How long before diagnosis?

[Paffette71]

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.

[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 in reply to Clutter]

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

[Clutter in reply to Paffette71]

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 in reply to Clutter]

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 in reply to Paffette71]

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 in reply to Clutter]

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