Help with choosing best blood test for Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

[Glynsig]

Two of my sisters have Hashimoto's and they are convinced that I have it too although as yet I am undiagnosed. I have Type 2 Diabetes and I have asked for my thyroid to be checked when I have my regular blood tests but usually they won't do it. The one time they did (well it was actually my Diabetic Nurse who did it because I was so depressed and told her I was losing my hair and a number of other issues) the GP said my levels were within acceptable limits. My sisters have huge difficulties in getting any reasonable treatment for their Hashimotos. I am currently having tests for lactose and gluten intolerance and a nutritionist that I saw privately a few years said I had a leaky gut as well as no good gut bacteria in my stomach!! No wonder I have digestion issues amongst other things!!

Sorry to be so long winded but I am now considering having a private blood test done and looked at Medichecks but there are so many different ones for Thyroid tests.......my question is which one do I go for? I am thinking of the UltraVit rT3 which seems the most comprehensive but do I need that much information??

[crimple]

I use medichecks all the time and would recommend their 10 test which is for TSH, T4, T3, both types of antibodies, Vit B12, iron, ferritin and folate + crp. The 11 test also includes Vit D. Order right now as they have offers today. Ask for finger prick test. At the end use the promotional code INSIDEOUT4 to get 20% off. I have Hashis and am gluten and lactose free. It does help. Coeliac test is not accurate you can be very gluten intolerant and show negative on NHS test.

[Glynsig in reply to crimple]

Thank you for your reply. I can't find a 10 or 11 test on the Medicheck site. Do you mean the UltraVit Test (10 tests) or UltraVit rT3 (tests)?

[Judithdalston in reply to Glynsig]

I think they have changed it recently at Medichecks as I couldn't find the 11 blood test thyroid / Vit one they used to do...

[crimple in reply to Glynsig]

Look under their thyroid tests

[Judithdalston]

I use Medichecks. I am diabetic too so used to finger prick testing my blood sugar levels daily, but I could not get enough blood out of 9 fingers to fill two phials, just stuck at top with clots.... so if you get lots of blood out with regular finger prick ok, but I gave up after 45 mins and got proper blood draw next morning. Wouldn't bother with Reverse T3 etc as add lots of expense and just show some thyroid hormone was not needed/ being washed away; FT3, FT4, TSH , total T4 and Vit D, B12, folate and ferritin if possible.

[Glynsig in reply to Judithdalston]

Thanks you Judith. I was wondering how a pin prick could give enough blood. I think I may have to get bloods done in a medical centre. I live in Somerset and the centres are some miles away and I need top make an appointment so may need to organise things before I can get the Medicheck test done.

[Judithdalston in reply to Glynsig]

Yes need early morning appointment.

[Glynsig]

Your name really sums up my attitude about Doctors. Thank you for your reply.

I have had my TSH tested and have been told it is within 'acceptable limits'!! They don't seem to accept that given my family background I could have Hashimoto's. I am also having tests to see if I am lactose/gluten intolerant and the Gastroenterologist said that Diabetes and these food intolerances 'go together'. I almost said 'yep, all autoimmune diseases just like Hashimoto's', but refrained.

It took 10 + years for my sisters to get a diagnosis....one has Hashimoto's, Type 2 Diabetes (with neuropathy) and Fybromyalgia and the other has Hashimoto's and Fybromyalgia amongst other things

For whatever reason their GP's cannot seem to get the dosages right (or indeed even be prescribing the best medication!!) and so they both suffer with depression and generally feeling horrible. The one with 3 autoimmune diseases stays in bed all day and both suffer with deep depression hair loss, weight gain (and not being able to lose weight) etc etc etc.