only treat when the level of TSH reaches 10 - this is wrong. Keep reading posts and asking questions

[Jasmeena in reply to Marz]

Thanks

Will go back tomorrow and insist!!

[Jasmeena in reply to Marz]

She said scan came back fine. It didn't sound fine!

[Marz in reply to Jasmeena]

Exactly - she perhaps doesn't know much about thyroids - so few Docs do - sadly

[Jasmeena in reply to Marz]

Well no I don't think she does. She sent me away with antidepressants saying that will help with the trouble swallowing!

[Marz in reply to Jasmeena]

Absolute tosh - sorry but its my bedtime here in Crete so am getting grumpy !!! Hope you are not taking them ...

Also ask for vitamins and minerals to be tested - B12 - Folate - Ferritin - VitD as they all need to be optimal for your thyroid to work well with or without Levothyroxine !

[Jasmeena in reply to Marz]

I don't mind you getting grumpy it's fine. I've been grumpy today after the day I've had at work!!

Vitamin and mineral levels have been checked recently but all I know about is vitamin D.

[Marz in reply to Jasmeena]

You are entitled to all copies of your test results - they are legally yours. Always obtain copies so you csn monitor your own progress and check what has been missed. 😊Makes posting here more informative too. So when you have your vitamin results - start a new thread so more people will see them.

So what was your VitD result ?

I was grumpy with your GP - not you. We have had too many posts recently where GP's have been negligent.

[Jasmeena in reply to Marz]

Vitamin D total 41.1 (25 - 50 deficient.) Been given 800iu vitamin D tablets called Fultium.

[Marz in reply to Jasmeena]

Your VitD needs to be over 100 - and 800 will do absolutely diddly squat to improve your levels . You need to be taking 5000 IU's at the very least and then re-test at the end of winter. I take 10,000 IU's and live in the sun !

When taking larger amounts of VitD3 - it is advisable to take important co-factors Magnesium and VitK2-MK7.

vitamindcouncil.org

grassrootshealth.net

The above links will help you to understand the importance of VitD ....

Buying your own VitD is not expensive.

[Jasmeena in reply to Marz]

And no not taking the anti Ds

[bluebug in reply to Jasmeena]

Ask her what the test range is for and why is she refusing to treat you over range.

If you still have periods and they are heavy make a fuss over that as well and refuse hormonal contraception.

[Angel_of_the_North in reply to Jasmeena]

No they won't they'll just make you care a lot less about feeling ill. I wouldn't take them. I'd ask for a referral to an endo.

[Rmichelle]

Listern to these people they know their stuff-oh my god!! When you said she prescribed antidepressents i was gobsmacked, get rid of your ignorant gp-i have hashis and also had the swallowing problems, tight throat, couldnt even swallow or gargle water at one time,its hashis not a anxiety or depression based thing. Im shocked😨 how disgusting, dont take them you are not depressed. What the hell is wrong with these idiots.xx take care.😊