Some progress but a question about home testing

[beccacbn]

So I saw my consultant yesterday. Having had a total thyroid lobectomy 8 weeks ago. Had bloods done about 4 weeks ago with a raised tsh 5.46 (range 0.27 to 4.2) - no action taken to see if right half of thyroid would recover. Had bloods done again and I am now closer to range at TSH 4.4. (t4 16.9 - in range) Consultant has prescribed 50mg of Levothyroxine as a trial for 6 weeks as I have been feeling so tired, dizzy and out of sorts. Consultant said that my normal thyroid level may run at the bottom of the range and so to give the Levo a go and see if it makes any difference.

He has asked me to have bloods done in 6 weeks and has given me a form to have TSH T4 and antibodies test. I am seeing a private consultant as NHS time was 6 months! and so the blood test is really expensive and they charge individually for each test.

My question is .... is it worth doing a private test (Blue Horizon) to get an idea of T3 and vitamins levels (so that I can self medicate vitamins if needed) and when I should do this. Should I wait 6 weeks for the levo to start to kick in.

Many thanks.

[shaws Administrator]

It will take about six weeks to absorb levothyroxine. All blood tests have to be at the very earliest possible, fasting (you can drink water) and allow a gap of 24 hours between last dose of levo and test and take afterwards.

This helps keep the TSH at its highest and hopefully doctor/endo will know that we feel best when TSH is 1 or lower. I wouldn't yet get a private test as you have to allow time to see how you respond to levothyroxine. Many do well on it and they wont be on the forum looking for answers.

You may find that levo does improve your clinical symptoms but after a few months you will be aware of how 'you feel' on your dose. It should also be increased by 25mcg every six weeks until TSH if 1 or lower (not somewhere in range as many doctors seem to believe) - I'm not referring to Endocrinologists and hopefully they know the aim is a TSH of 1 or lower with FT4 and FT3 in the upper part of the ranges.

Your NHS GP should test vitamins/minerals i.e. B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate.

I hope you feel better soon.

[beccacbn in reply to shaws]

Thank you for taking the time to reply.

I didn't even think about going to the Dr for vitamin tests - so thanks for the tip. I have a really nice Dr so I'm sure he will be fine to do this.

I will see how I get on.

Many thanks

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Essential to also get vitamin D, folate, B12 and ferritin tested. Push GP to test these now

Highly likely to need to supplement to maintain at adequate levels, but important to test first

Getting full private testing of thyroid (and vitamins if GP unhelpful) after 6-8 weeks on constant dose of Levothyroxine

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)

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, 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

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 special offers, Medichecks usually have offers on Thursdays, Blue Horizon its more random

[beccacbn in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you for the information. It's all really useful 😁

[Hidden]

You could do a private Medichecks or Blue Horizon test after six weeks and post the results on this site with the ranges for answers. It might take time for your thyroid to adjust. I usually take the Blue Horizon (thyroid plus 11 ) once a year now this one tells you everything you need to know. Take the test fasting and first thing. Leave of Levo for 24 hours prior to the test.

[beccacbn in reply to Hidden]

Great. Thank you.