Questions to ask

[Shelly29]

What questions should I be asking my consultant when I see him in 2 weeks . I have had a thyroidectomy and am taking 150 mg of thyroxine , but I feel terrible . Very tired , brain fog and I ache in my legs

[SlowDragon Administrator]

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3. Also extremely important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Low vitamin levels are extremely common. Always get actual results and ranges

Aching legs is often low vitamin D

Many people after total thyroidectomy need the addition of small dose of T3

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)

If/when also on T3, make sure to take last dose 8-12 hours prior to test

Is this how you do your tests?

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or all vitamins

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

[Shelly29 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks for the advise , I forgot to add I’ve also had RIA treatment . I don’t know if this alters anything . At least I’m armed with questions now

[shaws Administrator]

Both your Free T3 and Free T4's may be too low.

[Shelly29 in reply to shaws]

I’m hoping they will test these . But I’m picking up on here that nhs maybe doesn’t always tes t3

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Shelly29]

Absolutely insist on FT3 testing alongside FT4 and TSH

[Shelly29 in reply to SlowDragon]

Ok l will 👍🏻