Finally Medichecks Results

[lnjdevereux]

Hi all,

My first full thyroid panel through medichecks came through today - see image.

My TSH has come down slightly from my last test in Feb (previous result was 11.49) and I've been taking 25mcg Levo since mid-Feb.

As evidenced by my previous post my dr is not at all knowledgeable about the progression of this condition at all so I just want to know what treatment I should expect or be asking for so I can fight my corner.

Any thoughts on this would be appreciated - and I assume my results mean I definitely have Hashimoto's?

My B12 has been stated as 'normal' by medichecks, and I know this was showing as low at my last test so not sure how to proceed with this

Thanks!

[Greybeard]

You need to ask for a dose increase now. Re test 6 to 8 weeks after your new dose. Don't accept no for an answer. You got a lot of good advice when you posted before so follow their advice.

[lnjdevereux in reply to Greybeard]

Thanks. I understand it might seem like I am just asking people to repeat themselves - that isn't the case at all. My anxiety is actually peaking at the moment so I might have to take a script in with me as I'm quite nervous of confrontation (even though I'm sure this isn't considered a confrontational situation). So apologies if you think I am flogging a dead horse

[Greybeard in reply to lnjdevereux]

Not at all, now you have started treatment it should be easy enough to get a dose increase, have a look at this link, it says what the doctor should do and is the document he may be working from.

cks.nice.org.uk/hypothyroidism

Follow section for treatment of someone under treatment with T4, you will find the following quote. Print it of and take it with you if it helps you.

Aiming for a stable TSH in the lower half of the reference range

The recommendation on aiming for a stable TSH in the lower half of the reference range (0.4–2.5 mU/L) is based on the clinical guideline Management of subclinical hypothyroidism [Pearce, 2013].

[lnjdevereux in reply to Greybeard]

Thanks for the link I will definitely print it. Hopefully I won't have to retest before she ups the dose I've no idea what her attitude is to private tests she hasn't personally instructed... Another potential stumbling block! 🙄

[MiniMum97 in reply to lnjdevereux]

If it’s making you anxious have you thought about writing to your GP with a copy of your results and your evidence for why you want an increase/PA testing. I have found this enables me to explain everything clearly and to get across everything I want to say in a clear and concise way. And avoids any confrontation. Plus you can ask for the letter to be added to your notes. Makes it harder for a doctor to ignore you when everything’s in writing. It’s worked really well for me in the past. Good luck!

[lnjdevereux in reply to MiniMum97]

Wow. They really will read post? I was half wondering if I should run into the surgery and hand my print out to the reception and have a follow up call but writing could work...

[MiniMum97 in reply to lnjdevereux]

I can’t see how they can ignore it. It works so much better for me as I find I get flustered and forget what I need to say. I would write a letter with your results explaining what you want and why. Keep it concise, clear and unemotional. And send evidence to back up what you are asking for. Would be Interested in hearing how you get on! Best of luck!

[lnjdevereux in reply to MiniMum97]

Thanks, I've written a letter and I'm handing it in at reception at the same time as booking a telephone appointment for next week (they don't allow face to face appointments for follow ups...) so hopefully between today and my next appointment she will read it.

[megarub in reply to lnjdevereux]

Of course they have to read it.

The suggestion to write (concisely, in my experience. Short paras ...) is a good one. It's the only way I find I can get my thoughts in order and not be bamboozled. Good luck 😀

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Your B12 is also low

An active B12 under 70 is considered suspicious. Your is some way under that

viapath.co.uk/our-tests/act...

You should really ask GP to run NHS test for Pernicious Anaemia before starting supplements. GP may agree to B12 injections, if not you will need to self supplement sublingual B12 and a good Vitamin B complex

If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 3-5 days before any blood tests, as biotin can falsely affect test results

endo.confex.com/endo/2016en...

endocrinenews.endocrine.org...

[lnjdevereux in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks. I stopped supplementing b12 mid March but will see about getting the pernicious anaemia test from the Dr before I restart it.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Just seen on your previous post your NHS B12 test was extremely low, below range.

Your GP should have done full Pernicious Anaemia test then and started B12 loading injections

Post about Loading doses of B12

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

It's likely low due to being under medicated for thyroid

Anxiety is classic hypothyroid symptom

[lnjdevereux in reply to SlowDragon]

Yes it was very low so I was surprised when after seeing them online she didn't mention it on the consult. I'm actually even more surprised that medichecks advised it as "normal" today.

I only learned about the anxiety being a symptom a couple of months ago, had I known back in June last year when it really took hold I probably would have been sorted by now!

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to lnjdevereux]

Make an appointment with GP an ask for B12 to be retested and testing for Pernicious Anaemia.

Your GP was poor not to do this

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Symptoms of low B12

b12deficiency.info/signs-an...

[lnjdevereux in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks, I've asked for a PA test in my letter.

[lnjdevereux]

Well. I took my letter and results in and asked for them to be scanned onto my record and then passed to my Dr. They've told me her next appointment is 2nd May but I can't book that until next weds. Useless. I am going to wait until the results appear on my patient access portal and call up and ask to speak to someone else. I'm not waiting another month for this.