Refusing to test TgAb

[Sadienerin]

Hi. Some time back I posted that my TgAb was elevated at 72. The lab range was <40. I gave all my readings, and whilst they were all within range apart from the TgAb, I was told by a member here that my tsh, shows my thyroid may be struggling a bit, and my elevated ft3 (but in range) could be infiltration. I was informed that the raised TgAb was due to Hashimoto's. The tests were done through Genova, via Thyroid UK. I took the results, along with the information I'd been given about Hashimoto's to my GP, who then said they would need to do their own tests. Bearing in mind I had been going to the GP over the past 3 or 4 years, complaining of hypothyroid symptoms, they never tested my antibodies. This i funded myself after not being able to accept that I didn't have hypothyroidism, as I had so many symptoms. It was whilst searching about this that I stumbled upon thyroid UK, and antibody testing. Anyway, I was called back to the GP 3 days after having my blood taken by the nhs, only to be told that the lab refuses to test, because thyroglobin is only tested for cancer patients. Now I saw on the form that she had written TPO and thyroglobin, but it was under the heading of antibodies, so assumed the lab would know it was antibodies. I said to her that thyroglobin testing, is for cancer, but thyroglobin antibodies is for hashimoto's, but she got defensive and said, I know what hashimoto's is! I asked what I'm supposed to do, if they refuse to test, so she said she'd refer to an endocrinologist. However, when she dictated the letter there and then, she proceeded again to say thyroglobin, and not antibodies, and needless to say, I still have no appointment through. So my question is, if I get no joy of an appointment due to this, does anyone know of a place that the nhs would accept the results from, that will test privately in the south east?

[trelemorele]

She comes across stupid. And stupid people are stubborn and don't listen.

I'd write complaint or just a request to the surgery and in bullet points tell them what I need tested.

If this won't help, make complaint directly to NHS.

I'm baffled how come lab decisions take precedence over GPs decision but maybe it's because GPs are now contracting so they are treated as a third party (and not to be trusted) in NHS business equation ?! 🤔

[Sadienerin in reply to trelemorele]

She's normally so nice, and i didn't want to act like I was telling her a job, but without the antibody bit added in, they won't test. I've got so many symptoms though. Some of which are extremely distressing like the weight gain, and terrible hair loss, amongst other things like cold extremeities etc. I've also recently started to get palpitations, which were noted on the 24hr ecg as ectopic beats, over 21,500 of them I've been told that hashimoto's could cause this so I need this monitored as I've been told that these could cause damage to the heart if not brought under control. Am on beta blockers for it, but with no success, so assuming until the hashimotos is helped, the extra beats will continue Am on gluten free, and taking selenium too

[trelemorele in reply to Sadienerin]

Wouldn't you be nice if you were pocketing close to 100k a year for signing off repeat prescriptions and choosing from scroll down list symptoms and blood tests suggested by computer software?

Don't let friendly appearance fool you.

[Sadienerin]

Unfortunately GP wise, they're the best of a bad lot here. Sad that it should be like this Thing is, it can't be cost effective, because left untreated you end up with more ailments in the long run :/