FIRST ENDO APPOINTMENT

[HUMBERVIEW47]

Should I have a blood test before I go to see the doctor, for my 1st appointment? What questions should I have for me to ask them, too, please? Thanks.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

In my view, yes always. Otherwise consultation is waste of time

Also important to do tests early in morning

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

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. When 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)

If antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).

About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's. Low vitamins are especially common with Hashimoto's. Food intolerances are very common too, especially gluten. So it's important to get TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once .

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/t...

Link about antibodies and Hashimoto's

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

List of hypothyroid symptoms

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

[HUMBERVIEW47 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you for that info, lots to consider and act upon.

[Hidden]

Has this specialist been recommended to you. There is a list of better doctors obtainable via the thyroid uk website. If you are seeing an endo and know little or nothing about them brace yourself and take a freind. Yes get the relevant bloods done.I would be inclinedto just answer his questions on the first appointment and if you can bear it call him sir ( I am experimenting with this advice). It used to work well when I was a nurse.

[HUMBERVIEW47 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for that. I'll bear it in mine for my appointment and let you know how I get on.

[Hidden]

Let us know how you get on.

[Chippysue]

If this Endo is interested in anything else apart from your TSH I will be surprised. As for calling him Sir (if it’s a man) I did laugh!

I have seen 4 endocrinologists, and have found holistic practitioners far more helpful and knowledgeable about adrenal and thyroid problems.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Yes don't expect an endocrinologist to be remotely interested in high antibodies if you have Hashimoto's or low vitamin levels or possible gut and gluten connections

[HUMBERVIEW47]

Thank you for that info and I'll now try to arrange an appointment with my GP for a blood test, if not, then I've a neighbour who can do it, as fully qualified to do so.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to HUMBERVIEW47]

GP may not be able to test FT3 or both antibodies. If TSH is within range NHS usually won't test these