How long before diagnosis?: Over the last two... - Thyroid UK

Thyroid UK

140,947 members166,079 posts

How long before diagnosis?

Paffette71 profile image
6 Replies

Over the last two years I have been diagnosed B12 deficient and vitamin D deficient. However, the initial symptoms of extreme fatigue, painful and achy muscles, poor concentration and sore weepy dry skin on my ears and a lump in my throat still remain. I haven’t had a blood test for over a year; I am up to date with my injections which are 12 weekly. However, doing more research I’ve stumbled across Hashimoto‘s again. I asked for the dr to test my thyroid a year ago and was told it was fine but I remember reading that there are different readings that aren’t always tested for. How many of you had to keep badgering your GP until they take you seriously? I know that something isn’t right but last time I saw my GP they said I had fibromyalgia but didn’t refer me for an official diagnosis just prescribed amyltriptoline. I took it for a few months but nothing changed so I just stopped.

What blood tests should I ask the gp to do? Does my story sound familiar to anyone? Any advice? I feel like all I do is moan about aches and pains and just want to feel ‘normal’ again. I’m female and am 46 if it helps.

Written by
Paffette71 profile image
Paffette71
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
6 Replies
Clutter profile image
Clutter

Paffette71,

Ask your GP to test TSH, FT4 and thyroid peroxidase antibodies and post the results and ranges in a new question for comment. It would be good to repeat vitD test annually and to have ferritin tested too. I assume Folate is tested periodically as you are having B12 injections?

Paffette71 profile image
Paffette71 in reply toClutter

Thanks for replying. I’ve never had any routine blood tests done in the 2 years I’ve been diagnosed.

Clutter profile image
Clutter in reply toPaffette71

Paffette71,

Your folate should be checked once or twice a year. No point in testing B12 when you have injections but if folate is deficient B12 won't work properly.

Paffette71 profile image
Paffette71 in reply toClutter

Serum TSH level 1.13 miu/L [0.35 - 5]

This is the result of the only thyroid test I’ve had which was Jan 17

Clutter profile image
Clutter in reply toPaffette71

Paffette71,

TSH 1.13 rules out primary hypothyroidism but TSH without FT4 doesn't exclude secondary/tertiary (central) hypothyroidism. Ask your GP to test TSH and FT4. Arrange the blood test early in the morning when TSH is highest and fast (water only) as TSH drop after eating and drinking.

Paffette71 profile image
Paffette71 in reply toClutter

Thank you for your help. I’ll make an appointment tomorrow

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

How ill did you feel before diagnosis?

The reason I ask is my GP rang me today regarding my recent blood results. My TSH hit 9.28 last...

How long should I wait before annoying the GP again?

I last had blood tests done via the GP on the 23rd of August. I was up again requesting some more...
HappyH81 profile image

How long!?

I went to my GP just over 3 weeks ago with extreme fatigue & various other symptoms, my GP arranged...
Ambeljazz profile image

Anyone with hashimotos / underactive thyroid found out they are pregnant during lockdown?

I’m delighted to find out that I’m pregnant after my first pregnancy ended in miscarriage last...
5678sar profile image

Very New to diagnosis.

Hi all, I just wanted to say hello, I have been feeling off for the past 2 years with numerous...
HypoF3XXY profile image

Moderation team

See all
SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator
PurpleNails profile image
PurpleNailsAdministrator
RedApple profile image
RedAppleAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.