Test results help, going round in circles

[Adele-84]

Have posted on here for advice before, since having half my Thyroid removed 18 months ago things have been pretty rubbish. Earlier this year my remaining Thyroid swelled, I was sent for biopsy etc again as they said they will probably need to remove the rest. The results came back clear so no need to take out (in a way I was hoping they did as then no choice but to medicate me!) My surgeon who did the half removal said although the numbers dont show it, I am symptomatic so need treating and referred me to an Endo, I found out at the GP endo refusing to see me as my numbers are in range.

Since I lost half my Thyroid, I am tired all the time. I get random hits of fatigue where I can barely function. I have gained almost 2 stone now, and my weight continues to go up despite doing a 30 minute HIIT 5 mornings a week. My diet hasn't changed, I am vegetarian with a balanced diet. I have dry skin and some thinning of my hair.

I have been pushing for full blood tests for a while, finally got them as they now suspect I have ME (being fobbed off again ?!) I also have endometriosis so that is also being blamed for alot, but have had that since a teen.

Firstly I cannot find a B12 result on my print out but I have found Serum Ferritin Level - result 34ug/l range 30-300 so I am told thats normal. Surely its normal but very low ?

I have been testing my TSH, FT4 & FT3 with medichecks results below;

TSH - pre op 1.59

Over last 12 months been 3.14, 3.52, 3.06 - range 0.27 - 4.29

FT4 - pre op results not known

Over last 12 months 16.3, 15.5, 15.1 - range 12-22

FT3 - pre op results not known

Over last 12 months steady at 5, range 3.1-6.8

Does anyone have any advice on what I can do next, GP says if I see someone privately I will get the same answers I am getting from them. Pretty much nothing they can do until I am actually obese !!

This is now having an impact on my work, my marriage, my social life. I am 34 years old but feel like life has gone down hill already. Any advice much appreciated.

[thyroidorwhat]

Your TSH is too high and yes your ferritin is too low. You should get Vitamin D, B12, folate and ferritin all tested along with both antibodies for thyroid function. Are you able to?

The wide ranges are bizarre to be honest. 30-300, do they expect someone with a level of 30 to feel the same as someone with a level of 300?!

[Adele-84 in reply to thyroidorwhat]

Thank you. I was told I was getting full blood count to include everything , but seems to be loads missing. Perhaps I can get what I need on medichecks instead. I'm so fed up with the NHS 😣

[thyroidorwhat in reply to Adele-84]

I think "full blood count" mostly means red/white blood cells, iron, liver, kidney function, diabetes etc. Anything more such as Vitamin D, B12, folate, FT3 (sometimes they won't even test FT4), cortisol etc are not usually part of that.

[helvella Administrator in reply to thyroidorwhat]

A full blood count is described on LabTestsOnline:

labtestsonline.org.uk/tests...

The precise range of tests can vary a little.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, TT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies.

Plus very important 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

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)

Come back with full results and ranges once you have them

Email Thyroid UK for list of recommended thyroid specialists.

[Adele-84 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you. Been using medichecks for the TSH, FT4 & FT3 so will look at their other options also

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Adele-84]

Make sure to include vitamin D and both TPO and TG antibodies

[Adele-84 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you 😊