GP visit

[Fleur2016]

Hi, I am going to see my GP hopefully on Monday and I was wondering if anyone can help with what I need to ask. I was told I was at risk of developing hypothyroidism almost three years ago and they said my TSH was raised but my T4 was ok. I am still having symptoms I had then but they are worse, all are common symptoms. I had a hysterectomy in July and some symptoms are better but many not and it's really getting me down. I am learning a lot from this site and have a few pointers from my previous post but what should I be asking?. I am so worried I will be fobbed off (my GP is lovely) if my levels are the same (they never gave me figures). My mum had hypothyroidism as well. Thanks.

[shaws Administrator]

Could you have undiagnosed hypothyroidism before you had your hysterectomy?Go into the surgery positive. Just say that there's a possibility that you are now hypothyroid as, in the past, it was suggested you had the possibility.

You'd like a brand new blood test to check TSH, T4, T3, Free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies. Even if doctor asks they seem to have been so poorly informed and believe that a TSH and T4 is sufficient when it is nowhere near 'efficient' in diagnosing a patient.

If GP or the lab wont do all of the above, those not tested you can get privately. We have thre private labs who do home pin-prick tests and make sure you are well hydrated a couple of days before blood draw.

Most important is that the blood test has to be at the very earliest, fasting (you can drink water) and if you were taking thyroid hormones you'd allow a gap of 24 hours between dose and test and take afterwards.

At the same time, ask for B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate.

Get a print-out of your results with the ranges and put on a new post for comments.

[Fleur2016 in reply to shaws]

Thank you for your very thorough reply. I will make notes before I go in.

[Fleur2016]

Thank you, I have looked at the symptoms and tick many boxes. Will mention my mum.

[deborah111]

I inherited under active thyroid from my dads side of the family nan and all my aunts had it, mine started in my 30's. When i had a hysterectomy about 3 years ago it mucked up my thyroid my levels have not settled down yet, so get another test done and ask for a paper copy of the results then you can post here and people will help. doctor wont give you meds if its only just under. I had to push to get meds as they kept saying its only just under but when they checked previous blood they could see just how much it was under.

[Fleur2016 in reply to deborah111]

I went today and i am having a new test. Pre op in July my TSH was 3.8 so we will see what the test shows. I forgot to tell her about my mum so will discuss it with her when we get the results. Thanks for replying.