This forum is very interesting but I think I have information overload! I need some advice around a medication review and exactly what to ask for from a doctor. My GP surgery can be very hit and miss and you can only get a phone appointment.
I've been taking Thyroxine for I guess around 10 years (under active). For the majority I took 125mcg. A few years ago this was upped to 150mcg; I think this was linked to medication I was taking for my mental healh (probably Quetiapine). I've stopped taking this now but after my last tests I was told my results were within the right range and kept the same. I wasn't given specific values. However I'm not sure all is well - very achy (particularly legs), trouble loosing weight, feel tired and easily fatigued. This may or may not be related. I was interested to note in one post something about Hashimoto's as I have to avoid gluten completely these days lest my digestive system hates me for days, and increasingly dairy too.
Anyway, it seems one should ask for a specific range of tests at the GP. Could someone list them for me? I think I was tested about/for TSH, T4 (or something) and iron... I apologise for my ignorance!
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Bobbymcbobblepants
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First thing is, do you have any actual blood test results? if not will need to get hold of copies. You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results
UK GP practices are supposed to offer online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.
In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet
Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up. They can make nominal charge for printing but many will do so for free (£10 max and can not charge at all after May 25th 2018)
If you have results already, can you add most the actual numbers and ranges for TSH, FT3 and FT4, plus have you also had thyroid antibodies tested
Sounds like you have Hashimoto's as reacting to gluten and dairy
Also very helpful if had vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 tested. Add results and ranges if you have them
Low vitamins are extremely common. Suggest you ask GP to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies
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, delay and take straight after
This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)
Thanks for the reply. I don't have results, no. My last test was last summer so can't remember. I can speak to my GP, get the blood tests suggested then report back.
It's unlikely that you'll get them all from your GP, see what you can get and post results here, along with the reference range for each test. Ranges vary from lab to lab so we need the range from your lab to interpret your test.
Here in the UK we are entitled to our test results under the Data Protection Act. We are not given them automatically, we have to ask for them. You can ask at reception for a print out of your results, never accept hand written or verbal results, mistakes can happen, always get a print out and ensure that the reference ranges are included.
I feel you would be at an advantage if you contact your GP regarding your symptoms, rather than for a medication review. If the latter, then 5he conversation goes ‘well your thyroid results are in range so it’s not that’.
I understand that doctors are trained to start with symptoms and then find out the cause. So set them off on the right track and give GP a chance to shine! :). GIve GP a list of your symptoms starting with most troublesome at the top.
I think the barriers go up on the GP side if you mention this site, or produce a list of tests that you want, or demand previous results. I agree that you are entitled, but it’s a question of if it’s in your best interests to demand your rights at the beginning. You can always do that later if necessary. However do not accept a prescription for antidepressants
You have the knowledge on this site to fall back on, but you don’t have to share this with your GP at the outset. Keep power up your sleeve so to speak good luck
Thanks for the suggestions. I won't say about the site straight away, but I linked to here via the NHS website so if needs be I can refer to that. I'm just trying to plan out a conversation where I can add in a request for the wider set of blood tests not just what I've already had. I'll try and get an appointment with a GP I've spoken with before that may be more sympathetic!
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good luck 
ANGER WITH NHS OVER THYROXINE DOSE
Massive reduction in thyroxine dose
increased thyroxine dose symptoms?
