Private bloods

[Pixielula]

Hi guys, I’m looking for some advice. My husband has two autoimmune conditions, coeliac and sarcoidosis. I know that this puts him at a higher risk of other autoimmune diseases so want to do some private bloods to check his Thyroid function HBA1C B12 ect. Can anyone recommend a good overall blood test that combines all these. If blood needs to be drawn rather than a finge prick test that is no problem. He has not been himself lately and is constantly exhausted. I just want to get him checked out for my own peace of mind, thanks

[SlowDragon Administrator]

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, TT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies. Plus vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12.

Essential to test thyroid antibodies, FT3 and FT4 plus vitamins

Private tests are available

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 ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. This gives highest TSH and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)

If antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).

About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's

You can add additional tests at same time

[Helena877]

Ask GP for a full blood panel . They check lots on there and it’s a good starting point for what will (probably) be your own research.

Also another test that covers some additional ground is the ANA . This can reveal further grounds for the exploration of more serious conditions - lupus, giant cell

As far as I’m aware there is not a single test that detects all possible autoimmune conditions. Wish there was!

We all have hope though - recent breakthrough in the autoimmune version of multiple sclerosis or the one that goes in and out of remission 😁

[MMaud]

Hi there Pixielula - I'd be astonished if your husband's GP wouldn't do most of the tests you're interested in, if he's been feeling under the weather, and his symptoms are pretty non-specific. Alternatively if he sees and Endo for his other AI conditions, he could alwyas order up a raft of tests. Certainly when I first saw my Endo, I was tested for some very scary stuff, but it was thorough.

Over the last two years I've had shed loads done, although never a T3, but if he already has a couple of AI conditions, I would imagine they'd want to check out some others. Don't forget to ensure Vit D is is there too as a deficiency can be quite crippling, but very easy to address once found.

Personally, for me, when I was working out how to get the biggest bang for my buck, I paid for a private Endo appointment, He wrote to my GP, instructing about 30 tests, on the NHS (ahem), then my GP called him to discuss the results before I saw him again a couple of months later.

When I was discussing the ongoing issue again with my GP recently, she just instructed most of the AI tests be re-run (a few were left off).

For my £220, I had a Endo consultation, a shed load of tests, an Endo opinion (via my GP, him having interpreted my bloods), then 3 months later another £90 for another discussion, having followed out his recommendation to go gluten-free, and an open door to self-refer at any time I feel I need it.

I know £300 could buy a lot of tests, but for me, my route was my choice on the day. Just a thought or two.

[Pixielula]

Thanks guys..... GP not helpful just said “prob stress come back in six months if things no better”. He has been down this route before with his coeliac, took years for his GP to diagnose and then it was actually a locum who diagnosed it. He is asymptomatic and was severely anaemic and malnourished when diagnosed. It’s more for peace of mind than anything