Post thyroidectomy and looking for information on private blood and any other tests I need to do in order to stay on track

[jaxie28]

I had my thyroid surgically removed nearly three weeks ago (as I was diagnosed with Graves disease two years ago but think I've had it for far longer and wanted responded to Carbimazole or Propyluracil).

So far, so good. I have not put on any weight, my scar is healing and I feel better than I thought I would (save the odd feeling of what I'd call emptiness but I presume this is due to the shock to my body that has happened due to having the surgery and adjusting to new medication?).

I did do a lot of research before I had the op so that I would be well informed of what thyroid hormones I should take afterwards etc. I was prescribed Levothyroxine 100 ug straight after the op and have also been taking T3 100 ug (I have been self-medicating the T3) and I was also prescribed Calcium and was given painkillers. I had a check up on Thursday last and the Consultant told me 'that everything is fine' and stopped the Calcium supplements. He also told me that the histology is good (so that's a relief) but he made no mention of T3 and does not know that I am taking it because when I asked about it on the morning of surgery, he just looked at me blankly so I guess it's up to me on that one (which doesn't surprise me having read all the info I have here on this fabulous forum).

Anyway, to get to the point, I want to start doing my own blood tests and whatever other tests I need to do to ensure that I am going to stay on track and I would be very grateful for any advice on the exact tests I need and where to get them so that I am sure I am taking the correct amount of medication and whatever other supplements I require? I will then post my results on here and hope to get some feedback from you lovely people (as I have done in the past).

Thank you all so much and if you have any questions about the thyroidectomy surgery please feel free to get in touch. I will just say that it was a lot less painful and stressful than I thought it would be.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Are you really taking 100mcg of Liothyronine? Or is that a typo and you meant 10mcg?

Liothyronine is very strong, it is normally only taken in small dose and built up slowly. Usually starting with 10mcg or less

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. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies

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.

If on Levothyroxine, don't take in the 24 hours prior to test, and if on T3 don't take in 12 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)

Ideally tests should be 6-8 weeks after any dose changes

[jaxie28 in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi SlowDragon I meant 25 mcg T3 not 100 mcg. Thank you for your very informative email. From what I can gather Blue Horizon Plus Eleven for example is the test that covers all my requirements. Is that correct?

Thanks again x

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to jaxie28]

Yes most on here use either Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven or Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin test.

That's a relief it's 25mcg. You would have been likely extremely over medicated on 100mcg!!

[Kityfitz]

Hi, I currently take 20mcg of liothyronine (T3) daily, this is prescribed via the NHS. My issue is that I too feel I would benefit from an increased dose. However, given that T3 is unlicensed and therefore subject to ‘rip off’ manufacturer prices, the current government has deemed prescribing T3 not viable. If you receive any info relating to where additional T3 can be purchased please would you private message me with the information. I was given the impression that T3 could be purchased in Spain but sadly it turned out to be T4, which is widely available and not the elusive T3. I had TT in 2011 and until I received T3 had three terrible years. Having experimented myself with increasing my dose (but then having to make all sorts of excuses as to why I required an early prescription) I found the higher amount most beneficial. Good luck and I hope to hear from you. Kitty