My sister has recently been diagnosed with Graves and although strong family history of autoimmune thyroid disease they are putting it down to Epstein bar. She tested +ve
Tested positive for what? I’ve just been tested for glandular fever but negative although had it 12 years ago I don’t understand if it still shows as present or not when it goes thru these stages ... so confused
The Epstein bar virus. Prior glandular fever testing when she was younger were negative I think. Repeated throat infections as an adult, then got really unwell and virus tested +ve with diagnosis of graves.
This makes doing searches more productive and, should you ever need to write it down in a letter to a doctor, getting it wrong gives an excuse to dismiss everything you say.
Hi SlowDragon I came across your reply to this post while looking for info on EBV. All the links talk about Hashimotos and ebv but I don't have Hashimotos just underactive thyroid. However I keep getting a virus that's more felt on the inside as opposed to am outwardly runny nose etc. I'm about to see my 3rd Endo because the current one is trying to say because I have the ebv I probably have cfs which I totally don't think I have. Sorry for hijacking this post xx
Strongly suggest you get FULL Thyroid and vitamin testing as a Christmas present to yourself
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested. Also extremely important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially if Thyroid antibodies are raised
All thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. Do not take Levothyroxine dose in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take immediately after blood draw. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)
When also on T3, make sure to take last dose exactly 12 hours prior to test
Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies or vitamins
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 special offers, Medichecks usually have offers on Thursdays, Blue Horizon its more random
I have had the tests and I will put a post up in a bit with my latest blood tests. I had antibody tests and they are normal. I was lacking in vitamin d and have been taking high dose for months now. I was also told I had low folate and given 5mg a day for 6 months which I have finished now.
My daughter was finally referred to a different Endo at a different hospital and he has given her a range of blood tests but told her to wait until she her next period and have them together and to fast as he is also checking her for poly cystic ovary syndrome too.
He examined her and said he thinks she has a small nodule on the middle part of her thyroid. He is also scanning her thyroid and pelvis this Friday too. He was great, listened and didn't fob her off which is great.
She also had her gp give her some vitamin b12 injections because although she said her count was fine, she had learnt that it could be false. My daughter felt somewhat better after the injections, more energy etc and generally felt she had some get up and go.
So I am glad that hopefully and finally my daughter is finally going to get to the bottom of her illness.
Myself I am getting worse and have to spend days in bed if I try to push myself just a little.
Although I have spinal problems involving my lower back and neck and take MST.
I now find my whole body is hurting and aching and my hands etc are stiff and feel swollen.
I have had to stay in bed today and as soon as I can I will put my recent results up.
Thankyou for responding and taking the time to reply.
I am on the brink of tears because I really can't live like this anymore xx
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