I was accidentally diagnosed with Hypothyroidism at the age of 28 (weight gain, scaley skin etc etc started 3 years earlier) .
I was put on levothyroxine by gp and told 'I would feel better soon'. This has never quite happened.
So cut to 2019...my weight is the highest its ever been, I am tired most of the time. And the 200mcgs of Levo prescribed by my gp aren't quite enough to put me in the normal t4 / tsh range. Previous t3 levels have been in acceptable range, as are b12, ferretin and vit d
After 21 years I've been referred to an endocrinologist. So short of saying I'm fat, tired and foggy much of the time - how can I get the best from this appt?
Anyone here had experiences with Kent based endocrinologist?
Written by
HDub
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First thing is, do you have any actual blood test results? if not will need to get hold of copies.
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.
Add results and ranges here if you have them already. Or come back with new post once you get results and ranges
Very important to see EXACTLY what has been tested, and equally important what hasn't been tested yet
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
Vitamins need to be OPTIMAL, not just within range
Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. Last Levothyroxine dose should be 24 hours prior to test, (taking delayed dose 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)
Is this how you do your tests?
Ask GP to test vitamins and antibodies if not been done
Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies or all 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
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 .
Is this endocrinologist on the Thyroid UK list of recommended thyroid specialists?
Email Dionne at Thyroid Uk for list if not got it already
tukadmin@thyroiduk.org
Most endocrinologists are Diabetes specialists, and don't necessarily know much about thyroid.
New NHS England Liothyronine guidelines November 2018 clearly state on pages 8 & 12 that TSH should be between 0.4-1.5 when treated with just Levothyroxine
Note that it says test should be in morning BEFORE taking Levothyroxine
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