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[Summerage11]

I have just received my results back and everything is just the same so I was told, I never seems to get much information regarding my blood tests just told things have not changed. To be fair I would not know what is good or bad as no-one has explained it properly to me.

I am always tired and did spend most of yesterday in bed as I do not really sleep that well. Can anyone give me any tips or advice. This is the first time that I have used the site and have been under active thyroid for at least four years. I also suffer from weight gain, severe headaches, suddenly feeling ill and sore joints.,

[Marz]

Hi and Welcome ! If you have been reading other posts here - you will have noticed how members ask for test results with ranges so appropriate advice/suggestions can be given. You are legally entitled to have copies of all your test results with ranges so you are able to post here with more information - monitor your own health - and see what has been missed

What dose of T4 are you taking and how do you take it ? Are you on any other medications ? Do you take supplements ? You will need to have results for B12 - Folate - Ferritin - VitD - when all those are optimal your thyroid hormones will work better and hopefully help you to feel better.

thyroiduk.org

The above link takes you to the main website of this Forum where you can read and learn everything about the Thyroid. If you have more questions then return and ask ...

[SlowDragon Administrator]

You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.

UK GP practices are supposed to offer online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.

In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet

Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up. They can no longer charge for printing out, rules changed after May 25th 2018

How much Levothyroxine are you taking ?

You need most recent results and ranges for TSH, FT3 and FT4, plus have you also had thyroid antibodies, vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 tested.

Add results and ranges if you have them or come back with new post once you get copies

Always take Levo on empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after.

Many take Levo early morning, on waking, but it may be more convenient and possibly more effective taken at bedtime.

verywell.com/should-i-take-...

Other medication at least 2 hours away, some like HRT, iron, calcium, vitamin D or magnesium at least four hours away from Levothyroxine

Many people find Levothyroxine brands are not interchangeable.

Once you find a brand that suits you, best to make sure to only get that one at each prescription. Watch out for brand change when dose is increased or at repeat prescription.

Many patients do NOT get on well with Teva brand of Levothyroxine. Though it is the only one for lactose intolerant patients

All thyroid tests should be done as early as possible in morning and fasting and don't take Levo in the 24 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)

Is this how you do your tests?

[elwins]

I am one of the lucky ones I can pick up printed copies of results shortly after ringing up and asking for them provided they have been checked by the doctor. Last time asked at reception and handed to me a few minutes later as I waited to see the doctor. Time before rang up and picked them up about 30 minutes later. Best of luck but you really do need copies so you can learn what is happening.

[Summerage11]

Thanks for the advice and will use this useful tip.